Even though school was out for the summer, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) campuses were alive with vibrant educational and extracurricular activities for over 5,500 students enrolled in six dynamic programs: Enrichment, ELD Camp, Extended School Year (ESY), IMPACT, Credit Recovery, Childcare Camps, and Sports Camps.
The district’s five-week Summer Enrichment Program, hosted at Fairmont and Rio Vista elementary schools, welcomed hundreds of students from transitional kindergarten to seventh grade at no cost. They enjoyed a selection of engaging, future-ready classes. This year’s program featured over 28 unique courses taught by PYLUSD teachers, including Math through Games, Cartoon Creation, Summer Camp Crafts, Ancient World Mythology, Graphic Design, Zumba, Storybook Spectacular, and Science of Plants and the Environment. While many classes focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), there were plenty of fun topics to explore.
Kristi Cooan, principal of Mabel Paine Elementary School and a leader of the Summer Enrichment Program, remarked, “Summer Enrichment at Fairmont was absolutely amazing. I loved seeing our students so engaged and excited to learn something new every day. Our teachers maintained their enthusiasm, positivity, innovation, and rigorous instruction from beginning to end. I am so proud to have worked together with all of them to create such a memorable enriching experience for our students.”
The district’s Extended School Year (ESY) program served students of all ages who qualify for special education. Held at various sites including George Key, Venture, Van Buren, Woodsboro, and Valencia, the program provided hundreds of students with hands-on learning experiences, technology-enhanced lessons, and tailored work related to their Individualized Education Program goals.
PYLUSD also offered Summer IMPACT programs for middle and high school students. IMPACT helps students get ahead in credits or repair grades with smaller class sizes and counseling support. Hosted at Valencia High School and Valadez Middle School Academy, the programs focused on English Language Arts, mathematics, physical education, and specific electives such as art, STEM, health, and creative writing. Various math and science courses were offered at the high school level.
Laura Fisher, principal of Brookhaven Elementary School, oversaw the middle school Summer IMPACT at Valadez. She commented, “The Middle School Summer Impact Program at Valadez provided students with a well-rounded educational experience, including classes in math, language arts, PE, and an elective. Students shared that they learned how to write a story, felt more confident with math, and enjoyed the supportive and engaging teachers. This program not only enhanced their academic skills but also boosted their confidence and enjoyment in learning.”
El Camino Real High School hosted a Credit Recovery Program for high school students from across the district. Over 180 students had the opportunity to recover credits in language arts, math, physical education, history, and electives. The program, with its highly qualified staff and small group environments, helped students who did not pass these courses during the regular school year recuperate up to 15 credits in a supportive setting.
Six childcare Summer Camps were provided at Brookhaven, Glenknoll, Linda Vista, Sierra Vista, Travis Ranch, and Woodsboro, offering a nine-week schedule of summer fun that included field trips, assemblies, and STEAM activities. In addition, Rio Vista and Melrose offered a five week nine hour summer program at no cost for families who qualify.
Preschool Summer Camp was a new addition to our strong summer programs located at Ruby Drive and Rio Vista, preschool students had the opportunity to extend their social, physical, and academic skills over the summer.
Additionally, over 3,000 students participated in Summer Sports Camps at El Dorado, Esperanza, Valencia, and Yorba Linda high schools. These camps, which prepared students for the fall, winter, and spring athletic seasons, included a wide range of sports such as football, cheer, soccer, lacrosse, and dance.
These programs were made possible through the collaborative efforts of several district departments, including Early and Expanded Learning led by Executive Director Dr. George Lopez, Educational Services led by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Olivia Yaung, and Special Education led by Assistant Superintendent Renee Gray. A dedicated team of teachers, staff members, and district and school administrators prepared for months to ensure all six programs provided valuable educational and extracurricular experiences for PYLUSD students throughout the summer.
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