PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and Providence Public School District (PPSD) Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez visited the ongoing Summer Learning Program at DelSesto Middle School on Tuesday, July 25. The tour showcased the dedication of educators and the District’s commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities for students throughout the summer, and a robust Summer Meals Program to ensure students receive nutritious meals.
The Summer Learning Program, spanning six weeks and catering to thousands students from elementary to high school grades, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to students' success. With the collective efforts of PPSD teachers, students are engaged in a variety of enriching activities to enhance their academic preparedness.
"High-quality summer learning programs are essential for our students' growth and success, and they are a critical piece of our plans to shift from 180 days of learning to 365," said Governor Dan McKee. "PPSD’s summer learning programs are a shining example of how we can provide engaging and impactful educational experiences for our students, ensuring their continued academic progress."
"I am incredibly impressed with the Summer Learning Program at DelSesto Middle School and PCTA,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “The Summer Meals Program, combined with the educational experiences, offers a holistic approach to supporting our students' growth and success. We’re proud that our tour today was able to showcase the dedication of our educators and the commitment to providing our students with the tools they need to thrive academically and beyond."
Additionally, the Summer Meals Program, an integral part of the Summer Learning Program, ensures that students receive nutritious meals throughout the day. The Summer Meals Program, which provides on average over 23,000 breakfast, lunch, and dinners weekly to students. This comprehensive approach recognizes the importance of proper nutrition in supporting students' growth, learning, and development.
"We are dedicated to ensuring that our students have access to high-quality educational opportunities throughout the year," said Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. "The Summer Learning Program, along with the Summer Meals Program, has been a resounding success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teachers and the collaboration with community partners."
During the visit, Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green, and Superintendent Montañez had the opportunity to observe the vibrant learning environment and interact with students, directors and program coordinators. The tour highlighted the positive impact of summer educational programming which features an emphasis on reading and writing and provides additional opportunities for students to gain agency in their learning and dig into sessions with a dedication to academic growth, social emotional learning and overall well-being. Additionally, Commissioner Infante-Green and Superintendent Montañez toured CTE program at Providence Career and Technical Academy highlighting trades learning opportunities.
The Summer Learning Program offers a diverse range of academic opportunities to foster students' development. These include Robonation STEM toolkits and Seaperch learning kits that allow students to create a submersible boat after learning how to solder, drill, and cut PVC pipe while learning the basics of electronics. STEM students investigate and learn the basics of electronics design for future career technical experience. The Program aims to provide an holistic approach to education, enabling students to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and nurture their creativity.
The visit from Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green, and Superintendent Montañez underscored the significance of the Summer Learning Program in preparing students for future success through engaging and academically enriching experiences.
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