Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Summer Programming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Medford approves MAPS summer program, literacy camp to run July sessions; sliding scale for families
Summary
The committee approved a district-run summer program (MAPS) and a targeted literacy camp; the literacy program will be free and the full‑day MAPS option will charge a sliding scale for families with financial assistance available.
The Medford School Committee approved a district proposal on May 19 to run an academically oriented summer program, MAPS, and a separate invite‑only literacy camp for students identified by district data.
Interim Superintendent Suzanne Gallucci said the MAPS program will run July 7–Aug. 1 at the Brooks building because ongoing HVAC work limits space at other sites. The literacy program, targeted by assessment data and intended to reduce summer slide, will run July 7–July 18 and is free for invited students.
Gallucci said MAPS offers a full‑day option (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) with optional extended care (8 a.m. drop off, 4 p.m. pickup) and a half‑day option for students in the literacy camp who want enrichment in the afternoon. “This program would prevent summer slide because students would be engaged in weekly, thematic activities and projects that would enhance academics and exploration,” she said.
The committee heard questions about how MAPS differs from the district’s existing Summer Fun program and about academic content beyond literacy. Gallucci said Summer Fun (offered elsewhere in the district) is lower cost and serves broader recreational needs; the MAPS program is more academically focused, includes supplies and staffing that increase per‑student cost, and is intended to complement — not replace — existing summer offerings.
On pricing, staff said MAPS is priced to cover staffing and materials: the MAPS full‑day fee is higher than Summer Fun (the presentation noted a $1.00 per‑day difference in examples discussed). Financial assistance and the same sliding scale used for after‑school programs will be available, and literacy camp remains free. Gallucci also said the district will coordinate with the Medford Public Library and curriculum staff to align reading and math activities.
The committee approved the MAPS summer rate card by voice vote. Members said they want clearer communications to families about how MAPS relates to Summer Fun and asked that staff work toward a cohesive portfolio of out‑of‑school time offerings for future summers.
Ending: Gallucci said invitations for the literacy program will go out to selected families that week and staff will post the MAPS registration and details on the Medford Public Schools website.
