Over 100 students got to take part in what is being called a successful Summer Learning Program through the English Catholic school board.
Site administrator Nadia Zanatta says 110 students took part in the virtual program, which ran through the month of July with a focus on numeracy and literacy.
She says the programming also helped address gaps in student learning, provided them with a learning boost and also provided recreational activities in partnership with Science North in Sudbury and the Healing Loft in Sault Ste. Marie.
Students from Chapleau to Hornepayne, Wawa to Sault Ste. Marie, Elliot Lake, Blind River and Espanola took part.
Zanatta adds each student and staff also received a backpack filled with supplies to prepare them for the upcoming school year.
SLP Recreation:
– each week – a schedule of various recreational activities were offered for students and families to participate in – outside of the daily instructional periods
– free opportunities for students to apply their learning and gain new experiences
– activities included: hip hop dance, illusion, cookie decorating, imagination building, partner yoga, fitness, tableau, and trivia
SLP Initiatives:
– Program Pizza Party – July 11-17th – students and staff picked up pizza kits and pizzas from their local communities: DFR Sportsbar and Eatery was the location for Webbwood/Espanola students and staff!
– DIY Donut Decorating – Wednesday, July 21st – students and staff can visit their local Tim Hortons to pick up their DIY Donut Decorating Kit – the McKerrow location is dedicated to Webbwood/Espanola students and staff!
These initiatives are an opportunity to build community within our virtual environment. They are opportunities to connect the curriculum and classroom to the real world and this is so important for student learning. They also provide opportunities for parent engagement. Students are excited to share their creations and stories with their peers.
SLP Backpack:
– each student and staff in the SLP received a backpack filled with school supplies and materials to use during the program. Items included: a t-shirt, whiteboard, pencils, crayons, markers, pencil crayons, notebook, highlighter, sharpener, playing cards, modelling clay, read-alouds, headphones, sidewalk chalk, an eye pillow, and an essential oil roller. The Grade 7/8 students also received a scientific calculator and math set to prepare them for high school.
Indigenous Opportunities:
– Akeshia Trudeau is the Indigenous Support Worker in the SLP. Dream catcher workshops were provided to all Grade 2-8 classes – students had an opportunity to learn about and create a dreamcatcher with a material kit provided
– all Grade 7/8 students and staff received a smudge kit and the students learned about the materials and their significance – as well as how to conduct a smudge
– Akeshia arranged forMiss Native America USA (Lexie James) to join our classes for an amazing learning opportunity – sharing her crown, experiences, and readings with the students.
– all classes were equipped with 1 Indigenous read-aloud that provided some cultural teachings and extension of various activities that followed
We wanted to ensure equity – with all students having access to the same materials for the program. We were able to feature 3 local read-alouds – authored by Board teachers, and student alumni. Computers were also provided by each school, for students who required them to connect.
The Summer Learning Program is staffed by 23 individuals: 1 site administrator, 1 transition to secondary administrator, 7 teachers, 11 skill builders, 2 tutors, and 1 Indigenous support worker.
