Summer Matters Superheroes Unmasked

The 2018 Summer Matters Superheroes were announced at the Association of California State Administrator’s (ACSA) Superintendents Symposium. Three champions of summer learning were recognized for the work they do in their districts. As PCY President and CEO Jennifer Peck said, “School district leaders have the power to make this possible for kids, and we must recognize those who step up to make sure every child has a great summer and bright future”

The 2018 Summer Matters Superheroes are:

• Rich DuVarney, Tehama County Department of Education
• Dr. John García, Jr., Downey Unified School District
• Dr. Cesar Morales, Oxnard Elementary School District

PCY and ACSA Board member Michael Berg introduced the the awardees, saying “Summer Matters Superhero Award recipients are leaders who put energy and resources into summer learning, not because they have to, but because they are convinced that EVERY child matters and EVERY child can succeed with the right support and foundation.”

Rich Du Varney of Tehama County Department of Education keeps kids reading and actively engaged throughout the summer in order to prevent “summer slide” – the time of year when kids fall behind in their academic achievement levels unless they’re enrolled in summer learning enrichment programs.

In Downey Unified School District, Dr. John García collaborated with his Board of Education to think outside the box with regard to summer learning programs. García has built a full-day program focused on academics in the morning and enrichment in the afternoon. “As a district with many students who would otherwise not be able to experience a camp “type” environment, I appreciate that our Board of Education challenged us as a staff to create and implement an engaging program that combats summer learning loss in our most vulnerable students,” said Garcia.

Dr. Cesar Morales of Oxnard Elementary School District set aside nearly $1 million to operate a five-week summer learning program to serve students in need. Furthermore, he hired a dedicated coordinator whose job is to develop expanded learning opportunities for youth. Dr. Morales also secured a summer feeding program that operated at several Writing and Science Camp locations.

Congratulations to our 2018 Summer Matters Superheroes. Their commitment to summer learning and the kids in their district make them worthy additions to the Summer Matters Superhero team.