Patrick Donachie
In the basement of 826NYC, Monica, Cutter Wood, Saeeda and Josh read over the dialogue for the concluding scene to their film noir.
The students at 826NYC are hunting a murderer—in the movie script they’re writing. But finding that fictional killer will be a lot easier than many kids’ real-life hunt for art programs to keep them stimulated over the summer break.
From distributing books in barbershops to recruiting a giant-sized Dora to explore the steps of City Hall, advocates and experts are trying to match inadequate public resources to the serious problem of summer break literacy losses.
School’s out for the summer, but the SchoolFood program is still distributing free, federally subsidized meals that fill stomachs and help facilitate programs that combat the summer slide.
Playing catch-up can be a way to avoid losing ground over the summer, but the evidence is far from conclusive.
The summer break is as much a season of concern as it is one of celebration. Over the coming months educators, parents, policymakers and non-profit organizations will work to stem any loss of learning that may impact students during their time away from the classroom.