This summer, twelve dedicated students successfully completed the Summer Credit Recovery Program at Pickaway County ESC, with ten of those students representing Westfall Local Schools. The program was designed to support students in regaining academic momentum by recovering school credits in core subject areas—ensuring they stay on track to graduate on time.
Among the highlights, two students completed an impressive four credits each, and another student made significant academic progress by completing the requirements needed to begin Pickaway-Ross programming this fall. Thanks to this effort, that student enters the new school year fully caught up and ready to thrive at grade level.
All students enrolled in the program benefited from one-on-one and small group academic support with tutors. These sessions focused on areas where students had previously struggled, providing them with the extra guidance they needed to succeed.
To complement the intensive academic work, the program also featured weekly enrichment field trips. These experiences were designed to give students a healthy mental break while reinforcing valuable life skills and sparking new interests.
One memorable trip included a visit to Ebenhack Farms, where students learned about beekeeping through the local Beekeepers Association. They explored the process of how food grows, picked fresh strawberries, and took home vegetable plants to start their own gardens. This hands-on learning experience was both educational and inspiring.
Another highlight was a visit to the Roundtown Players community theater. Students engaged in improv games and skits, learning to think on their feet while sharing plenty of laughter. These activities not only boosted creativity but also promoted mental well-being through the joy of play and social connection.
A behind-the-scenes tour of the Tecumseh Outdoor Drama gave students a closer look at the production side of theater. From props and set design to marketing and community involvement, students discovered the collaborative effort that goes into staging a show. Thanks to generous donations, they were also invited to watch the performance and learn about future opportunities to get involved.
Back in the classroom, students participated in daily culinary classes where they practiced cooking, food prep, sanitation, and kitchen safety—important life skills for independent living. Special thanks to Foundations for Youth, who not only funded these classes but also provided a hot meal each day. Their support was a true gift to our program.
This summer was more than just credit recovery—it was about rebuilding confidence, building life skills, and creating meaningful connections. Every student walked away from the program with not only academic progress but personal growth, ready to take on the school year with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
We’re proud of each student's hard work and grateful to all who made this program possible.
-Submitted by Tom Kitchen, ESC Superintendent