Press Release

February 8, 1999

For Immediate Release

1999 SUMMER PROGRAM WILL SERVE GRADES TWO THROUGH NINE; FIRST ALERT TO PARENTS EXPECTED IN MID-MARCH

The Denver Public Schools Summer Program is doubling in size. .

Beginning June 21, the 1999 Summer Program will serve students in grades two through nine. Students in grades two through eight who are behind their grade level in reading and students in grade nine who are behind in algebra will be required to attend the four-week program.

"We will provide a stimulating academic program that will help students close the gaps that exist in reading and algebra," said Diane Dowell, coordinator of the Summer Program. "It's critical that all these students are given a way to catch up."

The program will be housed in 30 elementary schools (up from 24 last year) and 14 middle schools.

The program will be mandatory in grades two and three for students who are one or more years behind in reading. The program will be mandatory in grades four through eight for students who are two or more years behind in reading.

An estimated 7,000 students will be served (up from 3,100 last year).

Scores on the spring Iowa Tests of Basic Skills will determine a final roster of those required to attend the summer program in grades two through eight. Students who do not attend the program will be retained in their current grade.

Ninth- and tenth-grade students who have not yet passed Algebra I will be required to attend the mandatory summer session.

Principals and teachers will have discretion to declare a student eligible (or not) for the additional instruction.

In November, voters approved a proposed $17 million mill levy override. Among many components in the mill levy package was the idea of expanding the mandatory summer program.

In the summer of 1997 and 1998, the district offered the Summer Literacy Program for students in grades three, five and eight. Last year, 1,846 students were required to attend. In the end, 59 students were retained because they failed to attend or because they were withdrawn for reasons related to discipline.

Diane Dowell, the 1999 Summer Program coordinator, said the district hopes to notify parents and students in mid-March if they are currently eligible for the program. The eligibility will be based on fall test scores. The early notice is necessary to alert parents to not make summer plans. Dowell said parents will receive notification through schools.

The elementary program will run for three hours, the middle school program for two hours and 10 minutes, and the high school program for four hours; all will be in the morning.

Transportation will be provided for students under the district's "walk" zone distances -- for students who attend a neighborhood elementary school 1 mile or more from home; a neighborhood middle school 2 1/2 miles or more from home; a neighborhood high school 3 1/2 miles or more from home.