Summer learning not just for the students

To combat summer learning loss, Northridge Local Schools has a variety of learning opportunities for all students.

STEM Camp for grades K-6 will provide students three weeks of hands-on activities revolving around science, technology, engineering and math. Students in grades K-3 will be learning about simple machines and force and motion. Mission Impossible is the theme for students in grades 4-6, where they will be working collaboratively to solve various design challenges.

Freedom School is another opportunity for students in grades K-2 to work on their literacy skills, while enriching their cultural experiences. Students will engage in a research-based, multicultural reading curriculum.

All students in grades K-3 are also participating in Kids Read Now, a reading program that sends free books to their homes all summer. This summer reading program kicked off at the end of the school year with an author visit and a reading night, were families learned strategies and activities they can do at home to enhance reading skills all summer long.

Students in grades 7-12 also have numerous opportunities to attend summer school and tutoring opportunities in a variety of subjects.

Students are not the only ones continuing their learning.

Staff members will be learning about literacy instruction through their continued work with Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling. Teachers across the district are attending various professional developments to meet the needs of our students, such as gifted trainings, Orton Gillingham refreshers, whole child initiatives, and college and career program planning.

The Northridge Readiness Coalition will also continue planning activities for our youngest children in Northridge from birth to kindergarten. District leaders have continued their learning about trauma and the needs of the whole child.

The district leadership team will continue to meet to look at district data in order to make informed decisions about the district’s strategic plan, creating action steps, and developing systems to document implementation.

Learning does not stop when the school year is over.

Everyone can do simple strategies at home, such as reading every day, creative writing, practicing math facts, and exploring all that Dayton has to offer. Even doing a good deed for others and volunteering has shown to help with learning. Setting aside time everyday this summer for learning will make a big difference in children.

Have a safe, enjoyable, and learning-filled summer!