Summer school starts today in Twin Cities

Summer vacation may have started for some kids, but school starts again today for some students in the Minneapolis and St. Paul public school systems.

"The school buses are rolling," Jan Braaten, who directs the six-week summer program in Minneapolis. "We have our pre-K to 8th grade program that starts today. Our high school credit recovery starts on July 9."

About one-third of the district's students are expected to take part in the program. Braaten says summer school is especially important for children in poverty who may not get stimulating outings and summer activities at home.

Parents who would like to sign their children up for the Monday through Thursday sessions are encouraged to contact their children's school, the Area Learning Center office, or the MPS website here. The curriculum includes reading and math, but also social studies, science, PE, music and art.

"Research shows that as the years go by, summer learning loss just builds on itself, so by 6th, 7th, 8th grade, that achievement gap has really grown," Braaten said. "I think that what we all believe here is that students really need to be in school in the summer, particularly students in poverty, in order for us to provide some of those enriching experiences that students not in poverty get at home."

Summer school also begins today for students in St. Paul.

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