Slip and slide. It's a hoot on a hot summer's day. Unfortunately, it’s also what happens to a child’s social and academic skills when school doors close for the summer. Ask any teacher, they’ll tell you kids lose as much as two months of reading and math skills in the weeks between the last and first days of school. Research shows most kids lose a bit over the summer, but low-income kids lose the most because they lack engaging summer activities. Many of those same kids also miss out on healthy meals. |
Each summer, local children from low-income families can go to area day camps through stipends made possible by charitable gifts to Project GRACE. We in turn give that money to area camps, including a $2,500 gift to Scarborough Community Services. We make that investment because at camp, children are in an environment that fosters belonging, acceptance, independence and relationships. This experience not only develops social skills, self-esteem and emotional intelligence, it builds future leaders. And kids get healthy meals and snacks to help keep them on track.
Kids will be heading back to school soon, but many families will struggle to provide the basics like backpacks, notebooks, paper, pens and pencils, rulers and glue sticks. With your help, we can ensure all kids start the first day of school ready to learn, prepared to succeed. Easy as 1, 2,3 -- you can help a child start the school year prepared to succeed:
Drop off Locations Scarborough Public Library Biddeford Savings cPort Credit Union Gorham Savings Bank Katahdin Trust St Max Church (Monday, August 19th, 4-6 pm)
SUMMERFEST! FIREWORKS! FUN! Friday, August 16th (5-10 pm) |
Neighbors Helping NeighborsVisit us on FaceBook Categories
All
Archives
July 2024
|