Manatee Schools maps summer programs: statutory reading camps, VPK bridge, ESY and expanded extracurricular offerings

District curriculum leaders told the School Board on April 8 that the School District of Manatee County will run a broad slate of summer programs and professional learning in 2025 that mix statutorily required offerings with locally funded and grant‑supported activities.

The overview: Curriculum director Allison Nichols and colleagues outlined mandatory programs required by state statute — third‑grade summer reading camp for retained third graders, voluntary summer VPK and a new VPK summer‑bridge program for VPK completers who score below the 10th percentile, and extended‑school‑year (ESY) services for eligible students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The district also will run a wide set of optional programs: Title I “Camp Esteem,” migrant camps, the “Smart Enough” arts camp (in partnership with the Manatee Arts Education Council and Manatee Education Foundation), Camp Creator for English‑language learners, robotics camps, credit‑recovery and bridge programs for secondary students, driver’s education, and career/postsecondary exploration with Manatee Technical…