Cleveland City Schools outlines Camp Raider summer plan, adds small‑group counseling pilot

Cleveland City Schools presented details Wednesday for its 2025 summer program, Camp Raider: Myths & Legends, describing a four‑week schedule of targeted academics, enrichment and support services and announcing a new pilot of counselor‑led small groups for social‑emotional skills.

Adam Moss, who has led the summer program planning in recent years, described a four‑week program in June with four days per week of instruction (16 sessions total). Moss said the program will prioritize students identified by state rules as one or more grade levels behind in ELA or math at midyear benchmarks; after priority students enroll, remaining seats will open to any student.

"The state law does require us to identify priority students," Moss said. "Once those students have had an opportunity to enroll, if there is additional space we open it up to any student who wants to attend." Moss noted the state provides funding that defines several program requirements and pays for transportation and meals.

Staff described a mix of rigorous academic sessions in ELA and math with physical activity, STEM and enrichment. Moss said the district is adding a brief, locally developed pre‑ and post‑assessment aligned to summer instruction to measure growth during the 16 sessions.

Sherlyn Lombard described a new small‑group online pilot for social‑emotional learning that the district plans to run during the summer. The pilot would place three to five students per counselor group for repeated sessions over four weeks to target social awareness, emotional regulation and self‑control. Lombard said the project will align to Tennessee School Counseling policy and standards and that the district hopes to serve roughly 60 students (about 12 groups) if grant support is available.

Lombard said staff have discussed collaborating with a local grant program (referred to as the Stronger Connection grant) to provide funding for that mental‑health small‑group pilot, and that state funds will continue to cover the base summer program, meals and transportation.

Board members asked how students are selected and whether any students are required to attend. Moss said only students subject to third‑grade retention/promotion rules related to ELA may be required to attend as part of that state law; otherwise, enrollment is voluntary for priority students. "We work closely with principals and parents to help them meet those needs," Moss said.

Board members also asked how the district will staff the summer program; Moss said interest from teachers has been strong and that staffing needs were met in previous summers. Staff said the district will invite board members to visit programs in June and will return with enrollment and outcome details after the summer.

Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided at each site and an SRO, nurse and counselor will be on site. Moss said transportation supports will be similar to prior summers; last year the district used about 15 drivers for routes and expects similar support this year.