In Oregon, Summer Is Another Season for Learning
Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams, Ed.D., visited Imlay Elementary School in Hillsboro 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.
Williams sits with incoming fifth grade students as they use math skills learned this summer to build sturdy bridges.
“In Oregon, summer is another season for learning,” 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.”
“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,” said Hillsboro School District Assistant Superintendent for School Performance Brooke Nova. “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.”
Williams, Mayor Callaway, and Rep. McLain help incoming second grade students identify words and practice reading.
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 led the activity.
The group then visited Angelica Alaniz’s incoming second grade classroom where high school students helped the young scholars engage in bilingual literacy lessons.
Tags: diversity, elementary education, equity, state policy
