The two week long Summer Launch Program focused on setting up rising kindergarten through fifth grade students for a successful school year with curriculum taught by Alamance-Burlington School System teachers.
Students are ready to blast off into a new school year thanks to Summer Launch, a reinvigorated program from the “It Takes a Village” Project. The program welcomed more than 80 students from six Title I Alamance-Burlington schools to Newlin Elementary for a two-week learning experience designed to give students a head start on the school year.
Formerly known as Summer in the Village, Summer Launch prepares students for their incoming grade-level curriculum while creating opportunities to build relationships and confidence before returning to the classroom.
Two Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) teachers led each classroom, all of whom had previously worked with the “It Takes a Village” Project, and volunteers supported them. This additional support allowed students to work in smaller groups and receive individualized attention throughout the program.
For one volunteer, Summer Launch offered the chance to return to a program that had been part of his own childhood. Diego Aguilar Hernandez grew up attending Big Village tutoring sessions. Now a rising senior in high school, he has returned to his roots, working alongside his former fourth-grade teacher, Ashley Cook, this summer.
“Summer Launch gave me the opportunity to build relationships with the students while helping them grow academically,” said Hernandez. “It was really rewarding seeing their progress and confidence grow throughout the two weeks, and I’m grateful I got to be part of their experience.”
Cook has long supported the “It Takes a Village” Project in the mission to uplift students, and is a testament to how ABSS teachers are key to the program’s success. Her commitment to the classroom proves why students such as Hernandez have become eager to give back.
“Being a part of the Village Project is an experience I hold near and dear to my heart. I’ve loved being the Andrews Elementary liaison, but teaching this diverse group of ABSS students was such a special treat,” said Cook. “The genuine love and appreciation shown by the students and their families was palpable — as teachers, we know when that is real! It’s a beautiful testament to the incredible, often unseen hard work that Laura and Keely put into fundraising and building partnerships so that our Title I students can have these amazing opportunities.”
Another source of dedication within the “It Takes a Village” Project is Annabelle Jones, who co-leads instruction for the Village’s STEM program, IGNITE, formerly known as Engineering in the Village.
“After having the opportunity to help lead with Engineering in the Village, when I saw the opportunity to be a part of the Elon Village Summer Launch, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” said Jones. “Being connected with opportunities from Elon is so special to me. I received my K-12 AIG Certification through Elon and continued on with the Master’s Program. As a 2019 graduate from Elon University, with a Master’s in Education – Gifted Education, helping out with the Village feels like coming home. The joy it brings to support the whole child is incredible. Fostering the love of learning, building relationships and community is something that the Village provides a space and place for.”
Although Summer Launch differed from Jones’ usual STEM-focused curriculum, she embraced the opportunity to create a memorable experience for her students. Her classroom became “Camp Care-A-Lot,” complete with outdoor-themed activities, a campfire centerpiece and a campfire song for students each day.
“At the end of the summer camp, students shared how they weren’t ready for it to end and how they would miss me. The feeling is mutual for sure! Another student shared how when she grows up and has kids of her own, she wants to send them to the Village Summer Camp because she wants them to have the same experience. That really helps to explain how special and the uniqueness of the program,” Jones said. “Being a part of the Village is such a positive experience. I am full of passion for the program and I am honored to give back to the community in such a meaningful way. Thank you Elon!”
While teachers brought their creativity and expertise into the classroom, Newlin Elementary staff helped make Summer Launch possible by supporting the day-to-day operations of the program. During the school year, Natasha King serves as Newlin Elementary School’s teacher liaison, a leadership role that helps ensure the “It Takes a Village” Project’s programming runs smoothly. During Summer Launch, King remained at the forefront of check-in, welcoming students with a smiling face at the beginning and end of each day.
“Working in the Village program throughout the years and most recently this summer has provided me with the opportunity to experience how the program keeps evolving from its humble beginnings, as it continues to meet the needs of the dynamic community that we serve,” said King.
Alongside King, Principal Intern at Newlin Elementary Brittany Daye served as a site coordinator for Summer Launch. From preparing supplies in advance to coordinating logistics, Daye played an integral role in bringing the program together and helping create a welcoming environment for students and families.
“I genuinely enjoyed every moment of this journey. “’It Takes a Village’ is truly a magical program that not only enriches students academically but also builds relationships, inspires educators, and creates lasting memories,” said Daye. “It is an incredible asset to the Alamance County community, and I am honored to have been part of something that reminds us all that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, amazing things happen.”
Throughout its two-week duration, the program focused on helping students transition back to school in a fun and interactive way. The “It Takes a Village” Project supported teachers in bringing their big ideas to life by providing supplies for hands-on activities, such as designing pinecone bird feeders or creating a rainbow from cereal. During the second week, students participated in a summer-themed spirit week, coming to camp dressed in sunglasses, beach hats and other tropical attire.
For educators like King, Summer Launch is a glimpse into an exciting year of continued “It Takes a Village” Project programs for students.
“I love that even though ‘the Village,’ continues to grow and has added new programming, the premise of the program which is, ‘It Takes a Village,’ remains at the forefront of each and every program that is offered,” said King. “The Village continues to be intentional about including our families, educators, tutors, volunteers and students. We know that when children feel safe, supported and are nurtured by those around them, it makes it easier for them to learn new things, as they become more confident in themselves. I am so proud to be a part of such an awesome community!”
This fall, the “It Takes a Village” Project will continue working alongside ABSS staff, volunteers, families and students to build on that momentum and ensure every child has a successful and exciting school year.
