Palm Springs Unified School District students in grades three through 12 can participate in the District’s Summer Bridge Program next month in order to receive extra assistance and get ahead in their efforts to become proficient in English.

The program will be held on weekdays from July 9 to 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs High Schools and at Casa del Sol Mobile Home Park Community Center in Desert Hot Springs. Pre-registration is not required, and students do not need to attend every day.

Summer Bridge Program Assists English Learners

Casa del Sol 2017 summer program

The program provides times for students to come in and get language, literacy and math support over the long summer break,” said English Learner Coordinator Eric Antuna. “This allows students to interact with teachers, paraprofessionals and others to continue to build their skills.”

In addition to the academic support, attendees will also be able to participate in extracurricular activities in art and games. Lunch is provided each day from PSUSD’s central kitchen.

English Learners who are entering 9th through 12th grade in the 2018-19 school year can also earn an extra five credits toward their high school diploma if they complete the online course associated with the program. Students must take the course tests in person during the program hours.

“The courses can be done anywhere and will most likely take more time than the open hours of the program,” said Antuna. “We will offer support during the open hours to assist students who get stuck on a particular problem and to administer the course tests.”

Last year more than 100 individual students participated in the program over the three weeks.

Summer Bridge Program Assists English Learners

Casa del Sol 2017 summer program

“We would like to double that number this year,” said Antuna adding that Desert Learning Academy Principal Dr. Todd Reed has opened additional spots through his school so all students can take advantage of the program, even though slots at the comprehensive high schools might all be taken. “The Edgenuity (online) program only has so many slots per school. Dr. Reed is allowing students from all high schools to take the courses even though they are not enrolled in DLA.”

Though the program is for students in grades three through 12, younger students can attend if they have an older sibling or adult accompany them.

“We will not turn away any student that needs support,’ said Antuna.

Casa del Sol Mobile Home Park is located at 17300 Corkill Road. For more information on the program, call (760) 883-2703, ext. 4805030.