Summer of Learning in Los Angeles Unified Offers Academic and Enrichment Courses For Students of all Ages – From Preschool to High School (06-09-21)

CONTACT:                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289                                   June 9, 2021
Shannon.haber@lausd.net

Summer of Learning in Los Angeles Unified
Offers Academic and Enrichment Courses
For Students of all Ages – From Preschool to High School

LOS ANGELES (June 9, 2021) – Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner announced today that schools will offer summer programs for students of all ages, from preschool through 12^th grade. 

“We are excited to again offer Summer School for all students, which will include reading, math, science and English for K-8 students, credit-earning opportunities for high school students and enrichment classes for all ages and all grades,” Superintendent Beutner said. “And for the first time, we’ll also offer Summer School at selected school sites for preschoolers.”  

Some of the most popular classes from last summer will be returning, including Science of Sports with the Los Angeles Chargers, and a Voyage on the Titanic. The Fender Play Guitar classes will offer an additional 2,500 middle school students the opportunity to receive a free acoustic or electric guitar, an electric bass, or a ukulele and join the 5,000 students already participating in teacher-led music classes. 

Educators from Los Angeles Unified also worked with the creative talents at Illumination, the creators of the Minions, to put together an Honors Cartooning and Animation class where high-schoolers can earn credits for both high school graduation and college admission requirements. 

There are a slate of new courses this year, as well. Middle school students can learn storytelling skills and create their own comic book with the help of DC Super Heroes in the WarnerMedia Story Lab or explore history and culture in a Black/Pan African American History course. In Artificial Intelligence for Good, high school students will learn the basics of artificial intelligence and use them to address a social issue in their community. 

The Summer Enrichment program begins June 22 through July 23. 

Los Angeles Unified will also offer a full-day Beyond the Bell Summer Enrichment Program from June 14 through July 30 with in-person activities focusing on academic, physical, creative and social-emotional development.  

“Whether a student is participating in person or taking advantage of the online connection every student now has, we know all students will benefit from participating in school with their classmates,” Superintendent Beutner said. “This is another important step in the path to recovery. We’ve demonstrated how our nation-leading safety protocols are keeping schools safe, and we look forward to welcoming more students back onto campus this summer.” 

“I encourage all students of all ages to consider joining our great programs over the summer – they are a great way to deepen learning as well as have some fun,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “The expanded summer school opportunities are a critical part of our recovery from the pandemic as we look for innovative ways to support our students’ ongoing academic and socioemotional needs.” 

“Our broad and diverse selection of summer offerings will give students the opportunity to learn, grow and play after a challenging school year of distance learning,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “The summer will be a time for students to reset and recharge through enrichment activities and new experiences.” 

“Summer school offers another learning opportunity for our families," said Board Member Mónica García. "Let's make the most of summer rediscovering fun with friends, the joy of learning, and movement toward the fall."  

“I am excited that once again, Los Angeles Unified will offer summer school and enrichment opportunities for all our students,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “As we continue the path toward recovery and in-person instruction, we must double our efforts to nourish students’ curiosity and love for learning, guide them toward higher academic achievement and support their mental health.” 

“Our kids and families have faced different challenges over the course of this pandemic, which is why it’s so important that the District is offering our most expansive summer learning and enrichment program for students of all grade levels,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We need to do more than just prepare students for the next school year academically. I’m excited that we’re also providing a wide variety of in-person and virtual enrichment opportunities, including the first-ever districtwide summer ‘camp’ program for our kids to play outdoors, have fun with friends, and begin healing from the trauma of the past year.” 

“A summer back on campus after this past year is very welcome news,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “Our TK-12 students will enjoy having so many great options for study and creative enrichment, and they'll appreciate engaging with their classmates again. The first-ever preschool program is a terrific step forward for Los Angeles Unified. We know that access to high-quality early childhood education leads to greater success throughout a child's academic career. It would be great to expand access to more preschoolers in the future.” 

“Our students and families have persisted despite the numerous challenges presented over the past year,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “The summer enrichment program moves us forward on the path to recovery and accelerates student learning both equitably and holistically. I strongly encourage our students and families to enroll in our in-person and online summer enrichment programs by visiting www.lausd.org/summer2021opportunities.” 

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