District Gets Update on Summer Learning Program

The deadline to pre-register for Valley View’s new "Summer Learning Experience" — a four-week, fee-based summer school program — passed on Dec. 15, and district staffers are estimating that 750 students will attend the inaugural sessions.

Based on the enrollment numbers, Assistant Superintendent Venus Smith projected it will cost $96.03 per student, per week to operate the program. That number includes administrative costs, teachers’ salary costs, nurses, maintenance, secretarial staff, curriculum costs and lunchroom/playground aides.

The district plans to offer two sessions this year, each lasting four weeks. The first session would take place from June 18 to July 13, while the second would run from July 16 to Aug. 10. Parents have the option of enrolling their student in either one or both of the sessions, which have an instructional day lasting from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided at no charge to parents, along with before- and after-school care. However, transportation fees are estimated at $25 per week for one-way transportation or $50 per week for busing to and from the program.

Based on the number of pre-registered students, the program is slated to be offered at the following campuses:

• Hermansen
• Skoff
• McGee
• Pioneer
• B.J. Ward

A total of 38 teachers would be needed to run the program, according to Smith.

Board vice president Rick Gougis said the program will provide intervention for students at lower levels, while offering enrichment for high-achieving students.

“I really want to encourage parents to sign their child up for this this summer,” he said, adding he believes the program will help Valley View hit its student achievement goals.

“This is how we get our district to the next level,” he said, adding, “If you want to see the program at your local elementary school, then talk to all of your neighbors.”

Board OKs math program

In another move aimed at boosting rigor and improving achievement, the board signed off on the “cohesive math” program for grades K-8.

At a cost of $952,000 for all materials and professional development for staff,

The board agreed to adopt McGraw-Hill My Math K-5 and Glencoe Math Grades 6-8 at a cost that breaks down to $17 per student for five years.

The curriculum is designed to offer a smooth transition between grade levels and "will allow us to support staff with the implementation of a rigorous curriculum in order for all students to be college and career ready,” Smith said in a district report.