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Summer Learning and Fun
Dear Families and Staff,
Summer is a time for relaxation—and thanks to Summer Rising, it’s also a time for learning and fun. Across the city, students are building social connections, growing academically, and exploring their city all at once. I can attest to this firsthand after visiting MS 210 in Queens the first day of the program—the energy was electric.
Summer Rising, which we run in partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development, is a far cry from traditional summer school. In a typical week of Summer Rising, students experience:
- Rigorous academics: In the mornings, students are brushing up on their math and literacy skills, receiving direct, high-quality instruction from our NYCPS teachers. This is critical to reduce “summer slide” (learning loss that often occurs over the summer months) and ensure our students are ready to dive back into school in September. (Relatedly, New York City’s library systems have a robust set of summer offerings for students and families—I encourage you to check them out!)
- Hands-on enrichment and exploration: In the afternoons and on Fridays, students participate in activities ranging from sports to arts to community service, led by community-based organizations. This year, field trips have included college visits, museum trips, sporting events (including a trip to MLB headquarters), and industry deep-dives (from a behind-the-scenes look at Central Park’s SummerStage to learning about immunology at Pfizer). We’ve also added a new focus on career exploration and STEM fields for our middle school participants, called Exploring Futures.
- Social-emotional learning: This summer, we’re increasing our focus on mindfulness; Summer Rising sites received a yoga and mindfulness guide to use throughout the summer, and over 300 classrooms joined a livestreamed yoga and mindful breathing session earlier this month (with another opportunity to do so on August 5). CBOs also lead social-emotional learning as part of their enrichment activities.
- Physical health and nutrition: Not only do students engage in physical movement through sports and games, but they also receive a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack each day. Additionally, students not participating in Summer Rising can still access our summer meals program and, if eligible, Summer EBT.
We’re about halfway through Summer Rising, and I want to acknowledge everyone who has made it a success so far: our dedicated staff, for their hard work in making the program run smoothly, and our families, for entrusting us with your children during these summer months. Thank you all, and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Soaring high,
David C. Banks
Chancellor
Our Spotlight Video:
NYC Public Schools | Our students are having a blast across #SummerRising! Whether they’re practicing cheers, dancing or playing dodgeball, a good time is… | Instagram
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