GUELPH – The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) will be offering summer support programs in addition to regular summer school.
UGDSB principal of program Jonathon Walker presented an update on the summer programming and transitional supports during a program committee meeting on June 1.
Walker said the board received funding in order to support students for spring and summer learning opportunities.
This includes a modified reading tutor program to support students in Grade 2 and Grade 3 currently reading below grade level and have previously had reading tutor support.
Additional funds will go towards the Camp Discovery program for students in Grade 1 and Grade 2. The program will run half days virtually from July 5 to 23.
The UGDSB also plans to provide additional support to students by offering half-day Grade 6 to Grade 8 numeracy and literacy programs, during an eight-day period. The program is intended for students who would likely experience difficulty in the upcoming school year.
In addition, UGDSB secondary students will continue to have access to summer school opportunities. This will include summer eLearning credits, upgrading credits, co-op and a dual credit program.
The board will be offering several 18-day, math, English and science high school credits, including a “Reach Ahead” course which will allow Grade 8 students to earn a high school credit prior to entering secondary school in September.
The program is currently planned for in-person learning in Guelph and Orangeville, but will switch to remote learning if required.
There will also be a summer school program for English as a Second language (ESL) learning for Grade 6 to Grade 8, intended to help students improve on their English language skills.
Special education
Special education supports will also be available as outlined by the students’ Individual Education Program (IEP).
Summer learning will be offered in coding and skills development for students with Autism at the elementary level as well as a Peers program to be offered for students with Autism in at the secondary level.
The board has also received funds for students to provide transitional support in the last two weeks of the summer prior to school formally starting in September based on individual and group student needs in the school.
The funds will be allocated to each school, kindergarten to Grade 12, to support staff to work to develop transition programs that are responsive to the individual needs of the students in their care.
Mental health
Mental health programs will be offered throughout the summer. This includes “Stress Busters” for students ages eight to 12, an eight-week virtual program offering stress management and coping skills in addition to peer community and support.
For secondary students, a skill building course will be available. The course will run 12 hours, twice a week where students will meet with certified trainers and look at evidence-based skill building.
Other mental health supports include a two-day applied suicide intervention skills training, equity and wellness, and parent skill building and support.
For a full list of UGDSB summer school programs and registration timelines, please go to https://www.ugdsb.ca/continuing-education.
