Connect with us

Uncategorized

In Medford, summer school expands after vulnerable students struggle with distance learning

Published

on

 For Jana Langhoff and her son Tyler, summer days don’t look drastically different from when school was in session.

Tyler, who finished his first-grade year at home like the rest of his Howard Elementary School classmates amid Oregon’s statewide school closure, didn’t thrive while learning from a distance. And the catch-up instruction his school is offering him this summer won’t work much better, since his teacher still must connect with him over a computer instead of face-to-face.

Tyler, 6, had been settling into a routine just before the COVID-19 pandemicbut the ensuing restrictions disrupted that rhythm. If you ask his mother, she’ll tell you Minecraft has been a more effective teaching tool than anything his school offered him.

“I think it’s just not having the teacher there,” Jana Langhoff said. “Getting back in the classroom would be great. I know he’s falling behind.”

It’s that lack of connection that makes online summer school less appealing to the Langhoffs and to some older students as wellCiting the health risks of coronavirus, Howard Elementary’s leadership decided on an online-only model for its first summer school, available to students who need extra help preparing for the next school year.

Students of all ages, from kindergarten through high school, saw their quality of education lessened and academic trajectories slowed this spring, with students in poverty and without stable housing most likely to have lost ground.

But one group of Medford-area students is getting a new palette of summer learning opportunities this year, a positive result of the school closure. The school district’s annual migrant summer school is offering career and technical courses for the first time.

Though COVID-19 precautions continue to affect delivery methods, the summer offerings in Southern Oregon’s largest school district are further-reaching than they’ve ever been, with expanded programming to support students spanning the K-12 system. Multiple schools launched virtual programs to remedy learning loss this summer.

You may also like…

Eugene2 days ago

EPD to host National Night Out event at PK Park on August 3

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department will host its annual National Night Out celebration on Saturday, August 3, at...

Eugene2 days ago

Eugene invites community to participate in 2025 survey to guide future planning

Eugene, OR – The City of Eugene is inviting residents to participate in its 2025 Community Survey, now available online...

Eugene2 days ago

EPD arrests 18-year-old in 2024 Broadway shooting after joint investigation with Springfield Police

Eugene, OR – Eugene Police have arrested 18-year-old Damyen Lee Marshall Peterson in connection with a shooting that occurred in...

Crime & Safety3 days ago

Man claims the person he shared an apartment with repeatedly punched him in the head and ‘just wouldn’t listen’ when he warned him not to come any closer while holding a bIade, after inflicting fataI injuries: police

Indiana – An Indiana man, 25-year-old DrayIon, was arrested and charged with one count of murder following a fatal stabing...

Eugene4 days ago

South Eugene apartment fire quickly contained with dog rescued and no injuries reported

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an apartment fire in South Eugene late Friday morning, quickly containing the...

Crime & Safety4 days ago

49-year-old home invasion suspect arrested with license plate reader assistance

Eugene, OR – On July 23 at approximately 6:57 p.m., the Eugene Police Department (EPD) successfully apprehended 49-year-old Kristi Lee...

Eugene4 days ago

Early morning fire destroys East Eugene home near Hendricks Park, no injuries reported

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded to a fully involved house fire early Friday morning in the 2800...

Crime & Safety4 days ago

Two arrested in armed robbery at Willamette Street apartment complex

Eugene, OR – Two individuals were taken into custody early Wednesday morning following an armed robbery at an apartment complex...

Eugene4 days ago

Eugene Police celebrates the largest cadet group in more than 15 years, highlighting growth, mentorship, and future leadership

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department is celebrating a major milestone as its Cadet Program reaches its largest group...

Eugene4 days ago

Eugene Police to give away free bikes at National Night Out event

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department is gearing up for a fun-filled National Night Out celebration on August 3,...

Eugene1 week ago

Lanes expected to be reopened by July 25 after major repaving work at Chambers Street and West 11th Avenue

Eugene, OR – Major repaving work began on July 17 at Chambers Street and West 11th Avenue, resulting in the...

Trending