Summer learning grant awarded to Jefferson County School District 509J
Matthew Draxton
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County School District 509J has received a three-year summer learning grant from the Oregon Department of Education. The funding will allow the district to sustain its summer programming for students at no extra cost. This initiative aims to strengthen literacy and support student success across all grade levels.
The district was one of only two in its region to be awarded this competitive grant.
The grant provides approximately $478,860 in annual funding over the next three years. This support benefits more than 500 students in grades K-12.
The program’s goal is to improve student achievement in academic areas.
The summer acceleration program will be offered at Bridges High School, Madras Elementary School and Madras High School. It will run Monday through Thursday, starting on July 20 and concluding on Aug. 6.
Warm Springs K-eight Academy has historically served as a program site. However, its campus will be unavailable this year due to a major construction project. Students who attend Warm Springs K-eight Academy will attend the summer program at Madras Elementary.
The district will offer transportation for students in need and provide meals to all summer program participants. The program provides opportunities for academic enrichment designed to help students meet state standards in subjects including reading and language arts, math and science.
Students will have many opportunities for science, technology, engineering and math-based learning that sparks curiosity. Hands-on activities will make learning engaging. There will also be a strong daily focus on English language arts and math.
Superintendent Jay Mathisen emphasized the importance of the funding for student development. “This competitive funding allows our district to continue to invest in a meaningful and robust summer program that offers additional support to students across all grade levels,” Mathisen said. “We are thankful to receive this funding which allows us to offer these programs that support our students’ growth and ensure they flourish here.”
Jefferson County School District 509J serves approximately 2,650 students across Jefferson County, Ore. The district is committed to uniting to empower culturally enhanced learners to shape the world. Its core values are Students Flourish Here, We Care for Each Other and Better Every Day.
More information on registration and program schedules is available on the district website. Families are encouraged to visit the website to learn more about the programs.