New Programs Aimed at Preventing Summer Learning Loss
Newark, NJ, May 5, 2014 – Newark Public Schools has announced its 2014 summer programs, which include exciting new initiatives such as Summer Plus, a district-wide summer learning initiative offering a new approach to traditional summer school. To ensure places in the July 7-August 15 programs, parents should register their children by May 23. This includes ESL and bilingual students who will attend the English Plus Program. Parents of special needs students will be asked to register via the Special Education office.
Summer Plus is a free program open to elementary school students (kindergarten – seventh grade), which will operate project-based enrichment activities at 11 NPS sites from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The program has been developed by NPS’ curriculum experts to improve critical math and literacy skills and stem seasonal learning loss, thereby ensuring that participants are well prepared to start school in September.
“According to the Community Assessment of Newark by the National Summer Learning Association students without access to constructive summer learning activities, can experience more significant learning loss,” said Sarah Cruz of the Office of Expanded Learning Time at NPS. “Over time, these children continue to lose ground and by the fifth grade, many students without high quality summer learning experiences are two to three school years behind their middle and high-income peers. Summer Plus will provide participating students with high quality enrichment activities, educational programs and field trips to enhance their academic growth while they have some fun.”
The program will combine rigorous content that boosts students’ academic progress with innovative formats and engaging themes that booster attendance and participation. Summer Plus programs include the opportunity for students to study scientific concepts in nature on field trips, participate in Robotics Competitions and perform in dramatic renderings based on texts read in morning academics.
This summer, four community-based non-profits — the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity: http://www.newarkymca.org/), Kids Corp: http://kidscorp.com/), FOCUS: http://www.focus411.org/) and ASPIRA: http://www.aspira.org/) — are partnering with Newark Public Schools to implement Summer Plus.
In addition, Summer Day Camps will be available at a cost of $250 for two weeks for elementary students who do not attend Summer Plus, as well as an Extended Day Option (3 PM-6 PM) at a cost of $300 for six weeks. (Programs for Parents subsidies are available for those eligible.) Summer Sports Camps will be available for grades K-12 at no cost and registration will be on site. High school students should consult their guidance counselors about Credit Recovery, Accelerated and HS English Plus programs being offered.
Visit Newark Public Schools http://www.nps.k12.nj.us) to access the full 2014 Summer Program Guide and Application, as well as busing, site location and Summer Food Services information.