"Summer Stretch" keeps learning alive

In an effort to reduce summer learning loss, a group of Zeeland elementary teachers have been working on a program called the “Summer Stretch” for children in kindergarten through fifth grades. Research shows that on average, students lose 2.6 months of academic achievement during the summer months.  As little as 20 minutes of reading or math each day can drastically improve this statistic. Elementary students are bringing home a brochure that describes four choices for summer review and includes the form you need to complete in order to participate.  We are committed to full participation from ALL Zeeland elementary students, but aim to be accommodating to busy summer schedules.

•  The registration form is included in the summer stretch brochure.   We are looking forward to an exciting summer of continued learning in Zeeland!

Did You Know? 

· Most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. Low-income students also lose more than two months in reading achievement, despite the fact that their middle-class peers make slight gains (Cooper, 1996). 

· More than half of the achievement gap between lower- and higher-income youth can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities. As a result, low-income youth are less likely to graduate from high school or enter college (Alexander et al, 2007). 

· Children lose more than academic knowledge over the summer. Most children—particularly children at high risk of obesity—gain weight more rapidly when they are out of school during summer break (Von Hippel et al, 2007). 

· Parents consistently cite summer as the most difficult time to ensure that their children have productive things to do (Duffett et al, 2004).