DUBUQUE COUNTY, Iowa – St. Mark Youth Enrichment is joining the National Summer Learning Association and other summer learning programs throughout the country in celebrating and recognizing the importance of summer learning for National Summer Learning Week (July 10-14).
St. Mark is inviting community partners, local leaders, members of the press, and funders to see the impact summer learning has on area kids first-hand.
National Summer Learning Week is a celebration dedicated to elevating the importance of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy every summer, ensuring they return to school ready to succeed in the year.
The agency kicked off its summer program in June with the launch of St. Mark Heroes Camp and has already been working hard to bring summer learning opportunities immersed in an environment of safety, love, and belonging to elementary-aged students in Western Dubuque and Dubuque.
Summer Learning Week also offers St. Mark the opportunity to highlight the many partners the organization depends on.
Partners like the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Dubuque Masonic Temple, and Dyersville Elementary provide space for the program, and a network of more than 50 community partners provides enrichment, transportation, and other experiences for kids every summer.
“We don’t do this alone,” says Beth McGorry, Director of Donor Relations. “It truly takes a village to make summer possible, and we owe many thanks to the amazing groups and people who come through for our kids in a big way!”
ABOUT ST. MARK HEROES CAMP
Heroes Camp is focused on literacy and has components of weekly themes, physical activity, snacks, and enrichment activities. Guest speakers and readers, as well as field trips, add to this program, engaging and helping students to learn while having fun. Certified teachers and staff work with the students, and St. Mark, along with the schools, will be doing assessments and evaluations to measure the program’s success.
Additionally, each week will incorporate community service, social and emotional well-being, and health and wellness into the literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Music) curriculum. Students will receive a weekly book and a t-shirt to keep by the end of the program.
The theme of this year’s program is “Every Adventure Begins with You,” and combines adventure & academics to create memorable experiences for area youth. Students receive a weekly book and a t-shirt to keep by the end of the program.
PROGRAM IMPACT
Last summer, about 100 children participated in the St. Mark summer program. 91% increased their literacy skills* and 88% demonstrated strengths in social-emotional skills**.
*measured by QuickPhonics Screener
**measured by Deveraux Student Strengths Assessment
Public registration for the program is closed, but to learn more about the summer program, contact Amelia Foley at 563.582.6211 or afoley@stmarkyouthenrichment.org, or visit www.stmarkyouthenrichment.org. For more info on being a summer sponsor, contact Beth McGorry at 563.582.6211 x110 or bmcgorry@stmarkyouthenrichment.org.
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St. Mark Youth Enrichment (formerly St. Mark Community Center) is a non-profit organization that has served the Dubuque Community for more than 30 years. St. Mark provides after school programming in Title 1 elementary schools in the Dubuque Community School District as well as programs in Dyersville and Peosta, and summer programs in the Dubuque and Western Dubuque Area. To learn more, visit www.stmarkyouthenrichment.org.