District staff described a new summer initiative called Eat, Read, Play: a series of family-focused events where children eat a provided meal, participate in guided literacy activities and play, and where families can meet local service providers.

Program organizers said the program is designed to reduce "summer slide" in reading, connect birth-to-five and elementary families with community supports (library programs, early-learning hubs, bike-safety helmet distributions and local non-profits) and provide targeted tutoring for middle- and high-school students who need extra academic help. The school library, the Central Oregon Geology Society, the OSU Master Gardeners, the Oregon Bee Project and other local partners committed donations or program time; the district reported strong community donations and in-kind support.

Nut graf: The district framed Eat, Read, Play as an equity-focused intervention to keep children learning over the summer, provide family resources and create community touchpoints for families who may lose services during summer months. Organizers emphasized free books, reading activities and community partnerships as the main levers to preserve literacy gains.

Key details: the program will distribute books (the Cook County Library will support library-card signups), include parent resources and early-literacy games supplied by area hubs, and offer daily nutrition at events. Organizers also plan bike-helmet giveaways through Smart Bike Safety and community performances or activities (local theater, author donations). Middle- and high-school students will have optional small-group tutoring sessions with teachers. The district asked board members to help publicize donors and pledged to recognize contributors on the district reader board and in event materials.

Ending: Board members praised the initiative and requested periodic updates on participation, family feedback and early indicators of impact on reading engagement.