Summer programs enrich the lives of Placentia-Yorba Linda students

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District’s (PYLUSD) work doesn’t stop after the final bell rings on the last day of school.

This summer, the district is offering an array of educational opportunities catered to all ages. From independent study art courses to English language development, PYLUSD campuses continue to buzz with student activity.

The district’s strategic plan, The Advantage, states: “We are committed to being a dynamic learning community that prepares each and every student for success now and in the future.” These summer programs were created to continue that education, even over the summer break.

For example, Lakeview Elementary School will host an enrichment summer school program where 500 Preppy K through seventh grade students rotate through four engaging classes each day from 8 a.m. to noon. Students will have the opportunity to learn about science, math, music and art by studying nontraditional topics like Lego robotics, Web page design, Hawaiian culture and much more.

Over 1,250 PYLUSD students signed up for online independent study courses offered by Pacific Coast High School. In this program, students are given the opportunity to get ahead of schedule, recover lost credits and improve on a previous grade.

Additionally, a comprehensive fine arts course, offered this summer at La Entrada High School, allows incoming seniors with full schedules the opportunity to take their art class over the summer in order to complete other classes throughout the regular school year. A fine arts course is required for college entry, so this unique opportunity has proven to be highly valuable to our students.

New this summer, the district is offering a Title I/English Learner Enrichment Summer Camp. Approximately 170 third through fifth grade students from Melrose and Rio Vista elementary schools will take part in integrated lessons based on the ocean biome – the naturally occurring plants and animals that occupy the deep sea. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), has partnered with PYLUSD to provide greater student enrichment, such as a four-day dance component with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. In addition, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has provided stipends to six newly graduated teachers from CSUF to serve as co-teachers for the camp. This innovative course is proving to be a strong model for district partnerships, science education and overall enrichment of English learner students who are in danger of becoming long-term English learners (LTELs). The district has high hopes of expanding the program to more schools in the future.

Finally, the PYLUSD Nutrition Services Department will offer the Seamless Summer Feeding Option (SSFO) at Valencia High School and Tynes Elementary School. This program allows students and any child from the surrounding community to receive breakfast and lunch, free of charge. These SSFO locations have been advertised locally at the schools, as well as with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District is tremendously proud to offer all of these advantageous summer programs to the students in our community. These opportunities perfectly align with the district’s core values of excellence, collaboration, integrity and innovation.