Although school is out for the summer, some
students in East Garfield Park are busy learning in one of the city’s
most comprehensive and unique summer programs. Summer Studies, run by Breakthrough’s Youth & Family Services
staff, focuses on fun and educational activities that increase the
language arts skills and personal development in students, grades K-8.
On average, students who participated in Breakthrough’s 2007 Summer Studies program increased their reading proficiency by three months.
Students who did not participate actually dropped in proficiency by
three months, leaving an overall gap of six months, according to the
proficiency tests administered last fall.
The Summer
Studies program puts a heavy emphasis on language arts. “This year we
will again focus on reading comprehension and fluency by reading in our
age specified groups,” says 6-12th grade Academic Coordinator, Seth
El-Jamal. “The 6-8th grade boys are reading Scorpions by Walter Dean Myers. The 6-8th grade girls are reading
Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey by Margaret Peterson Haddix.
Both of these books are very down to earth and deal with teenage life."
The
program focuses on developing the individual reading skills of each
student. Students read one-on-one with an adult, with a partner, and
individually as part of a chorale reading with the group. Additionally,
older students are spending time reading with younger students. “It
helps students grow in self-confidence and mentorship abilities,” says
Seth.
Additionally, Breakthrough’s staff continues to create a
program that encourages students to serve the residents in their
community. For instance, the 6-8th graders will help deliver groceries
to elderly residents in East Garfield Park who have signed up for
Breakthrough’s weekly food pantry program.
Field trips for the
older students are focused on furthering education and careers. Summer
Studies runs for five hours from Monday through Thursday
each week and will end on August 7.
(Designate "Youth and Family Services", and type "Summer Studies" in the Notes Field)
On average, students who participated in Breakthrough’s 2007 Summer Studies program
