Summer is a critical time for continued learning and support for many students across our region. Through a variety of programs delivered across the county, Clackamas Education Service District provided students with rich opportunities to stay engaged, build skills and connect with others.
Students from migrant families
Summer school can be especially helpful for students from migrant families who move frequently for agricultural work, offering them a steady place to learn, grow, and build community. Nearly 40 students from migrant families participated in our Migrant Education Program’s four-week summer program that included academic instruction, hands-on STEM activities, outdoor learning experiences and creative art projects. Our partners Todos Juntos delivered hands-on STEM lessons on everything from robotics to river ecosystems and Lakewood Center for the Arts supported students’ creative expression through culturally responsive art activities including making papier-mâché Mexican folk art masks. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Todos Juntos and Lakewood Center for the Arts for helping make our summer program a rich, engaging experience for these students!
Students experiencing significant social, emotional, behavioral and academic challenges
At our Heron Creek Therapeutic Program, the extended school year summer session provides more than just academic support — it’s a space for growth, connection and joy. Designed for students with significant social, emotional, behavioral and academic challenges, the four-week program combined individualized instruction with themed, hands-on activities that promote emotional regulation, communication and social development. One week’s “under the sea adventure” theme included activities focused on sensory stimulation and imaginative play like water games, bubble art, crafts, ocean sounds exploration and sensory bins with sand and shells.
Students experiencing complex disabilities and communication needs
The Life Enrichment Education Program’s summer session provided extended school year support to help students with complex disabilities and communication needs continue making progress toward their individual education plan goals. Through personalized instruction and engaging activities, kindergarten through post-high school students strengthened their academic and social skills, all while maintaining important routines and relationships.
Young learners exhibiting delays or disabilities
Our community’s youngest learners received support from our early intervention and early childhood special education teams in several ways over the summer. The extended school year program provided three weeks of instruction at our Clackamas Early Learning Center for children ages 3 to 5 with developmental delays or disabilities that affect learning. At the same time, home visitors continued delivering specialized instruction and consultation directly to families, supporting children who qualify for EI/ECSE services in their homes.
New this year, parent-child play groups for families of young children who use augmentative and alternative communication devices offered a fun, low-pressure space to play, connect and practice using AAC during the summer break. Held at locations across Clackamas County, the groups also served as a welcoming space for families to connect with other families in their community navigating similar communication journeys.
