CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As summer break comes to an end, leaders with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are optimistic more students will be prepared to bounce back when they return to the classroom.
CMS leaders said summer learning loss can create a substantial setback that can accumulate over time. That’s why they’re working to keep kids on track by supporting literacy year-round.
District leaders say their new virtual summer packet is a crucial tool that keeps kids engaged anywhere at any time.
"I see a huge difference with my daughter," Eleni Amoroso, a CMS parent, told WCNC Charlotte's Tradesha Woodard. "My daughter's biggest struggle was reading and math. The longer you’re out of school the harder it is to get back into it."
Amoroso said after starting the packets, her daughter, Natalia, is eager to take on fourth grade.
"The transition process going into the next grade is smoother than struggling, trying to play catch up," Amoroso said.
Data from Learner shows students affected by summer learning loss can lag behind their peers by 2 1/2 to 3 years.
CMS said their 20-day virtual packets not only allow kids to stay on track but also introduce them to the new material ahead.
"A kid that reads over the summer is going to always have an advantage over those that do not," CMS teacher Teddi Ruddy said. "We know that kids love technology, and we know that it is a great way to get them involved if we use it in a great way."
As the school prepares to kick off next month, CMS said it's not too late to access a summer packet and freshen up on learning.
Click here to access the summer packets.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.