Miss Van Anne with several of the more than 200 students participating in the Literacy NM Summer Program underway through July 3 at Barranca Mesa Elementary School. Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

More than 200 students are enrolled in the Literacy NM Summer Program being held at Barranca Mesa Elementary School. This program replaced the traditional summer school provided by Los Alamos Public Schools.

The Literacy NM Summer Program offers small group, specialized reading and writing instruction for students who have completed kindergarten through 7th grade. 

This is the first year that LAPS has participated in the program.

“We have 38 staff members working directly with the students, as well as a school nurse, a computer tech, and two administrators,” LAPS Summer School Principal David Parsons said.

“Staff are working in teams to support students in an assigned grade,” LAPS Summer School Assistant Principal Beverly Nelson said. 

Scene from the Literacy NM Summer Program underway at Barranca Mesa Elementary School. Courtesy/LAPS

The program uses Magnetic Reading and Amira, as well as Flocabulary, Go Noodle, read alouds and novel groups. Students complete some activities as a whole class, and also work in small groups to practice their skills.  

“The children are enjoying the program and making new friends,” Parsons said. “The Magnetic Reading program, and the associated Phonics for Reading program, give the students daily practice in phonics to build their reading skills. The staff have adjusted the pacing as needed to best meet the needs of their students.” 

He added that, in Amira, the students work on their reading fluency through an AI based computer program that offers corrections as needed to help students pronounce new words. This program adjusts in difficulty with each child and tracks areas where they need more support, then naturally builds these areas into daily practice. 

The program runs 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students receive breakfast and lunch, and also have recess time.

Families have commented that they are grateful for the well-organized program and that their children are enjoying their time. Some families have also shared that this program has given their child an academic boost and built their confidence. 

One parent said, “For my son, this reading program has been the best experience they’ve had in all of their summer programs (mostly due to Amira), which I put them in every summer.”

Another parent added, “My children are excited to attend every day. Having additional structured reading time, social opportunities, play and breakfast and lunch is amazing! We are so grateful and hope to participate next summer as well.”

The Summer Reading and Writing program wraps up July 3.