Q&A
Comparison of current Summer Rising model to pre-COVID summer programs
1:48:26
·
3 min
Council Member Stevens inquires about the evaluation of differences between pre-COVID and current summer camp models, addressing concerns about attendance and calls for a return to the pre-COVID model. DYCD officials respond by highlighting the benefits of the current Summer Rising model.
- The current model has evolved significantly since 2021, offering more comprehensive programming
- Benefits of the current model include:
- Increased accessibility for students with disabilities
- Expanded full-day programming for middle school students
- Integration of enrichment activities with academic curriculum
- Provision of nurses and transportation
- Officials emphasize the strengths of partnerships between DOE and CBOs
- The current model allows for better prioritization of high-need students through collaboration with NYC public schools
- While acknowledging the need for continuous improvement, officials argue for maintaining the robust current model
Althea V. Stevens
1:48:26
We still need to get them new contracts, but leave that for them of the date of sight about?
1:48:31
Following reportable attendance principles on on program operators have called for a return of pre COVID model of separate summer camp and academic programs.
1:48:39
Has the YC evaluated the different impacts with between pre COVID and current summer camp models, and there are steps to be taken to address the decline in attendance.
1:48:48
And I just wanna say I know we spend a lot of time on attendance before, but I do wanna reiterate, like, I understand why we do need to have a level of looseness.
1:48:58
So Chris in the summer model, but 68 is still very low.
1:49:02
And and just thinking about this budgetarily, when we're thinking about the amount of money we're putting into these programs, we wanna have some type of impact.
1:49:10
And so I'm not saying that it should be mandatory and those things, but we do hasn't think about what is the most effective, what what what the little well, I don't think we have little resources.
1:49:19
Let me take that back.
1:49:19
With the resources that are being appropriated for these things.
1:49:23
And so this has been a big call.
1:49:26
I mean, I'm one of the people that's been calling for think about how do we return back to looking more about the pre COVID model and having a lot more flexibility.
1:49:35
And it probably would save us money.
Susan Haskell
1:49:39
Thank you for that question.
1:49:41
I'll start.
1:49:41
I think we spoke about much of that today in terms of the benefits of the model where we are now.
1:49:49
I do think, again, the model has changed significantly since 2021.
1:49:54
And I also I think, as I mentioned, in terms of, like, the strengths of our partnerships, having and I appreciate Angela brought up the mindfulness and yoga activities because that is highlighting that in that 8 to 12 period, it's not just the curriculum.
1:50:11
It's other kinds of activities going on, including enrichment activities with the elementary school CBO staff in
Kha'ja
1:50:19
the
Susan Haskell
1:50:19
mornings.
1:50:21
We have strengthened the accessibility of summer programming for students with disabilities, to your point, and we're super proud of that.
1:50:29
We've been able to expand, you know, pre COVID.
1:50:33
We did not have a summer middle school model that went full day, Monday to Friday.
1:50:39
A typical middle school model was about a 8 total hours during the summer.
1:50:43
So we've significantly strengthened the experience of middle school students, the robust scale and scope of the program that they get.
1:50:52
Nurses were mentioned transportation was mentioned.
1:50:56
These are all benefits that come top of mind in terms of the strengths of our model, which we will continue to strengthen.
Daniel Guillén
1:51:04
I think I would just like to add the fact that having this robust model is something we didn't have prior.
1:51:11
And even on the operational side of things, having the support from New York City public schools in thinking about our prioritization of the most high need young people, that's something that was a significant challenge for CBOs to happen to manage locally, especially when there's information that won't be privy to them in the application process.
1:51:30
And being able to address those needs immediately is something I think, you know, it's something worth keeping.
1:51:37
And as we grow this model looking for more continuous quality improvement.
