Jamestown Public School students in last year's Summer Lit Camp participated in a STEM challenge to see who could make the tallest tower using marshmallows and toothpicks. Elementary School students participating in JPS LEAP this summer will have the opportunity to improve reading and comprehension skills and participate in enrichment activities. Submitted photo

JPS LEAP (Learning Enrichment & Academic Progress) is ready to welcome students to this summer’s program from July 1 to August 23. So far, 400 Jamestown students, who will be entering first through fourth graders in September 2019, have enrolled in the summer literacy and enrichment program. LEAP will run Monday through Friday over the summer at Bush, Love, Fletcher, Ring and Lincoln Elementary Schools from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. JPS will provide neighborhood bus transportation for all students to and from school and breakfast and lunch at no cost to any participant. There is still time to enroll your child in JPS LEAP as total enrollment will be 600. If Jamestown School families are interested in enrolling their child, please talk to your child’s teacher or contact your school’s partnering agency (Lincoln – Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown, Fletcher & Bush – YWCA and Ring & Love – YMCA) for more information.

LEAP will help propel Jamestown students forward this summer by improving reading and comprehension skills and offering enrichment activities during the summertime when traditionally students hit a “summer slide.” JPS LEAP is spearheaded by the district and provided in partnership with the YWCA, YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown, with additional support from other area community-based organizations. JPS LEAP will serve multiple purposes but its primary focus is developing literacy skills. Certified JPS teachers will deliver literacy intervention four days a week in the mornings, alongside activities from partner organizations. Teachers will work with students in small “like-skilled” groups utilizing research-based teaching strategies and assessments. Teachers will help students develop skills needed to positively progress as readers.

“I could not be more excited about the Summer LEAP program,” said Fletcher Elementary School teacher Shannon Osborne. “For several years, I directed a community-based summer program that offered our parents and youth a structured and positive environment for the summer. However, an integral part that was missing was the educational piece. The Summer Leap program is the perfect blend of traditional summer day camps infused with an exciting reading program. I have worked the Summer Lit Camp for the past two years and I look forward to another summer of friendships being made, working with our awesome community, learning, and of course, fun!”

In addition to the district’s literacy component, JPS’ partners in LEAP, Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown, YWCA and YMCA will manage each site and provide extended wrap care. As part of the program, field trips and enrichment activities will be offered to students in the afternoons including activities like: karate, Infinity Visual & Performing Arts activities, nature projects, swimming lessons, STEM learning experiments and walking visits to the Prendergast Library. Fridays will bring time for field trips providing students opportunities to enjoy local locations such as the Audubon Community Nature Center, Midway Park, Erie Zoo, Chautauqua County Fair and Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

“JPS LEAP is a summer day camp with district support,” said Amanda Gesing, JPS 21st Century Grants Director. “Our partners at the YMCA, YWCA and Boys and Girls Club are able to provide a well-rounded summer learning experience by connecting with additional community-based organizations and businesses. This unique program is going to be a success because it is a strong collaboration between the district and the community. All partners are invested and are excited to see the end product. As far as summer programs go, this one is unique and promises to be a great time for students with the multitude of program offerings provided to students.”

Families in need of extended care beyond 3 p.m. will have the option to enroll in the partner programming from 3 to 5 p.m. Partner agencies are currently hiring staff for Project LEAP. If you are interested in employment with the partner agencies, please contact the Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown, YWCA or YMCA for more information.