Tuesday, February 9, 2021 - 12:17 pm
Superintendent Dana Monogue and Assistant Director of Student Services Cindy Malcheski shared information about efforts to develop a more comprehensive District-wide summer school program.
Board president Annette Ashley presided over the meeting, which was held at Kromrey Community Room 510, while some members participated virtually.
Monogue noted the District has previously offered summer school on a small scale at some schools, along with and credit recovery courses that were available for high school students, adding the District has always been limited by financial constraints.
The District learned a few weeks ago it will receive $2.9 million through the Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund. The funds will be used to prioritize a summer school program over next three years, along with purchases of personal protective equipment and technology, she said.
Monogue noted the plan is to start small in Year 1 and grow over time and that there are three goals:
- Create summer learning options for students that are directly linked to District and school goals.
- Support students academically and socially and emotionally throughout entire calendar year.
- Get feedback from staff, students and families to inform future growth and development of the summer school program.
The efforts will be led by a team of PK-12th grade professionals and facilitated by Director of Equity and Student Achievement Percy Brown Jr. The team will spend the next few weeks developing the program for 2021, with the focus this year literacy and numeracy for K-8 students. Malcheski shared details about special education summer services currently offered. She noted the District provides extended school year services to address anticipated regress or slow recoupment. The number of students who have participated annually since 2015 has ranged from 16 to 34. She said the District may need to provide additional services this year due to the pandemic as schools were closed, some parents declined in-person services, or some student didn't participate in virtual services. She also noted students who have made progress toward their individual educational plan (IEP) goals may not be eligible for additional or compensatory services.
Monogue also noted summer school programming for students is voluntary.