For three weeks in August, Algoma District School Board (ADSB) led a Summer Learning Program (SLP). Designed to support primary students with literacy or numeracy needs, its goal was to minimize summer learning loss and to improve Literacy and Numeracy skills for selected Grade 1 and 2 students. It also supported First Nation, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI) primary students with literacy needs while immersing them in a cultural environment.
Nearly 80 students were invited to take part in the program which was held at three locations across the city: Parkland, F.H. Clergue and H.M. Robbins public schools. There were six classes (four literacy, one FNMI literacy and one numeracy) with six qualified teachers and twelve support staff. Smaller class sizes and three adults per room allowed for many learning opportunities.
Each morning the students were involved in academics which included small group, individual and large group activities. Following lunch, support staff had students take part in recreational activities and cooperative games. At this time teachers were also able to work one on one with students. Special field trips where organized including trips to the fire hall, the library, the art gallery and to a Pow Wow in Garden River to celebrate Jordan Nolan who was home with the Stanley Cup.
Co-administrators, Carol Lucio and Lorrie Morley were very pleased with the program. They saw engaged students, many of whom increased their literacy or numeracy level or maintained the level they were at in June. Parents received report cards following the three week program. The same report cards were supplied to the teachers who received the students into their classrooms this fall. Students did a pre and post-test which will provide administrators with data about the program. This information will be shared at a later meeting.
