We are back, in person, and ready to tackle the summer with Newark Public Schools! The 2021 Summer Plus program is here and ASPIRA Inc., of New Jersey in partnership with Newark Public Schools (NPS), is ready with fun, engaging activities for all youth.

 

ASPIRA Program Coordinators, Maggie Aguilar, and Luinis Sosa, along with NPS Site Coordinator Larry Sullivan, operate three sites in Newark, NJ - Elliott, McKinley, and Park Elementary Schools. ASPIRA and NPS have had a long storied history in working together to stop the dreaded "Summer Slide" - The two to three months when students lose critical reading, math, and other academic skills.

 

The Summer Plus Program combines academic and enrichment activities into a full-day summer learning experience. Summer Plus has been developed by the Newark Public School’s (NPS) curriculum experts to improve critical math and literacy skills and ensure that participants are well prepared to start school in September.

 

"These programs are essential to all of the families we serve," stated Maggie. "It's important that kids from all across the city get an opportunity to be engaged in fun, academic programs to keep them ready for the upcoming school year."

 

The morning core academic classes are taught by NPS certified teachers and supported by NPS staff. NPS teachers and Community-Based organizations (CBOs) deliver the afternoon enrichment sessions, such as ASPIRA. Together, the NPS staff and ASPIRA offer themed, project-based learning that is linked to the morning class material.

 

More importantly, and for the first time in a year, The program provides much-needed, free childcare, meals and supervision, while the students' parents are at work.

 

"It's reassuring to them to know that their kids are in a safe environment familiar to everyone," stated Sosa. "The Summer Plus program provides that extra assurance to families who care and love their most cherished asset - their children. They trust us and it is our top priority to serve these youth to the best of our capabilities."

NPS Site Coordinator, Larry Sullivan, a veteran teacher and long-time Program Coordinator for Summer Plus, discussed the importance of these programs and why they are needed, especially after the isolation brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"These programs are critical in reinvigorating kids to be social, have fun and enjoy engaging activities that bring them and their communities together. As a teacher and member of my community, I am proud to work with NPS and ASPIRA on such an amazing program."

 

CLICK THE PICTURES TO SEE THE SLIDESHOW FOR EACH SCHOOL

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