Class is back in session for some students at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.
The inaugural Summer Learning Program is four days into its 15 day course, which focuses on the key aspects of literacy for young children. Currently 30 students, from grade two and grade three are taking part in the program.
One of those students is nine-year-old Lizzie St. John. Her mother, Tara Steinhoff was concerned about the summer slide back Lizzie might have after such a prosperous year of school.
"When this program came in, me and my husband jumped on the opportunity cause we didn't want her to lose what we struggled and built with her all year," Steinhoff says.
"We’re hoping to capture their interest and provide them with a love of reading and writing over the summer," says program leader, Maggie Dorion.
The course is closed for the rest of the season, but Dorion says parents looking to combat the summer slide back need only pick up a book and read with their child.
"We've got students here who are just on the verge of their learning right now and what we are trying to do is provide tools and strategies, so when they go back to school in September they have that confidence."
If there’s enough interest from parents, Dorion says the school board will look at expanding the program next year.
