School's officially out for Foothills School Division summer school students.

This year, 365 students were enrolled in the program, which kicked off with classes on July 4 and wrapped up July 28 at noon.

Foothills School Division Summer School Principal Sarah Clark says enrollment seems to increase slightly each year.

She points out that perceptions about summer school have been evolving over the years. While it still presents an opportunity for students to redo courses or improve marks, that's not the main reason many students are choosing summer school.

"More and more students are recognizing summer school as an opportunity to get ahead for the coming year," Clark explains. "And we also notice that sometimes they're choosing summer school to knock off a course during the regular school year so they can input maybe an extra option or accommodate their sports schedules or their extra-curricular schedules."

Clark says that the division has worked to create a sense of community among summer school participants, hosting special events like a Stampede breakfast and special days like Toast Tuesdays on a weekly basis. She says it all helps to promote summer school success for students.

"It really becomes a bit of a summer school family during the month," she says. "And all of the little activities that we plan and gatherings that we plan during the month also contribute positively to the attendance of our students. What we know about attendance and school is that students are typically more successful when they attend."

FSD summer school courses are offered in all high school core subjects. Classes were held at Okotoks Junior High School due to ongoing renovations at Foothills Composite High School.

"Again we've run a successful program with happy and healthy students who have spent the month really focusing on their course and worked hard," Clark points out. "They deserve the credit of being successful and being here on a daily basis in the month of July, especially when it was so very hot out this month. I'm really proud of each and every one of our students that joined us this summer."

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