Learning opportunities in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 don’t stop at the end of the school year, or even after the in-school summer program is completed.
Along with available summer school classes in June, the district allows parent access over the summer to online review packets for math and reading, all of which are maintained for optional use.
“Summer learning is extremely important, but learning extensions do not need to be formal programs,” said Kathleen Robinson, District 181’s assistant superintendent of Learning. “The primary goal of providing summer learning opportunities is to avoid summer learning loss often called ‘summer slide.’ When reading and math skills go completely dormant, students can regress in skills needed for when school resumes in the fall.”
Robinson said District 181 offers five summer programs, ranging from enrichment opportunities and skill remediation to acceleration opportunities. In addition, the district provides a curated reading list by grade level for students to continue reading for enjoyment during the summer months, she said.
“Summer learning also comes with travel, camps, sporting events, and personalized learning opportunities provided through community partners,” Robinson said.
She said that when students engage in the district’s summer school programs, which serve between 800-1000 children annually, the result is students who are academically and socially ready for school in the fall.
“They get a tailored experience within our classes that targets skills mastery and engage in courses that stretch thinking and dive deep into areas of interest,” Robinson said. “For students who do not participate in our summer programs, we provide optional grade-level reading lists and skills review packets to all families. Our goal is to give families the tools to prevent summer skill loss in whatever way works for their own family.”
Robinson said the single most important concept about summer learning for students is that families find balance for their children during the summer months.
“In our final communication to families each year, we explicitly encourage a healthy summer balance,” she said. “We want our students to enjoy summer programs, vacations, spending quality time with their families, and also time to just be kids with their friends. What that looks like is up to each family.”
Robinson said District 181 summer programming is determined by the evolving needs of its students and also through survey feedback from parents, students, and staff.
“We intentionally design our programs for students who need targeted intervention to close gaps, for students seeking new interests, and for those who want to challenge themselves to accelerate their math pathway,” she said.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
