Every year, teachers and parents alike worry about the “summer slide”—learning loss that can occur when academic material isn’t reinforced by regular use. However, it isn’t inevitable. Resources are available in schools and communities, including free programs that help close the opportunity gap between students of greater wealth and those with less disposable income. Additionally, some students receiving special education may qualify for Extended School Year.

Extended School Year

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that public schools provide a free and appropriate public education to all students, which includes an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for any student with a disability. In some cases, a student’s IEP team may determine that Extended School Year (ESY) is necessary.

ESY is different from summer school. Services, which are individually tailored to the student who receives them, may include academic instruction, behavioral support, speech therapy and other services.

IEP teams use a variety of metrics to assess students’ needs. One reason ESY might be deemed appropriate is if the rate of skill regression after an extended break (like winter break) was significant, and the student did not recoup those skills at a sufficient rate after returning to school. A student may receive ESY if added instruction during summer vacation is the only way for the student to avoid serious setbacks.

School district

summer programs

School districts offer a variety of summer programs, from no-cost to low-cost, in areas from reading and math to science and technology to art and music and even fitness. Some districts share their plans below.

Bethlehem Area SD Supervisor of Related Arts and Social Studies Joseph Anthes notes that in addition to summer break interrupting classroom instruction, it also means a break in regular physical activity and group sports for some students. The district has developed a few programs under the umbrella of Fit for Life.

“Fit for Life provides free opportunities for students to remain active, supports physical health and helps to provide access to intramural sports programs,” Anthes explains.

With an eye toward preventing learning loss among students who may not have access to the same financial resources as their peers, BASD offers free summer programs and low-cost childcare. “Summer programming plays an important role in helping students maintain academic progress, build confidence and stay connected to their school community,” explains Supervisor of Equity Initiatives Eric Fontanez.

Northwestern Lehigh School District does not appear to operate a broad, district wide summer school or summer enrichment program for all students similar to those offered by larger districts such as Allentown. However, the district does provide certain summer services, including Extended School Year (ESY) programming for eligible special education students and summer assignments or reading expectations in some grade levels and courses.

“Let me start by saying that our district recognizes the importance of helping students maintain and strengthen their skills, and we provide a variety of resources and opportunities to support families over the summer,” says LeAnn M. Stitzel, Northwestern Lehigh’s director of curriculum and instruction.

“For our incoming kindergarten students, we send information to all families outlining the basic, social, motor, and academic skills that children can practice before starting school. These resources are designed to help students make a smooth transition into kindergarten.”

“In late spring, we hosted a family engagement night at our Title I elementary school, where families received make-and-take English Language Arts and math activities for students in grades K–fifth,” Stitzel says. “These hands-on resources were specifically designed to provide meaningful learning opportunities throughout the summer months.

“Across our elementary schools, teachers encourage students to read daily and practice math facts regularly over the break. K–5 teachers also send home summer practice packets, and students who complete and return the packets when school resumes are recognized with a reward. Additionally, teachers share information about community-based summer learning opportunities, and tutoring support is available for families seeking additional academic assistance during the summer.

“In our middle and high schools, English Language Arts teachers encourage students to read daily throughout the summer, while mathematics teachers encourage students to engage in frequent math practice to maintain and strengthen the skills they developed during the school year,” Stitzel says.

Stitzel notes that she is likely not capturing every summer learning opportunity available across the district.

“Several of our school administrators are currently away on vacation, so I was unable to gather input from every building before responding,” she explains.

Online resources

School districts are also helping students continue to engage intellectually with academic material by putting grade-specific material online. For example, Catasauqua SD maintains student access to its online learning programs over the summer.

“These resources are tailored to support skill development in subjects such as reading, math, science, and more, ensuring students are prepared for the upcoming school year,” the district website states.

Students across the Lehigh Valley with online subscriptions to Suntex’s “First In Math” (purchased through school or by parents) have access to these online gamified skill drills for 12 months. Boxes of 24 Game cards, the precursor to the online game, are an easy way to keep skills sharp when paid subscriptions lapse. “First In Math” inventor Robert Sun moved to Southeastern Pa. from China when he was 9 years old, and although he struggled with English at the time, the fact that his classmates looked to him for math assistance led him to recognize how powerful math skills are.

“The power of math transcends cultures,” Sun says. “I believe it is imperative that we teach our youth skills that are universal.”

At Northwestern Lehigh, students in grades sixth through eighth are encouraged to participate in a summer learning challenge through IXL, one of the online programs the district purchases.

“The challenge is designed to reinforce key English Language Arts and mathematics skills learned during the previous school year,” Stitzel explains. “Students have access to IXL throughout the summer, and the top participants in each grade level are recognized with an ice cream party when they return to school in the fall.

“All of our students continue to have access to online learning programs throughout the summer, allowing them to practice skills, explore areas of interest, and stay engaged in learning while school is not in session,” Stitzel adds.

Community

resources at a range of prices

Many local education providers are hosting summer programs at a range of price points, including DaVinci Science Center, Lehigh University, Northampton Community College (Horizons for Youth, at the Bethlehem and Pocono campuses) and Valley Youth House (Camp Fowler).

Northampton Community College (NCC) also helps high school students stay on track with flexible summer classes offered online, in person and in a hybrid setup. With five different start dates for four-, six-, and nine-week programs, the summer sessions include pre-algebra, elementary algebra, pre-calculus, elementary Spanish and multiple ESL courses.

Lehigh Carbon Community College offers summer dual-enrollment opportunities that allow high school students to earn college credit while staying academically engaged during the summer months. Students can take college-level courses through LCCC’s “While in High School” program, helping them prepare for future college studies and combat summer learning loss. Registration for Summer Session 2 remains open.

Libraries in the Valley plan to provide many no-cost opportunities for summer fun. Families looking to keep children engaged during summer break will find plenty of free options at area libraries. Nearby libraries serving Northwestern Lehigh School District residents, including Slatington Public Library, Kutztown Community Library, and Parkland Community Library, are offering summer reading programs, educational activities, crafts, and family events. The programs are designed to encourage reading and learning while helping students avoid summer learning loss. Registration is underway at many locations, with activities running throughout July and August.

Families looking for a little inspiration to create their own educational moments over the summer might find inspiration in a group called Remake Learning. The organization, which began in Pittsburgh, plans hands-on learning events called across the country at libraries, museums, parks and other public spaces. Several Remake Learning Days took place in southeastern Pa. during the month of May. In addition, parents can download resources from <https://remakelearning.org/resources/> to create their own learning opportunities at home and on the road, wherever the summer takes them.

Bethlehem Area SD’s Anthes notes that the Lehigh Valley has many resources available to those who want to take advantage of them.

“So many opportunities are available this summer,” he says. “Being active, exploring and reading about topics that relate to your passion are a great start. It’s also important to engage socially with friends and families. While summer is a time to relax, get out and have experiences with people.”

Additional reporting

by Susan Bryant.