While the sun was shining in July, over 200 LION students were hard at work in our Summer Boost program, building on what they had learned in their previous grade and preparing for the academic year ahead. Across the board, students improved their literacy and math skills in just four weeks, a trend that has continued from previous Summer Boost programs. They also enjoyed visual arts and theater activities, kept active with daily health and fitness, and connected with friends and teachers.
And their hard work was not without its rewards! Trips and events were a huge highlight of the Summer Boost experience. Elementary students rowed on the Bronx River with our good friends at Rocking the Boat, toured the Hunts Point Library, and had a blast at Sportime USA. They joined our inaugural Rising Kindergarten Summer Camp for a carnival experience on the last day of programming. Middle school students got into the competitive spirit with a community-wide LION scavenger hunt, an awesome field day, and a trip to Dave & Buster’s. Our students also celebrated their last day with a gallery stroll and showcase to highlight the performing and visual arts activities that complemented their English and math studies. High school students enjoyed a trip to Yankee Stadium to see the Yankees defeat the Pirates, a visit to ARTECHOUSE NYC, and a voyage on the Circle Line. These character-building experiences reinforced the work students engaged in during the program, helped deepen relationships with their peers, and offered them opportunities to explore the larger New York City community.
The results of LION’s Summer Boost program underscore the critical importance of continued learning opportunities for students, an area of need that is not included in public charter schools’ per-pupil funding. All students deserve quality summer programming that supports their academic needs, fosters interpersonal growth and creative expression, and provides opportunities to deepen curiosity. LION is proud to have offered summer programming aligned to students’ needs since its opening. Thanks to a transformative gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies, LION has been able to expand and enhance its summer program for the past five years and aims to continue this work for years to come.
