Assistant principal Dr. Kary Roberts describes “Summer @ the Den” at Liberty Middle School as a nurturing environment for students to pursue academics and personal enrichment. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – New for 2015, Liberty Middle School is introducing “Summer @ the Den,” courses in academics and personal enrichment for students entering grades 5-9 in August.

“Summer @ the Den is a day program that provides a safe and nurturing environment where students can engage in a broad range of classes, sports and activities within the vibrant, diverse community of Madison City Schools,” Liberty Assistant Principal Dr. Kary Roberts said.

“We already have over 50 students enrolled and are super excited about the summer program,” Roberts said. “Summer @ the Den will engage your child’s mind while mixing in plenty of fun. Students build skills, explore interests and refine passions.”

Weekly sessions will meet during June. Each day will have four blocks lasting 80 minutes each. Students can buy snacks during a morning and an afternoon break. Students must bring their lunch.

Among mathematics courses, “The Cupcake Shop Project” and “The Coffee Shop Project” will reinforce fraction, decimal and geometry skills in real-world scenarios for small business.

English language arts sessions will include a ‘foundations’ class to sharpen skills for high school, public speaking, “Storytellers” for creative writing and ‘jump start’ sessions for seventh- and eighth-graders taking honors reading.

Students who like to sew can choose among three quilting courses. Social science options range from current events to Greek/Roman mythology.

In health sessions, students can enroll in football or dance fundamentals and strength and conditioning. For science, courses are open for genetics and forensics.

Technology-related sessions will cover geocaching, graphic design and keyboarding. Aspiring actors can enroll in “All the World’s a Stage.” Youth can learn about numerous hobbies, like photography and chess.

Registration for Madison students opened April 20, online and face-to-face. Youth in surrounding districts started registering on May 1. Registration ends June 1.

Cost varies by course and time duration; most are in the $75 range. Payment is due at registration. The school system will not provide transportation.

For more information, call Roberts at 256-430-0001, ext. 83400 or email to krroberts@madisoncity.k12.al.us.