Fallbrook students describe summer reading push and STEM projects at Super Summer Camp

Two Fallbrook Union Elementary students told the governing board on Monday evening that summer programs aimed at boosting reading and engagement were a hit with participants.

"We were encouraged to grab a book, grab a pillow and find a comfy spot to enjoy a few minutes of uninterrupted reading," student leader Leah said as she described the district's summer reading initiative for Expanded Learning Opportunities, migrant and extended-school-year programs. Leah told the board that each classroom received a "cozy book nook" stocked with leveled readers and a color-coded system to help students pick texts at their level.

Rising sixth-grader Isaac said Super Summer Camp combined sports-themed lessons with reading, writing and math activities tied to the books students read. "This summer I read for 140 minutes," Isaac said, adding that his class read a total of 1,940 minutes and the entire Super Summer Camp tally exceeded 40,000 minutes.

Board members and the superintendent praised the combination of guided small-group instruction and independent reading built into the programs. The board noted students also worked on STEM projects; Isaac described a class project that produced an automated kicking machine.

The presentations came during the district's public portion of the meeting; trustees applauded the students and thanked school and district staff who run the after-school and summer programs. Superintendent Monica Hazel noted the programs support the district's reading-proficiency goals and said staff will continue to expand classroom libraries and guided reading structures during the school year.

The meeting record shows no formal action resulted directly from the student presentation; the board proceeded to routine business following the remarks.