Building Math Confidence

My Y Story: Ashlynn Millard

Ashlynn Millard, Power Scholars Academy, YMCA of Greater NashuaASHLYNN MILLARD: POWER SCHOLARS ACADEMY PARTICPANT

Fifth grade student Ashlynn Millard spent 5 weeks this summer reading, writing and learning mathematics. And this may have been the high point of her summer. Ashlynn was one of the students in the Y’s Power Scholars Academy, a summer program that expands learning time to improve the academic achievements, self-confidence and life trajectories of elementary school students in Nashua who were performing below grade level. The program ran from July 9 to August 10 at Amherst Street Elementary, Fairgrounds Elementary and Nashua High School South.

Ashlynn started fifth grade this year with a brighter outlook on mathematics, a subject she has struggled with “She’s coming home with correct math papers and feeling good about her work. I see a spark in her face and confidence,” said her mother, Amy Millard. “Since the summer program, she is feeling confidant with reading and math. The small class size and one-on-one time with teachers is great.

Ashlynn is very social and enjoyed being together with some children from her neighborhood at Power Scholars Academy. Mornings were spent doing academics and afternoons were dedicated to enrichment activities. “Ashlynn loved the beach fieldtrips. Her favorite was the trip to Hampton Beach,” Amy said. Previously Ashlynn participated in the Y’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program, but had aged-out of the program. Amy was thrilled that the Y offered Power Scholars Academy. Ashlynn’s twin brother, Ayden, is hoping to enroll in Power Scholars Academy for summer 2019!