Boosting Reading Skills: New Summer Program
posted June 8, 2021
This summer, Cardinal Community School District is launching a new summer school program for students needing additional reading support.
Based on Literacy Fast scores, we identified 95 incoming 2nd- and 3rd-grade students most in need of assistance. The program targets this age group based on the vital skills they lost as kindergarteners and 1st-graders during school closures due to COVID-19.
"Students lost 11 weeks of instruction due to the pandemic shut down," explains Heather Buckley, Cardinal elementary principal. "We're really targeting that age group to help meet them where they're at, so they don't have that summer slide or regress when they already need additional help."
The program, beginning July 5, will take place entirely over Zoom to help get around obstacles that have restricted students from taking part in summer school programs in the past.
"We're excited because Zoom takes away barriers like childcare and transportation," Mrs. Buckley says.
In addition to removing those attendance hurdles, students in the program who attend 90 percent of sessions will have the opportunity to win fun prizes for themselves and their families.
If you have a student taking part in the program and have any questions, please contact Mrs. Buckley at heather.buckley@cardinalcomet.com.
Reading Advice for All Students
While the program is only open to those identified as needing additional support, Mrs. Buckley has some advice for all students to avoid summer brain drain.
"I encourage all kids to read over the summer months and find something they're interested in reading," she says.
Summer Reading Tips
- Find literature to read at least once a day:
- Magazines
- Books
- Newspapers
- Comic books and graphic novels
- Continue to use reading apps used in the classroom
Did you know many libraries now let you check out eBooks right from your devices? Check out apps like OverDrive and Libby, or reach out to our local libraries to see what other options are available.
Local Libraries
- Eldon Public Library - (641) 652-7517
- Agency Public Library - (641) 937-6002
- Batavia Public Library - (641) 662-2317
- Ottumwa Public Library -(641) 682-7563