Issue 24
Summer
School Dates Changed
Traditionally, summer school has started a few days after the end of the
regular school year. However, school districts are beginning to rethink
this model. Students who finish summer school in July often backslide in
their learning before school begins again in the fall.
It has begun to make more sense to think of summer school less as catching
up from the previous year and more as a head start for the new school
year. Based on this idea, the Healdsburg School Board approved the
following dates for the 2002 summer school at their January meeting:
K-6 July 22 through August
16 at Fitch Mountain School
7-12 July 8 through August
16 at HHS
Since many families plan summer vacations around summer school dates, it
is important to note this change before locking in travel plans.
It’s also important to note the new focus for summer school. In the old
days, 1999, summer school served two purposes. It was a place for students
to catch up. It was also a place for students in search of enrichment
activities. Recently, the State of California changed that model when they
changed the funding for summer school. The rule became that schools could
receive summer school funds only for students who were behind in meeting
the academic standards. Since schools are dependent on receiving funds for
every student to pay for summer school, things changed drastically.
Enrichment went by the wayside. Summer school has become an extended
school year for students who need extra time and attention for mastery.
Teachers
at Healdsburg K-8 schools are currently identifying students who will be
recommended for summer school. Parents will be notified by letter that
their child is encouraged to attend. The summer program will focus on
acquisition of reading, math, and technology skills. If you are wondering
if your child will be recommended for summer school, you might check with
your child's teacher.
At the high school, the program is a bit different. Students will be
able to make up credit. And there will also be several college prep
courses offered. Students should see their counselor for a list of courses
and times.
All families with a child who is not at grade level standard are strongly
encouraged to make sure that the youngster attends summer school. A few
extra weeks of academic support to accelerate academic progress can often
make a tremendous difference for a child.
For more information, contact Ann Rasella [arasella@husd.com] about K-6
and Donna Thomas [dthomas@husd.com] about 7-12.
By Pat Louvau
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