Schools Plan A Summer of Learning and Fun
The Sanford School Department is pulling out all the stops for a summer of learning and fun that will keep students connected, help them catch up from any pandemic learning loss, and prepare them to hit the ground running when school resumes full time in September.
Curriculum Director Bethany Lambert outlined the plans for elementary, middle and high schoolers at the School Committee’s May 10 meeting. She said the plans include in-person as well as remote activities, and activities that require technology as well as ones that don’t. She will be sending an online brochure out to parents containing links to dozens of options and ideas. All activities will be free.
Here are just a few of the things planned:
- School librarians will have activities for all grades, with live read-alouds planned weekly at lunch pickup spots.
- Extended School Year and Title 1 programming
- Jumpstart for incoming Kindergarten students
- STEM Camps for Grades 5-8 – learn to build your own website or computer game
- Band Camp for SMS and SHS students in June
- Theater Camp for SMS and SHS students in July
- Course recovery classes for high schoolers
- Creative art projects from Camp Susan Curtis
- Math games and activities to do at home
- Family Tech Time including virtual field trips
The plans involve the larger community as well. The School Department is connecting with the Parks and Rec Department and YMCA to offer educational activities at the various summer camps. There are scholarships available for low-income families. The Goodall and Springvale Libraries both have summer reading programs planned for kids. The free breakfast and lunch provided daily by the School Department’s nutrition program will continue throughout the summer.
If you’re a parent of a Sanford student, look for your online brochure in the next week or two, and get your family started on a great summer.
