From Ms. Wynene: "Much adored throughout history, carnivals have been an honored summer-time tradition, providing merriment and whimsy for those seeking adventure and a departure from everyday life. From zipping roller-coasters made to thrill, to performances where eager mouths gulp copious cups of tangy lemonade and munch salty-sweet kettle-corn, there is much to tantalize, thrill, and learn for those seeking a way to enliven their senses during the hot, sunshiny days of school break. And so it is true for the summer learners of Beyond Academics. As a teacher for over 15 years, my love for our summer programs cannot be denied. Each summer, our programs offer a myriad of ways to breathe new life into learning; it is a time where children are invited to reignite their imaginations as they traverse the many literary worlds we will explore together as a class. Most of all, I look forward to helping students access their critical thinking abilities as they analyze each story, learning that many perspectives and interpretations are welcome. Watching young people discover their voice and personal style as they successfully apply new writing techniques we teach them is incredibly rewarding. Perhaps, most of all, exploring our enchanting and just-the-right-amount challenging Portal gaming experience that mirrors each story we read in class is a peak moment for both students and me. The carnival-like world of Astoryland is more than just fun and games for summer students; it is a learning tool where unique experience successfully merges with academic technique. Because our program is thoughtfully developed with both children’s needs and desires in mind, our time together is equally rewarding and memorable."