Unpacking the Impact

A CCS monthly publication of ESSER endeavors

Volume 1, Edition 4

November, 2022

Stop the Summer Slide with Parkmoor ES

What does the YMCA, horseback riding, swimming, yoga, and gardening have in common?

They were all part of the 2022 Summer Exploration Camp at Parkmoor Elementary School!

In its 7th year, Parkmoor's Summer Exploration Camp is a unique summer program focusing on the reading and math needs of the students who attend the school. According to Principal Campbell, the purpose of the summer camp is to provide academic support to students in K-5 and to prevent any regression that may stem from summer slide or COVID shutdown and reopening. Accepting 15 students per grade, and held for 6-weeks in the summer, Parkmoor's students not only receive supplemental academic resources, but they also get to leave campus and make real-world connections to their learning during their academic field trips. Each year, the data clearly shows-- Parkmoor students who attend the Summer Exploration Camp have higher achievement than students who do not. Furthermore, because of ESSER funds, the number academic field trips doubled and partnerships grew this past summer.

Data indicated Parkmoor students and families, due to the COVID Pandemic, needed additional support. Ms. Dalrena Roberts, a current Transformation and Leadership Coach for Region 5 came in weekly to classes to teach a variety of math strategies. Reading used iReady and other district resources. Even the parents and families received support. Maya Marlowe, the Instructional Coach for Parkmoor ES led a weekly Parent Academy. The purpose of Parent Academy was to strengthen the school-to-home relationship and give families strategies to help even the youngest learner connect concepts and standards to everyday life. Some of the topics in Parent Academy were:

Supporting Your Child's Reading at Home
Creating Screen Free Family Connections
Taking Care of Yourself so You Can Care for Others
Creating Home Routines that Impact Your Child's School Success

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Audubon Academic Field Trip

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Supporting Literacy in the Parent Academy

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Taking the Learning Outside

So, just how impactful was this past summer's Summer Exploration Camp? Here's what teachers, parents and students had to say:

"It was my favorite part of summer!" (Second Grade Student)

"I learned to swim! And I learned math." (Third Grade Student)

"Thanks for all the support." (Parent Feedback)

"I'm glad this happened and can't wait until next year." (Parent Feedback)

"I look forward to Summer Camp every year. I get such joy watching the kids." (Current Parkmoor teacher)

A Well-Rounded Summer Exploration Camp Experience

Of course, nothing is going to happen until basic needs are met. Students received a free breakfast and lunch each day of attendance provided by the men and women working in the district's Food Services. Transportation was provided by the wonderful CCS bus drivers. Additionally, the district provided appropriate PPE as needed throughout the entire camp experience. Because of this support, Parkmoor students were able to connect their classroom learning to in-the-moment real life experiences. Community Partnerships with the Karl Rd. YMCA, Y.E.S. Group, Yoga Youth Project and Local Matters allowed students to experience physically and emotionally safe environments while pushing themselves to learn different skills and self-regulation strategies. Students were also able to take Spanish, Art, Library and learn gardening skills.

Below is a video of Parkmoor at Slate Run Farm, one of the many academic field trips students participated in this past summer. To see other videos of Parkmoor's Summer Exploration Camp, and to learn what students are currently doing, follow "Miss Campbell and Friends" on YouTube.