The lazy days of summer are much shorter in South County with most students returning to school in late July. But for students who attend some of the oldest schools in the area, the school year returns to a traditional September start date while their campuses are being renovated, modernized and provided improved technology.
In November 2012, local voters in School Facilities Improvement District 1 approved Proposition E, a $90 million general obligation bond that funds renovations for 31 Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) schools. Castle Park Elementary is the first of three schools to undergo renovations.
While some families may welcome the additional sunny days of summer vacation, it’s harder on students who are struggling academically and experience a greater loss in proficiency during these long breaks. For students living in more challenged communities, this can also include a decline in outdoor activities and exercise. Researchers have noted that the impact of summer learning loss widens the achievement gap.
Learning loss can be minimized with quality summer programs that engage and focus on essential skills. In the Castle Park community, Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood (CVPromise) in partnership with CVESD and Sweetwater Union High School District implemented a month long summer reading program to support Castle Park Elementary students who were struggling to meet proficiency by end of last school year.
Held on the campus of Castle Park Middle School, about 40 students entering grades three to six are taking part in personalized support, small group interaction and field trips. The program follows the three-week CVPromise summer camp offered in June.
“We’re promoting a love of books and encouraging conversation,” CVPromise Director of Early Learning Network Helena Sabala said. “But most of all, we’re giving our students extra assistance so they can reach proficiency and don’t lose ground while they’re away from school.”
CVPromise partnerships have been a great support in expanding the work of the summer program. Currently, all students are studying a unit on the Olympics and will be visiting the Olympic Training Center soon. Additionally, fifth and sixth grade students are reading and having daily book discussions on “The Circuit,” by Francisco Jimenez. And twice a week, students visit the Chula Vista Public Library’s South Branch for research and further reading.
As an added bonus, parents and students are becoming more familiar with a campus that may be their middle school home soon. CVPromise partners such as Manpower and San Diego Futures Foundation provide various support programs such as computer classes and workforce development workshops for parents are on campus. In addition, the parent center run by CVPromise Promotoras also provides further links to resources.
Gauging student’s growth in reading during the program is valuable in order to support their academics when they return to school in September. Pre- and post assessments will be completed to measure each student’s Lexile level – a measurement used to monitor a reader’s growth in reading ability over time; helps readers grow; and helps parents and teachers know as well.
CVPromise will continue to provide services and support to students, parents and teachers at Castle Park Elementary when the 2014-2015 school year resumes.
“It’s a summer of learning and they’re having fun too,” Sabala said. “We’ll be celebrating the end of program with a trip to Sea World’s Aquatica. A first for many.”
Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood (CVPromise) is coordinated by South Bay Community Services and is proud to partner with Castle Park Elementary, Castle Park Middle, Castle Park High School, Hilltop Middle and Hilltop High School to bring new opportunities and pathways of success for their students and families. For more information, please visit CVPromise.org or call 619-422-5005.
Mireles is program manager, Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood
