SUMMER MATTERS INITIATIVE

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson’s Summer Matters Initiative Supports Summer Leaning and Provides Meals for Low-Income Families

The research is well documented despite many naysayers. Schools are doing their job. According to a study by John Hopkins University, students’ learning gains during the school year were nearly equal regardless of socioeconomic status. However, those who do not engage in educational activities over the summer experience learning loss. Moreover, summer learning loss is cumulative and contributes substantially to the achievement gap between low-income and higher-income students. And, while some families in Silicon Valley can afford to spend a year’s college tuition on summer camps, many, many many more are working 2+ jobs just to make ends meat. 

Superintendent Torlakson plans to eradicate summer learning loss while providing nutritious meals for kids with his Summer Matters Initiative, but he needs referral networks to get the word out and urge families to participate. "Only one in five low-income children who eat subsidized meals during the school year are taking advantage of the summer meal program, meaning a lot of kids are unnecessarily going hungry this summer," said Torlakson. "I urge families to use this free service so their children will have access to the healthy, fresh food they need to grow, learn, and succeed in school."

Parents and referral agencies can find a list of locations where children may receive free nutritious meals by going to www.cde.ca.gov, and searching summer meal sites or by calling 1-800-952-5609. For summer reading and math resources, go to www.cde.ca.gov, and search “summer math and reading.”

 

For more academic stimulation that is entertaining and free there’s always a lot happening at your local library. For San Mateo County, check out, http://www.smcl.org. 

Kids do not thrive on food and schoolwork alone! They need exercise, fresh air and sunshine. Thankfully there are plenty of fun, free activities that don’t require extra funds for expensive theme parks or travel. Cut the tether to your children’s iPad, cellphone, or Xbox and take a bike ride, blade or stroll to the local park, pack a picnic and play Frisbee, freeze tag, or hide-n-seek. Trust me, even your pre-teens will act silly and revert to kid mode.

Many Bay Area cities and towns put on free concerts in the park. It’s a great way for you and the kids to groove to live performances. No need to spend your hard earned cash on gas, driving hours to go camping. Let the kids invite friends for a sleepover in the backyard or even in the living room.

However you spend your sweet summer months, I hope there is plenty of family time, fresh air, good food, and tons of fun. 

Contact Margaret Lavin at elementarydays@gmail.com.