Schools Summer Literacy Academy Ideas Challenge

MIDDLETOWN — Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner has announced a pilot partnership with InnovateK12, an educational technology and crowd-sourcing firm.

The platform is designed to engage community voice in the creation of new strategies to meet the needs of educating students in an ever-changing world, according to a press release. The district’s upcoming Summer Literacy Academy Ideas Challenge will be a valuable tool to garner family and staff feedback.

“In these unprecedented times school districts need to apply principles of innovative design, and ensure stakeholder feedback channels that drive better solutions for students and families,” Conner said in a prepared statement.

“We are excited to be joining Middletown and assisting with the district’s efforts, especially in this time of uncertainty and parental concern,” Kristin Daniels, executive director of InnovateK12, said in the release.

“I think our tool and approach will be wellreceived, and provide valuable insights into what Middletown SLA parents are thinking, feeling, and the great ideas they have. We have found in our work around the country, time and again, that the ideas that flow from our ‘idea challenges,’ have been remarkably positive and productive,” Daniels said.

The Middletown SLA Ideas Challenge runs through July 10. The Summer Literacy Academy

Challenge Question is “How might we help your child feel welcome, comfortable and safe at the Summer Literacy Academy?”

SLA is a four-week summer program for rising first- through fourth-graders who will benefit from reading and literacy immersion, according to the release. The academy, now its second year, is scheduled to launch July 13 and run through Aug. 7.

It will serve nearly 150 Middletown students at two sites. A hybrid e-learning and in-person, half-day model will be used in conjunction with state guidelines for health and safety.

Middletown Public Schools serves over 4,500 students under the guidance of nearly 1,200 teachers, paraprofessionals, staff and administrators.