Girls read in the sun at the Argenziano School

Summer Learning in Somerville

Research shows that students who do not participate in learning activities over the summer may experience a loss of learning. When they return to school in the Fall, these students require a review of the previous year's material before they can begin to do work at their grade level. To prevent this loss of learning, Somerville Public Schools offers a variety of programs and services for students. Learn more about each of these services below.


Questions
1)  What are the Summer Reading requirements of the Somerville Public Schools?
2)  Where can I get free breakfast or lunch this summer?
3)  Can you help me find a summer camp for my child?
4)  How do I recommend a student for Elementary Summer School?
5)  How do you decide if someone should attend High School Summer School?
6)  Can I enroll my child in SPELL (Summer Program for English Language Learners)?
 
Answers
1)  Q What are the Summer Reading requirements of the Somerville Public Schools?
A
Summer is a great time to explore the fun and excitement of reading for pleasure. Somerville students in grades 1-12 are encouraged to read over the summer, and will be required to complete a book project early in the new school year, which starts on Wednesday, September 7th. The recommended summer reading lists below provide suggested books for each grade level for students in grades 1-12. Students do not have to read books from these lists; they are provided to help guide book selection for students who may not know what they want to read.

2)  Q Where can I get free breakfast or lunch this summer?
A

Free Meals ALL SUMMER for ALL Somerville Youth

Join us for free breakfast and lunch prepared by Somerville's award-winning Food Service Department. Available all summer for all youth, regardless of ability to pay.

FREE Breakfast for ALL Somerville Youth at:

• Foss Park Pool: Monday through Friday from July 2nd-August 24th between 9:30-9:45 AM

• KidStop in Powderhouse Park:  Monday through Thursday from July 2nd-August 7th between 9:45-10:00 AM

 

FREE lunches are dropped off for ALL Somerville Youth daily in the following locations:

• Lexington Avenue Playground from July 2nd - August 17th from 10:15am-10:30am

• Trum Field from June 26th - August 24th, from 10:30-10:45am

• Mystic Housing Playground from July 2nd - August 24th from 11:55 AM - 12:15 PM

• Foss Park Pool from June 25th - August 24th from 12:30-12:50 PM

• Dilboy Pool from July 2nd - August 17th from 12:15-12:45 PM

 

The following sites will have lunch from From July 2nd - August 17th:

• Senator Corbett Park, Monday-Friday from 10:00-10:15 AM

• Hodgkins Park, Monday-Friday from 10:45-11:00 AM

• Albion Park, Monday-Friday from 1:30-1:45 PM

• Mystic Boat House, Monday-Friday from 1:00-1:15 PM

Have questions about where kids 18 years and younger can eat free summer meals at sites across Somerville? Call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 or visit www.meals4kids.org for details.

3)  Q Can you help me find a summer camp for my child?
A

Somerville Community Schools offers a day camp for students Monday through Friday at the Healey School. The Community Schools' camp starts on July 2nd and runs weekly sessions through August 17th.

They also offer a "Counselor in Training" program (CIT) for middle grades students. Learn more at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/summer.

The Somerville Living and Thriving Guide offers information for families on summer camps, recreational opportunities across the City, and other resources families and children. You can download a copy or browse the content on our website at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/family_guide

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4)  Q How do I recommend a student for Elementary Summer School?
A
Visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/summer_school for more information about the elementary summer school program, including details for teachers and principals on how to make a recommendation for a student to attend summer school and enrolling one's child in summer school for academic enrichment.
5)  Q How do you decide if someone should attend High School Summer School?
A

Summer school is recommended to students who may be in danger of failing their school grade, allowing them to develop skills to make passing the grade possible.

Contact the High School Summer School Director to learn more.
6)  Q Can I enroll my child in SPELL (Summer Program for English Language Learners)?
A
SPELL is not an optional enrichment program. Students are recommended for SPELL if they are not meeting grade level standards because they are learning English. Dr. Sarah Davila, who oversees the Department of English Language Education, can answer additional questions about SPELL. Dr. Davila can be reached at 617-625-6600 x6096.