In Oregon, Summer Is Another Season For Learning​

NEWS RELEASE
July 31, 2024
ODE Media Contact: Marc Siegel

State Leaders Joined ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams in Hillsboro for a Tour of Imlay Elementary School's Summer Learning Programs.

(Hillsboro, OR) - Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams visited Imlay Elementary School in Hillsboro today for a tour that showcased the school's bilingual enrichment Summer Learning programs. She was joined by State Sen. Janeen Sollman, State Rep. Susan McLain, and Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway.

"In Oregon, summer is another season for learning," Dr. Williams said. "So exciting to tour today's programs and see young scholars advancing their learning with innovative, hands-on STEM activities and core literacy instruction."

Hillsboro School District Assistant Superintendent for School Performance, Brooke Nova, continued: "We are so grateful to be able to provide robust summer programming to more than 2,800 students this summer, thanks in large part to funding support from the State of Oregon. These summer programs give our students who are most in need of support the opportunity to strengthen their skills and position themselves for enhanced success in the coming school year."

Imlay's Summer Learning programs were made possible by the passing of House Bill 4082 earlier this year. The bill provided $30 million for Summer Learning grants to school districts, charter schools, and education service districts across the state for the summer of 2024. Grant funds focus on serving historically underserved students while prioritizing collaboration with community partners and tribal nations.

Summer Learning fosters success for Oregon students by improving readiness to learn, academic growth, and providing safe, healthy, and enriching ways for children to grow during the summer months.

The first classroom visited was Valeria Chitwood's incoming fifth grade class during Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) enrichment time. Students were organized in groups and tested the strength of bridges they built with popsicle sticks. A college student who grew up in the area and participates through the school's Grow Your Own Initiative (a teacher recruitment program) led the activity. (Dr. Williams sits with incoming fifth grade students as they use math skills learned this summer to build sturdy bridges.)

The group then visited Angelica Alaniz's incoming second grade classroom where high school students helped the young scholars engage in bilingual literacy lessons. (Dr. Williams, Mayor Callaway, and Rep. McLain help incoming second grade students identify words and practice reading.)

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