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Grant-Funded Summer Session Gives Boost to Students
Reno, NV (July 6, 2011) - Hundreds of students in the Washoe County School District will be back at schools this summer thanks to a federal grant being used to offer summer after-school programs. The District received a grant for more than $200,000 to offer the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Summer Session Programs at 12 elementary and four middle school sites.
Denise Benson, Director of the 21st CCLC/TEAM UP after-school program said, the grant will allow a rare opportunity for students and families. "The program will provide students additional learning time to assist in closing the achievement gap in reading and math skills during the summer months. Students will also be able to zoom ahead with a variety of enrichment activities keeping them engaged and motivated throughout the summer months."
Only current TEAM UP after-school programs were eligible to apply for the grant, which provides money for 2.5 hours of academic instruction in reading, math or writing provided by a certified teacher. An additional 1.5 hours will be focused on enrichment opportunities ranging from art, drama, physical fitness, tennis, soccer, basketball, golf, dance, art history, gardening, computer technology, community service, geo-caching, cooking, bike building and health and nutrition.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities and projects also will be provided at various sites throughout the District.
Schedules vary by school site, but Sun Valley and Smithridge elementary schools started implementing the summer sessions last week. Smithridge TEAM UP Site Coordinator Brooke Milholland said it's great to see the students come back to school in the summer. "During the Smithridge summer session, TEAM UP students are able to jumpstart their education, which prepares them for the upcoming school year while having a fun time laughing and learning."
Students currently enrolled in the schools can attend the summer program. For more information, contact Denise Benson at 775-333-6038 or dbenson@washoe.k12.nv.us.
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About Washoe County School District: The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every child career and college ready. For more information visit www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89520
