Weekly Media Roundup: June 20, 2024

Parents in Viroqua Come Together for the 'Save the After School Program' Campaign, WXOW (Wisconsin)

At the McIntosh Memorial Library’s afterschool program in Viroqua, Wisconsin, students take part in outdoor games, visit local arts organizations, read to a therapy dog named Gordon, and more. Each year, parents line the block outside the library hoping to get a spot for their children. But next year, the program is slated to be cut due to a deficit in the school district’s budget. To keep the program open, parents have organized a GoFundMe page to raise funds from the community. “It's a program that will benefit our entire community. When we engage our students, when we get them excited about learning and get them excited about meeting and connecting in our community -- that's something that's a benefit to our entire community," parent Jim Jarman told WXOW.

Record Enrollment for Summer Learning in Tuscaloosa, WBRC (Alabama)

This summer, more students than ever are taking part in Tuscaloosa City Schools’ free summer learning programs. More than 3,000 students, or about a quarter of the district’s student population, are participating. The White House recently recognized the program as one of the strongest summer enrichment programs in the state. “There’s a lot of fun things you can do. We don’t work every day. We do something different every day,” incoming fifth grader Naomi Stines told WBRC. “I passed 4th grade with flying colors, but I love summer learning because we get extra practice for the new school year.”

Summer Learning Loss Program Launched for Craig County Public School Students, WDBJ (Virginia)

In rural Craig County, Virginia, Alleghany Highlands YMCA is partnering with Craig County Public Schools to offer a free educational summer program to elementary and middle school students. “We found out we’re a whole lot better when we work together and when we collaborate and partner, we can utilize resources and make a bigger impact,” Bobbie Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of Alleghany Highlands YMCA, told WDBJ. The Power Scholars Academy summer program will include academic enrichment activities, healthy breakfasts and lunches, and a safe place for students to go while school is out.

The Karate kids of Howard County: A Dojo Helps Remedy the After-School Care Shortage, Baltimore Banner (Maryland)

At Okinawan Karate Dojo’s afterschool and summer programs in Baltimore, Maryland, elementary school students practice martial arts, while also completing homework, creating crafts and eating snacks. “Kid have lost some social skills and confidence,” Stanley Crump, Okinawan Karate Dojo founder and 7th-degree black belt expert, told the Baltimore Banner. “Be humble, have some respect, be fearless, and be brave under pressure. Those are the things we’re trying to teach.” Crump plans to open additional karate-focused afterschool programs next year.