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Southampton schools report summer learning numbers and submit literacy plan; board questions low summer-school turnout
Summary
District staff reported on summer reading book distributions, summer school enrollment (212 total across grades), summer staffing and the Division Literacy Plan (BLA) submitted June 30. Board members pressed for reasons behind low elementary summer-school attendance and asked for a follow-up breakdown of invitations, acceptances and staffing.
District instructional staff reported that summer reading packs were sent home for K-5 students with decodable texts tied to the Virginia Literacy Act and that the Summer Learning Academy ran June 28—July 30.
Superintendent and instructional staff presented enrollment numbers: 68 elementary, 92 middle school and 52 high school students for a total of 212 summer-school participants. Presenters said letters were mailed and parents were called; the district also accepted unenrolled students who asked to attend. Board members noted the elementary participation appeared substantially lower than in past years and asked for a follow-up showing how many students were invited and why invited students declined.
Instruction staff said they would provide a Google-sheet breakdown of recommended students, which principals used to call parents, and reasons for nonattendance where recorded. The board also heard staffing details: 12 elementary teachers (including one EL teacher, one special-education teacher and one special-education paraprofessional pair), nine high-school teachers (some teaching only morning sessions) and supporting paraprofessionals.
The board received an update on the Division Literacy Plan (DLP) submitted June 30 under the Virginia Literacy Act. Changes include extending phonics instruction and organized intervention into grades 6—8 and using Lexia and other supplemental programs. The district reported that the DLP and a BLA report card would be posted on the division website.
Why it matters: low summer-school takeup and the structure of the literacy plan affect remediation opportunities and resource allocation for students at risk of retention. Board members asked for more precise follow-up data on invitations, acceptances and reasons for nonattendance so the district can improve outreach and planning.
