Rockland Public Schools was recently named one of 60 school districts receiving funds from the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support summer programming. Rockland will be getting a total of $100,000 through DESE’s High Quality Summer Learning grant program, which focuses on developing and expanding high quality, comprehensive summer learning opportunities and partnerships in districts to address both the academic and social-emotional impacts of COVID-19 on students.
Schools receiving money through the program must conform to several priorities stipulated by DESE, including increase the number of students participating in programs, or increasing the total number of programs being offered.
Other priorities include offering at least 150 hours of evidence/research-based programming focused on academic and social-emotional learning opportunities; offering engaging and interactive programming, including enrichment and recreation activities, that will excite and motivate students to attend, build relationships and promote youth voice; creating a culturally responsive, anti-racist and welcoming environment that leverages the knowledges, strengths, and assets of students, families, educators and the community; and partnering with community-based organizations for cost and resource-sharing to address needs of district and families, including but not limited to expanded hours to support care, transportation and intentional/authentic family engagement activities.
State Senator John F. Keenan 