Dear community member,
As we head into the summer break, I am so proud of our graduates and all that our school community has accomplished this year.
Summer is an important time to rest and recharge for many students, while others take advantage of summer school to recover credits or accelerate their learning. But even while students are taking a break from the structure of school, their brains don’t need to take a complete vacation. Summer learning loss is a real phenomenon that especially impacts low-income and historically disadvantaged students. Reading, outdoor adventures, engaging in art and creativity, and minimizing screen time can help students avoid learning loss and return to school ready to thrive.
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries Summer Reading Program and Watsonville Summer Reading Program are among those opportunities, and the cities of Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Capitola each offer an array of summer camps and activities. Below are some additional resources:
Finally, I wanted to thank the leadership of Santa Cruz Pride for extending the honor of serving as Grand Marshall for the Santa Cruz Pride Parade this weekend, along with the incredible staff at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. The parade is 11 a.m. Sunday in downtown Santa Cruz, followed by a festival, so I invite you come join the celebration if you’re free.
Wherever your summer takes you, I hope it is full of fun and rest – and I look forward to welcoming you back to school in the fall.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
County Superintendent of Schools