Just like that, another summer of ASPIRE has come to an end! The ASPIRE (Academic Summer Program Including Recreation and Education) program provides students from selected Louis Riel School Division schools with a month of learning, recreation, and memorable experiences. Offered free of charge to families, the program includes transportation support, nutritious breakfasts and snacks, and a variety of engaging educational and recreational activities. This year, 392 children from 20 LRSD schools attended one of five ASPIRE sites, including three English and two French Immersion programs.
Throughout the month, students made new friends, explored new interests, and built lasting memories. Whether they were designing cardboard stores, testing their creativity with egg-drop challenges, creating artwork from items found in nature, learning new sports with guest facilitators, cooling off during water days, or exploring the aviation museum, children had countless opportunities to learn, have fun, and grow their confidence.
Feedback from both children and caregivers was overwhelmingly positive. Families praised the caring staff, reliable transportation, and quality breakfast and snack program. Many children looked forward to breakfast each morning, with one caregiver sharing that their child “loved breakfast” and another noting that ASPIRE encouraged their child to try new foods. One parent shared, “The teachers were young, energetic, and caring, and their positive energy helps create a fun environment where children can become more confident and outgoing.” Another wrote, “My children had a wonderful time and looked forward to attending each day.”
Thank you to the staff, students, and families who helped make this summer so special. We are grateful for the memories we created together and for your continued support in making ASPIRE the outstanding summer program it is year after year.
Watch our highlights video to see some of this summer's best moments and hear what children had to say about their ASPIRE experience.
Submitted by: Allison Drummond
