Snow cones and pizza are a great way to celebrate the end of summer school, and that's exactly how Arnett students wrapped up another successful summer learning experience.

Left F-B: Kellin Phillips, Addelyn Helfenbein, Milly Jones, Berkley Smith, Grace Helfenbein. Right F-B: Emma Scott, Hattie Smith, Johnathan Oden

Left F-B: Sterling Royal, Sloane Whitson, Genny Garcia, Paizlee Collins, Elliott Clark, Hayden Wadsworth. Right F-B: Ria Beck, Tinsley Johnston, Seth Cutsinger, Fabian Scott, Holden Wadsworth

Left F-B: Kiley Wear, Glendon Wear, Bentley Burnett, Wesley Wheeler, Ellie Royal. Right F-B: Rhett Beck, Lincoln Burnett, Kade Gaisford.
Students in grades 4-6 spent part of their summer school session exploring the country of Panama while reading Danilo Was Here. Through the novel, students learned about Panamanian history and gained a deeper understanding of Operation Just Cause and its impact on the people of Panama. By connecting literature with history, students were able to see how historical events can shape the lives of individuals and communities.
As a culminating activity, students put their creativity to work by painting the final setting from the book and creating colorful replicas of the Panamanian flag. Combining history, reading, and art provided students with a hands-on opportunity to better understand another culture while reinforcing what they had learned throughout the unit.
The activities offered a fun and engaging way for students to spend part of their summer learning, proving that education can be both meaningful and enjoyable.

Back Row L-R: Kyler Johnson, Rhett Beck, Seth Cutsinger, Kyler Ham, Ellie Royal, Kade Gaisford, Tinsley Johnston, Kellin Phillips, Spencer Royal. Front Row: Kashyn Miller, Wesley Wheeler, Sloane Whitson, Bexley Campbell, Genny Garcia
Several Arnett students also spent part of their summer participating in the OnStage Woodward production of Leap Day. Cast members rehearsed Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., preparing for two performances on Friday. The play follows the Days of the Week as they try to convince Father Time to add another day to the week so they can finally have a day off. Instead, Father Time comes up with a different solution—Night Time. The production provided students with a wonderful opportunity to develop their acting skills, work as a team, and perform for a live audience.

L-R: Kashyn Miller (Era), Sterling Royal (Alarm Clock), Kade Gaisford (Father Time), and Spencer Royal (Monday)

Looking ahead, Arnett has another exciting opportunity on the horizon. Two members of the Class of 2025 will be returning home from their college softball programs this summer to host a softball skills camp for young athletes in the coming weeks. It will be a great chance for local players to learn from former Wildcats who are continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

As summer continues, the Oklahoma heat has certainly settled in. Whether you're staying busy with camps, vacations, or preparing for the upcoming school year, remember to stay safe, stay hydrated, and keep cool at the pool.

