HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMS READY TO WELCOME CHILDREN THIS JUNE

By Lily Belcher

Following the fishing tournament, the AlexStrong Foundation will host a rafe. The rafe will have a mix of fishing/hunting gear, gift baskets, gift cards, kid items and other prizes.

In addition to raising money for Salling through the tournament and rafe, the AlexStrong Foundation is accepting individual donations and corporate sponsorships. Sponsor logos will be displayed on a banner at the event. All donations and sponsorships are tax-deductible.

“We are so thankful to the people that continue to donate and help support our mission to pay forward all the kindness that was shown to our family when Alex was sick. We love keeping his memory alive by helping other families,” said Lori.

The AlexStrong Foundation was started in memory of Alex Sumner, who died of cancer in 2017. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. The money raised at the Bass Tournament will go to the Salling family to help fund treatments.

For more information on the AlexStrong Foundation or this year’s Bass Tournament and rafe, visit its Facebook page or contact Lori at 813-493-2557.

As our school year comes to a close, I know many parents are looking for ways to keep their students academically engaged over the summer through enriching programs that will spark their curiosity. Thankfully, Hillsborough County Public Schools ofers a wide variety of Summer Learning Programs (SLP) that can meet the needs of your student, all while allowing them to socialize and grow emotionally.

During the summer months, many children may find it difcult to form or maintain friendships with students their own age. There is also research that shows a student’s knowledge may decline during the summer months, especially in math and reading. A summer program can ofer a safe environment for children to explore a rigorous academic opportunity they’ve yet to learn, experience the outdoors and create new relationships with other learners in a program.

Hillsborough County Public Schools is ofering programs in multiple areas, including reading camps, outdoor water adventure camps, algebra boosters, STEM, cyber security and performing arts, among many others. For migrant students, HCPS ofers specialty programs that provide skills critical for success in a rigorous bilingual learning environment. Immigrant students from grades six to 11 can enroll in a program with a focus

By Superintendent Addison Davis

on the history and governmental infrastructure of the nation, state and city.

The summer calendar begins on Monday, June 12 and ends on Thursday, August 3, depending on the program. Classes are held Monday through Thursday; the holiday week of Tuesday, July 4 will hold classes on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Not only will SLP allow students to be better prepared for the upcoming school year, but breakfast and lunch will also be provided for all students, and transportation will be available for eligible students.

Students that are eligible for academic programs will receive a Summer Learning Program notification letter with details, including dates, times and the assigned school. The district also has fee-based programs that can open children up to adventures and help them learn valuable new skills.

I encourage all families interested in learning about the Summer Learning Programs to visit www.hillsboroughschools. org to find the eligibility criteria and locations. Our website has detailed descriptions of each program’s benefits, along with the dates and times in which your child will be enrolled through the summer months. Our dedicated teachers, administrators and support staf are excited to welcome your children for the summer as we provide them with plenty of opportunities to learn, grow and have fun.