Summer at Clackamas ESD was filled with discovery, connection, and plenty of fun. From learning in parks to science experiments, lemonade stands and workplace tours, students, families, and educators explored new skills, built confidence, and made meaningful connections all summer long.
Big adventures for our youngest learners
Our early intervention and early childhood special education teams helped some of our community’s youngest learners continue growing throughout the summer. Children ages 3 to 5 with developmental delays or disabilities received three weeks of extended school year instruction.
Their days were filled with playground adventures, circle-time songs, sensory activities, and stories. Even a few slithery toy snakes and spiders joined the fun! Each experience gave children an opportunity to communicate, explore, and practice new skills.
Bringing preschool learning to families
Our Migrant Education team brought early learning directly to families this summer. The team supported more than 10 preschoolers and their parents through personalized activities in their homes and community locations, including parks and schools.
By meeting families where they are, we made early learning accessible and helped parents support their children’s development through everyday activities.
Learning by doing at LEEP
Students in our Life Enrichment Education Program spent the summer learning through creativity, movement and hands-on experiences. Personalized instruction helped students with complex disabilities and communication needs maintain important skills, make progress toward their individualized education program goals and continue familiar routines and relationships.
Unlike traditional summer school, extended school year services are based on each student’s individual needs and determined by their IEP team. These services help prevent significant skill loss during long school breaks so students can continue benefiting from their educational program.
Throughout July, students from kindergarten through post-high school gathered at Bilquist Elementary through a partnership with North Clackamas School District. From science experiments, art projects and cooking lessons to gym activities and visits to local parks, students practiced academic, communication, social and problem-solving skills in fun and meaningful ways.
“It was exciting to see LEEP students of all ages learning together,” said LEEP Teaching Resident Andrew Marquez. “Whether students were bowling, playing with balls or riding bikes, movement gave them opportunities to learn and connect.”
Adapted Physical Education Teacher Robin Kuhns also valued the opportunity to spend time with students across the program.
“I enjoyed connecting with students in a different setting, welcoming classes to the gym and continuing our outings to local parks,” Kuhns said. “It was especially meaningful to see students from across our programs learning and having fun together.”
One especially refreshing activity turned lemons into a real-world learning opportunity. Students operated a lemonade stand, preparing drinks, greeting customers, accepting payments and making change. Each step offered an engaging way to strengthen math, communication and independence skills.
“LEEP’s 2026 extended school year program may be in the books, but the skills students practiced and the memories we made will last far beyond these summer days,” said LEEP Supervisor Melanie Harrison. “Thank you to the students and families who participated and to the dedicated staff whose creativity, teamwork and care made the program such a success.”
Summer fun and a new home for Heron Creek
During Heron Creek Therapeutic Program’s extended school year session, students continued building academic, communication, emotional regulation, and relationship skills through personalized, hands-on instruction.
“People ask why I work during the summer, and my answer has been the same since my first summer at Heron Creek: It restores my faith in humanity,” said Jessica Livernois, a Heron Creek speech-language pathologist. “Summer gives us more time to have fun and connect individually with students. It reminds all of us that learning can be fun.”
Water play day was among the summer’s highlights, combining smiles and laughter with opportunities to practice social-emotional skills.
“Students worked toward their social-emotional goals through outdoor water activities, while academic skills were woven into fun learning experiences and themes like summer fun, a bug’s life, and zoo animals. Students and staff had a ball!” said Stacey Sibley, assistant director of the Heron Creek Therapeutic Program.
While students learned and made memories, staff prepared for Heron Creek’s next big adventure: moving into its new home at the former Bolton Primary School in West Linn.
Our Heron Creek team has been setting up classrooms, moving materials, and installing technology to make the building ready for fall. Students and families will get their first look at the new space Sept. 3, followed by a community open house Sept. 4. On Sept. 8, students will be welcomed into their new school for the first day of the school year.
A place where every way of communicating belongs
For the second consecutive summer, families of young children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) gathered for parent-child playgroups.
The AAC playgroups provided a welcoming, low-pressure setting where children could play, practice communicating, and meet others who communicate in similar ways. They also gave parents an opportunity to share experiences and build relationships with other families.
“I love seeing our students in a space where the way they communicate and play is simply the norm,” said speech-language pathologist Maggie DiFazio. “It’s so meaningful for them to meet other children who use AAC, and some get so excited! It’s just as powerful for parents to connect with families who share similar experiences and know they aren’t alone.”
Helping educators connect classrooms with careers
Learning extended beyond student programs this summer. Twenty-six Clackamas County educators spent time exploring the careers, skills, and training opportunities available to students after high school.
Through the Educator Externship, education professionals stepped inside workplaces representing manufacturing, health care, technology, public utilities, apprenticeships, higher education, and military service.
Participants visited employers including the Oregon National Guard, Machine Sciences, RoseVilla Senior Living, Benchmade Knife Company, and the Willamette River Water Treatment Plant.
They returned with firsthand knowledge they can use to help students understand the many pathways available after graduation.
The program was developed through a partnership among Clackamas ESD, Clackamas Community College, Clackamas Workforce Partnership, and the South Metro-Salem STEM Partnership.
“This partnership has expanded opportunities for students and educators by combining our expertise, resources, and shared commitment to workforce readiness,” said Bill Blevins, regional coordinator for Career Technical Education at Clackamas ESD.
A summer of connection and growth
Whether learning happened in a classroom, family home, neighborhood park, or local workplace, each summer offering reflected the same commitment: helping students and families learn, connect, and thrive.
Summer may be winding down, but the skills, confidence and relationships built along the way will continue growing long after the new school year begins.
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Note: View more pictures from our summer learning programs on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
