MAYOR HARP, SUPT HARRIES, CHIEF ESSERMAN, OTHER OFFICIALS ROLL OUT CITY’S LIST OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES AND OPTIONS

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      Contact: Abbe Smith/NHPS 203-676-0463

June 25, 2014                                                                                            Laurence Grotheer/203-676-6103                                   

MAYOR HARP, SUPT HARRIES, CHIEF ESSERMAN, OTHER OFFICIALS ROLL OUT CITY’S LIST OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES AND OPTIONS

New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp, Superintendent of Schools Garth Harries, Chief of Police Dean Esserman, gathered with city and school officials and community partners Wednesday at City Hall to highlight the wide variety of city- and school district-sponsored summer activities available to residents this year.

Mayor Harp said that while public schools are recessed for the next two months, the city and school district are coming together with community partners to provide safe, supervised, productive activities for young people – and other city residents – to do.

Youth activities this summer include district-led summer school programs and academies that for the first time will extend to full-day programs by having Parks and Recreation activities on site after summer school lets out each day. Additional youth activities include school and community-based summer camps and programs, Youth at Work jobs, Parks and Recreation Department programs and transition programs for incoming high school freshmen and school-specific weekly programs.

As part of the new Youth Stat Initiative to reach disengaged youth, city and school district leaders held a Community Canvass last week to get the word out to youth in the community about opportunities available to them this summer. Additionally, New Haven held the first of two Summer Youth Expos last week to offer information on unique and engaging summer programs available to high school-age youth. The second Summer Youth Expo will take place Saturday, June 28, at Goffe Street Park from 1-3 p.m.

“As young people and families embark on summer adventures, we want them to know that there are exciting and enriching opportunities available to keep young people engaged during the day. So much is happening in New Haven this summer and I encourage young people and families to find a program that interests and inspires them. We look forward to a busy and productive summer ahead for all residents,” Mayor Harp said.

“Summer is an important time for young people to relax, recharge, and reconnect with family. But it can also be a time for continued learning and engagement of the mind. We also know how important it is to help families with working parents, so for the first time our summer school programs will extend to a full day with the help of Parks and Recreation. These are the kinds of positive experiences that will help our kids grow and rise to success in everything that they do,” said Superintendent Harries.

“Youth programs are vitally important to our community and equally import to the Police Department. Since I took the position of chief of police, we have put as many resources as possible into expanding exciting youth programs such as the Police Athletic League. And every opportunity we get to expand these programs, we do so,” said Chief Esserman.

Many of the available summer programs and activities are listed below:

NEW HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

High School Credit Recovery and Acquisition Program – for students who need to make up credits or want to earn additional credits over the summer. Includes new online elective component. Sign ups will be 1-4 p.m., Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27, in the second floor board room of 54 Meadow Street.

                    

Kids First K-5 Summer Academy – Nurtures independent learners with focus on literacy, math and critical thinking skills. Visit www.nhps.net and click on “Summer Programs.”

Freshman Transition Program – Supports 8^th graders in the transition to high school, with academic and social-emotional components. For students entering Wilbur Cross, Hillhouse or Riverside.

New Haven Youth Map – Partnership among the City, School District, United Way of Greater New Haven and Boost! to list wide array of programs and opportunities for youth, including NHPS, Parks and Rec, community providers. Visit www.newhavenyouthmap.org.

New Haven Soars Summer Program – Grades 6-8 – Hands-on, interactive program designed to strengthen literacy and math skills while kids work on projects around flight. Visit www.nhps.net and click on “Summer Programs.”

Various School Specific Programs – Many schools offer summer programs and activities for students enrolled at that school. Ask your school for more information.

School and Community-based Programs – We partner with great local organizations and schools such as Leap, Solar Youth, Common Ground, Boys and Girls Club and more to offer exciting programs in school-based and community-based locations. Visit www.newhavenyouthmap.org for more information.

CITY OF NEW HAVEN

Youth @ Work – Provides summer employment opportunities, workforce exposure and work readiness activities for youth who live in New Haven and/or attend New Haven Public Schools. Visit www.cityofnewhaven.com/mayor/youth@work.asp for more information.

Police Athletic League (PAL Program) – Provides educational and athletic programs for children throughout the city, as well as sponsoring different activities. PAL responds to the needs of youth in many neighborhoods, through after school, weekend and special summer events. 

Parks and Recreation Department Programs – Offers and exciting series of programs to keep youth busy throughout the summer. Includes many of the old-time favorite programs along with some new and exciting opportunities designed to make this summer one of the best yet. For more information, visit www.cityofnewhaven.com/parks.