In 2021 and 2022, Oregon schools had direct access to Summer Learning Grants that provided funds for districts to create summer academic/extracurricular activities and fill learning gaps that resulted from the COVID pandemic. In 2021, La Grande School District received $565,249.25 and provided multiple literacy picnics, dozens of camps, high school credit recovery, and a K-9 JumpStart academic program that served over 800 students. In 2022, La Grande School District received $489,333.22 and continued to offer programming that both supported student interests and strengthened academic outcomes. These summer programs and camps have been a great opportunity to reconnect students and staff, engage student interests and passions, and fill learning gaps in a profound and meaningful way. We appreciate so much the students, staff, and community members that made the last two years of programming a resounding success!
As we move from the pandemic and Oregon looks to the future, it has become apparent that other initiatives and investments will move forward while others fade. We have been notified that the Oregon Summer Learning Grants will not be made available to districts and will not allow us to continue to provide free summer camps to our community and families.
However, La Grande School District will be using federal ESSER funds to continue to meet the academic needs of students by continuing to provide our K-8 JumpStart, Freshman Academy, and high school credit recovery programs. Additionally, LGSD is funding scholarships for students to participate in EOU camps this summer to extend learning. We are focused on helping all students recover from the pandemic, meet grade-level proficiencies, and graduate on-time with their peers. These programs help students do just that. We are appreciative of the staff that will make these learning experiences a reality for our students!
Love, Care, Serve