DeLand, FL - The possibility of summer school is on the horizon but Volusia United Educators President Elizabeth Albert says there's still time to make an informed decision. Summer school normally begins after the Fourth of July.
With Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida beginning his initiative, "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step," today, schools are still closed through the end of the current school year. Albert said that summer school is needed, especially for the secondary students who need to continue momentum in earning credits towards graduation. "We spoke about trying to stop the typical 'summer slide' that occurs every year when we have those two months out of school for summer. We know that we need to have summer school, we want to have summer school."
Elementary students, particularly third-graders, would also benefit greatly from summer school but health and safety are the priorities. "I think we still have some conversations that need to occur because, let's face it, parents and educational professionals will more than likely have concerns about going back to quickly. Because health and safety are still the first priority for everyone."
Albert said that secondary students could easily continue online learning because of the pace they learn at. She says elementary students are a different story because now is when they learn the essential skills of reading to learn. That kind of learning is better done face-to-face, according to Albert.
On a different note, today begins "Teacher Appreciation Week." Albert says it will likely be celebrated outright in July but for this week, she says they will do their best to let teachers know and our members in particular, how much we appreciate them and how grateful we are. "It's not only teachers, but the paraprofessionals and office specialists who did their best during this time to really do what's right for our students and our families and communities." She said they'll be posting messages on social media.
