Foundation announces grants for summer programs

The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation announced today that it is providing $45,700 in grants across six schools for summer programs. These funds are expected to serve about 375 students from 2^nd through 12^th grade. This is the fourth year the Foundation has supported academic interventions during the summer, but some of programs they are funding this year are new.

At Mountain View Elementary, a small group of 2^nd graders will be invited to come back to school in August to strengthen their reading and math skills. “These students will clearly benefit from small group instruction not only to improve their skills in literacy and math, but also to avoid the dreaded summer slide,” said Mountain View Principal Lisa Krause, who added that the school will be providing bus transportation for students to facilitate attendance.

Fourth and 5^th graders at Wilson Elementary will have an opportunity to boost foundational math and literacy skills. The program will use a combination of technology and hands-on activities designed to boost students’ confidence as learners. “Wilson has no shortage of students experiencing the impact of poverty and mobility,” said Principal Eric Beasley. “Additional opportunities to learn will make a difference for our kids.”

Linus Pauling Middle School will host up to 60 students at their summer math camp in August. Teachers will collaborate with Garfield and Lincoln Elementary School staff to identify incoming 6^th graders that will benefit from a supportive summer program. “More than half of the students who need interventions are Spanish-speaking Latino students enrolled in the dual language immersion programs,” explained Principal Alicia Ward-Satey. “Bilingual support is critical for this class.”

The new English Language Learner Newcomer Prep at Corvallis High School will also serve bilingual students. The goal of Newcomer Prep is to refresh speaking and listening skills after a summer of communicating solely in students’ home language. “The idea behind this program is to ease the transition for our students of color who are English language learners,” CHS Assistant Principal Paul Navarra explained.

In 2013, the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation adopted a strategic vision to help more Corvallis students stay on track for high school graduation. Since that time, graduation rates in Corvallis have climbed from 67.5 to 86 percent, due in part to programs like AVID, math and writing camps, and credit recovery. Data indicate that students who are not meeting grade level proficiencies in elementary and middle school will continue to lag as they advance to high school, underscoring the importance of providing resources at middle and elementary school levels as well.

“We are grateful to our donors for making these programs possible,” said Corvallis Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Liv Gifford. “Our community continues to show incredible support for kids.”