Summer in Camden, Gates & Hertford

Continuing their visits of the North Carolina school extension programs, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction staff and regional teams spent time in Camden, Gates and Hertford counties in late July. The team witnessed integrated and electric classrooms which would inspire student success throughout the summer months in preparation for the 2021-22 school year.

DPI staff began their day in Camden county where Grandy Primary School hosted its summer extension program with a circus theme. Led by principal Timothy Lazar, every classroom connected with all subjects for a cohesive learning experience that incorporated a variety of subjects. Each lesson is data driven with literacy imbedded into the culture. Students followed “recipes” for all activities and earned tickets throughout the week to use at the weekly carnival.

What a great start to our NE NC #DistrictVisitsVoices Tour with @CamdenSchoolsNC and @MJF0818! Thank you for sharing the brilliance of Grandy Primary School and their teachers and leadership team. And SO MUCH FUN learning from the students! #educatordiplomats #OneTeamOneVoice pic.twitter.com/nOKXVgCT6W

— Freebird McKinney (@FreebirdsShire) July 22, 2021

The day continued at Gatesville Elementary School in Gates county where the summer programs were well received by highly-engaged students and families with the goal of enrichment, engagement and acceleration. Principal Shawn Wilson knew every students’ name, creating a personal connection beyond the classroom setting. Multilevel teachers take steps to prepare students for success in the next grade through relationships-based learning for a well-rounded approach to success. A beginning and end of summer learning event fostered community engagement within Gates county.

Continued our work with #districtvisitsvoices in Gates County Schools with @williamsbBarry Dr. Tammy Boone, and Principal Shawn Wilson, where we learned about the importance of relationships, engagement, and excitement in their summer learning opportunities! #educatordiplomats pic.twitter.com/0wulkccsBa

— Julie Paige Pittman (@twinologist) July 22, 2021

Wrapping up the day in Hertford county, DPI staff joined district leaders and teacher leaders at Roanoke Chowan Community College for a leadership retreat consisting of teacher and student teacher presentations. A second-grade student gave a noteworthy presentation lauding her homeroom and PE teachers, Mrs. Field and Mrs. Williams, for core and enrichment activities this summer to accelerate her into third grade. Through Opportunity Culture, there has been a culture shift that has supported teacher recruitment and retainment at every level in Hertford county. Partnerships with the community college create paid teacher internships to grow the pipeline.

Now what? Summer learning opportunities have re-engaged students with classroom learning while providing a transition to the subsequent grade level. The success and well-received nature of the school extension programs provides a model for future summer bridge programs. Community engagement builds interest and commitment to student success both in and out of the classroom.