Superintendent highlights expanded summer literacy program and credit-recovery efforts

Superintendent Mr. Jesse told the Shelton School District board the district expanded its elementary summer program to 20 days this year to focus on high-quality literacy instruction and a safe, welcoming environment for students who are not meeting reading and writing standards. "Our program, initially was only 16 days and now it's 20," he said, noting smaller cohorts of about 16 students and short, targeted mini-lessons to build foundational skills.

He described a token-based reward system in which students earn daily points toward prizes and an attendance incentive that has included donated bikes. The superintendent said staff use close, small-group instruction and conferring strategies to accelerate learning: "You gotta practice your skills to get better," he said, describing short lessons, fluency work and comprehension practice.

Mr. Jesse also noted the district offers credit-recovery time for high school freshmen, giving students a window after the school year to complete assignments or demonstrate mastery so they can recover credits, particularly in math. "We're getting a number of kids able to get 6 or more credits their freshman year, which is really key to their success ... graduating on time," he said.

Board members asked logistical questions: the elementary summer program is centralized at Mountain View to streamline supervision and food service, and Mr. Jesse reported roughly 200 elementary students were participating though enrollment fluctuates during the session. The board praised staff and community support for the program.

The discussion concluded with members noting the program is part of a broader strategic focus on literacy that the district links to long-term outcomes, and with thanks from the board for staff efforts during the summer.