East Ridge Elementary Hosts Summer Reach Program

News Summary

East Ridge Elementary is conducting its annual Summer Reach program aimed at preventing learning loss among students during summer. Targeting rising kindergarten to ninth-grade students, the program provides academic support with activities in reading, math, and creative subjects. Although enrollment numbers have dipped to 170 students this year, the initiative remains vital for maintaining academic skills. The program also serves as a development opportunity for teachers, pairing them with candidate educators. Overall, Summer Reach helps students transition smoothly back to school while addressing the summer learning gap.

Chattanooga – East Ridge Elementary is hosting its annual Summer Reach program, an initiative designed to combat learning loss among students during the summer months. The program, which has been a part of Hamilton County public schools since 2020, targets rising kindergarten through ninth grade students, providing them with the academic support needed to maintain and develop their skills over the break.

This year, approximately 170 students are enrolled in the program at East Ridge, a notable decrease from the nearly 900 students who participated during the regular school year. Despite this lower enrollment, Summer Reach continues to be an essential resource for students as they transition into the next academic year.

The program includes various components aimed at improving students’ academic performance. Each day, participants engage in an hour of reading, an hour of math, and physical activities, ensuring a well-rounded approach to their summer learning. Activities also incorporate creative elements, where students explore diverse topics such as sign language and Japanese art. For example, recent activities allowed students to learn about the Summer Olympics while crafting laurel wreaths and torches.

Key to the program’s success is the focus on enhancing students’ foundational literacy skills and reading fluency. Teachers, including Ashley Rollins, utilize innovative techniques such as flashcards to engage rising fourth graders in reading exercises. The learning approach emphasizes new content rather than simply reviewing previous material, fostering an enjoyable and dynamic learning environment.

In addition to benefiting students, the Summer Reach program serves as a vital professional development opportunity for teachers. It allows educators to explore topics they are passionate about and gain experience in leading classes before the school year begins. Candidate teachers from Teach for America are paired with experienced educators, providing them with practical teaching experiences as they prepare to take on their own classrooms in the fall.

According to Breckan Duckworth, the district’s executive director of opportunity and gap closure, past participants of the Summer Reach program have shown significant improvements in their academic skills. Data indicates that students who attended Summer Reach maintained their skills from the spring to the fall, unlike their peers who did not participate. This correlation showcases the program’s effectiveness in addressing the “summer slide,” a phenomenon where students experience a decline in academic performance over the summer months.

As mandated by Tennessee law, all students enrolled in summer learning camps are required to have an intervention block for additional support. This ensures that students have access to interventionists, providing tailored assistance based on their individual needs, enhancing their learning experiences during this crucial time.

Looking forward, Jonathan Berry, the site director of East Ridge Elementary’s Summer Reach program, will transition to the role of assistant principal at the school for the upcoming academic year. Berry emphasizes the importance of building connections with students, which aligns with the program’s goal of creating a supportive and engaging atmosphere for learning.

The Summer Reach program plays a critical role in helping students maintain their academic growth during the summer months, providing them with valuable skills and knowledge that will serve them well as they return to their studies in the fall.