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La Joya ISD details revamped summer 'STEAM camp' model, shorter days and bilingual options
Summary
La Joya ISD staff presented a redesigned summer schedule Feb. 26 focused on a shorter, STEAM-focused elementary day (8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), bilingual pre-K/K at 10 host campuses with longer hours to meet 120-hour statutory requirements, and middle/high school academic recovery and enrichment with transportation to partner colleges.
La Joya ISD staff presented a redesigned summer academic plan on Feb. 26 that centers elementary programming on a STEAM summer-camp model with shorter daily hours, expands bilingual pre-K/K at 10 host campuses, and offers targeted middle- and high-school academic recovery and enrichment options.
Dr. Little, the district presenter for summer programming, said the core elementary Attendance, Tutoring, Summer Instruction (ATSI) program will run roughly 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with meals provided and weekly STEAM themes; he described the schedule as intentionally shortened to create a camp-like experience with daily reading and math as well as hands-on exploration. Ten schools will offer a longer-day option — up to 2:30 p.m. — to accommodate the formal bilingual pre-K/K program, which must meet at least 120 hours over the summer.
For middle school, staff said the core program targets students who did not meet grade-level standards and will include English-language enrichment, STEM camps, and a Text Prep partnership with UTRGV. Middle-school sites include Desavala, Garza, Anne Richards and JD Salinas, with the daily schedule set at about 8:50 a.m. to 1:20 p.m.
High school offerings include Algebra/EOC recovery, revamped TSI preparation, early-college summer-bridge programming for incoming freshmen in early college and P-TECH pathways, dual-credit coursework at partner campuses and expanded GEAR UP activities. The district will provide transportation for students attending off-site college partners such as South Texas College (STC) and UTRGV for summer courses; chaperones will accompany students on those trips.
Board members asked logistical questions. A board member asked whether transportation is provided to off-campus partners; staff confirmed district buses and chaperones will support students attending STC and UTRGV summer classes. Staff also said enrollment caps exist for some enrichment programs that use outside partners, while the core elementary ATSI program has no cap — the district encourages broad participation.
Registration materials will be distributed to campuses and families starting the day after the meeting and during the district's Texas Public Schools Week open houses, staff said. The district emphasized that extended services (dyslexia and special-education extended-year services, migrant supports, and Flex/attendance-recovery programming) will continue through the summer for eligible students.
