SUMMER ACADEMY SPOTLIGHT | June-August 2024
This summer, we focused on three key goals to ensure our students and families thrived:
Promoting Academic Growth:
This summer, we took on summer learning loss like it was our full-time job (spoiler: it kind of is). With a mix of key academic content and those all-important executive function skills, we made sure students were ready to strut into the next grade like they owned the place. The results? A solid 23.9% growth rate—take that, summer slide!
Supporting Whole Families:
We’re not just here for students; we’re here for the whole family. From 312 vision screenings, 171 eye exams, and 115 physicals to ADHD groups and anxiety workshops, we covered it all. We even trained 12 high schoolers in Mental Health First Aid because why not create a new generation of superheroes?
Fostering Identity and Leadership:
This summer, our students were in full-on world-changing mode, dreaming big and digging deep into who they are. With identity lessons, career day explorations, and field trips, they learned about social justice issues while creatively imagining the future. Plus, our high school interns stepped up, helping run the show at Summer Academy and proving that young leaders can do just about anything.
Building an Affirming, Inclusive, and Responsive Community:
At Summer Academy, we believe in starting the day right—with a song, a smile, and maybe a little off-key enthusiasm. Fridays were for celebrating our students, handing out kudos and big ups like they were going out of style, and practicing restorative justice (because who doesn’t love a good heart-to-heart?). From big events like Olympic Day and Brillbash, our community thrived on positivity, connection, and joy.
BIG UPS TO THE DREAM TEAM!
Big shoutout to our amazing teachers who didn’t just teach—they totally owned it. From brilliantly delivering lessons to being the ultimate student allies and friends, they made learning cool again. These champions spent two weeks in intensive training before Summer Academy, diving into growth mindsets, executive functioning, affirming environments, restorative practices, trauma-informed classrooms, and racial equity (basically, a masterclass in how to be the most amazing teachers ever). And trust us, it showed!
Your Support Matters—Big Time!
Your generosity makes the magic happen, not just in the summer but all year long. To kick off the school year, we threw our epic Back to School Bash with over 300 attendees, equipping students and families with school supplies, resources, and plenty of good vibes. We also sent our college-bound students off with supplies they need to crush it on campus. As we look forward to another amazing year, we can’t wait to see the incredible ways we’ll continue to partner with you and the community. Cheers to a fantastic year ahead—our students are ready to shine brighter than ever!
“My Favorite memory this summer was seeing the overwhelming amount of love and support. Student U (especially this summer) is the first time I have felt such a sense of family!”
Ms. Shafer, 6th grade Teacher
