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Ms. Perkins the plan for Quincy Public Schools Summer programs on behalf of the Curriculum Team, many people contributed to the development of this plan.
The objective of the summer program is to provide high-quality summer learning experiences that intentionally monitor, promote, and reinforce the health and well-being of students and staff. Summer 2021 programming will be focused on in-person instruction as much as possible and aligned to the pre-requisite content standards identified for success in the next grade level, provide supports for social-emotional learning, provides advanced learning opportunities as well as support the transition back to school in September.
For elementary school students, there are a menu of programs are one to two weeks and focus on reading (in partnership with the Thomas Crane Public Library), civics, STEM programs, mathematics, and project-based learning. In addition, Bridge to Reading and Math, a four-week invitation-only programming for learning and practicing essential literacy and math skills for Grades 1-5 will be offered. For middle school students, one- to two-week programs will be offered for boosting academic learning, challenging advanced students, STEM academy programs, hands-on mathematics, and a summer study skills workshop for students with executive functioning challenges. At the high school level, there will once again be the Bridge to High School Summer Institute, Elevate Math & Science, High School Summer Pathways (for credit recovery), and SAT Prep.
Thanks to a grant from the MassHire South Shore Workforce Board, the Summer YouthWorks program will provide 85 Grades 9-12 students with paid employment opportunities with public, private, and non-profit organizations in Quincy. Ladders to Success is also funded by the MassHire South Shore Workforce Board for Grade 8 students transitioning to high school and students are paid for their participation in this program.
For students with disabilities, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is mandating that programming is offered in person and remotely. The five week Learning Center program will be offered at the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center for Pre-Kindergarten and at North Quincy High School for Grades K-12. English Learner Education students are invited to participate in Camp Can Do (elementary school), SWELL Academy (middle school), and AccELerate (high school).
Mrs. Perdios thanked Ms. Perkins, an amazing array of opportunities for students. Ms. Perdios asked and received confirmation that students can participate in multiple programs and if they will be multi-grade. Mrs. Perdios asked about the length of the day, Ms. Perkins said most will be half day in the morning. Mrs. Perdios asked about the YouthWorks program, can School Committee get a list of the companies involved.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the locations, Ms. Perkins said some will be site specific and others are citywide. Transportation is offered for the invitation-only programs. Mrs. Lebo asked for and received confirmation that there is income eligibility for the Ladders to Success and YouthWorks programs. Mrs. Lebo said some districts are paying high school students to attend summer programming rather than securing outside employment. Mrs. Lebo asked if the schedules will be finalized soon so that parents can plan with summer camps and other opportunities.
Mrs. Hubley said parents are anxious to see this, was curious about the length of the camps. Ms. Perkins said shorter programs allow families to pick and choose based on their children’s interests and their family vacation plans.
Mr. Santoro thanked Mayor Koch for the funding that makes this programming possible. Mr. Santoro asked how we can reach the student who may need to skills boost who are reluctant to attend, Ms. Perkins said students are invited and family meetings scheduled to encourage participation.
Mr. Gutro asked how this compares to last year’s programming. Ms. Perdios said that last year, there was a large-scale remote program that ran for four weeks, close to 2000 elementary and middle school students participated. The intention was to close the gap from the time spent away from the classroom during the initial stages of the pandemic. The Middle School Boost and Bridge to High School were successful last summer, so will be continued this year. In a normal summer, fewer than 200 elementary and middle school students participate in invitation-only summer programming.
Mr. Gutro asked how the need was determined, Ms. Perkins said that the staff and parent feedback throughout this school year have indicated a desire for this.
Mr. Gutro is curious to see if the interest level is the same as last summer when there was less competition.
Mr. Bregoli thanked Superintendent Mulvey, Ms. Perkins, Ms. Roy, this is a monumental task to put this programming together. Ms. Perkins said the majority of the programs will begin July 5, but there may be some offered the week after school year ends.
Mr. Bregoli asked about staff recruiting, Ms. Perkins said the staff postings will go out next week for the staff to indicate their interest. Mr. Bregoli asked if there is a cut off for enrollment, Ms. Perkins said we want any student interested to be able to participate, so we would add another section or session of popular programs. Ms. Perkins said all programming is free and a brochure will be shared with families following April vacation.
Mr. Bregoli asked about in-person vs. remote opportunities, Ms. Perkins said the focus will be on as much in person as possible. Some programs may be hybrid for families who are not yet comfortable with their students attending in person.
Mr. Bregoli asked about evaluating students for their baseline skills, Ms. Perkins said the invitation-only programs have beginning and ending assessments. Teachers will be working to develop curriculum and baseline assessments.
Mr. Bregoli is concerned that there might be more need for programming to support the social-emotional wellness. Ms. Perkins said building students comfort and confidence in being in the school buildings will be key. Ms. Perkins said programs like BOKS encourage socializing, movement, and fun. Ms. Perkins said that the shorter program commitments will allow for smaller sections, encourage families to begin the transition back to in-person school. Mr. Bregoli suggested coordination with other departments such as Recreation to coordinate the programming so students can participate in the City offerings as well.
Mrs. Lebo asked if the Bridge to High School program is site-specific and Ms. Perkins confirmed. Mrs. Lebo asked if there might be opportunities for CVTE majors who were not able to complete their practicum hours; Ms. Perkins will follow up with Mr. Segalla.
Mrs. Lebo asked about a high school social opportunity, depending on the COVID-19 restrictions and get students involved in planning.
Mayor Koch is concerned about pandemic fatigue affecting the staff, asked if there are concerns about recruiting teachers for the programs. Ms. Perkins said the shorter program length will hopefully help with that and there are the staff who will always participate.
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