Lincoln County School District wins $500,000 state grant for its K-5 summer learning programs

By SHAYLA ESCUDERO/Lincoln Chronicle

While many schools across Oregon missed out on the state’s summer learning money, Lincoln County School District will be getting $500,000 for a three-year program.

The state provides $35 million to school districts statewide to provide summer learning programs. This year, more than 25 school districts who normally receive funding every year did not get any.

Rather than distributing funds uniformly this year, the state used a competitive process prioritizing communities with the greatest need and programs that combine evidence-based literacy instruction with applied learning, according to Gov. Tina Kotek’s office.

The Oregon Department of Education said it received 143 applications requesting a total of $49 million and the agency chose to fund programs in 106 districts.

The Lincoln County School District received the full $500,000 it asked for in the competitive grant process. The district has received funds the past two years, said curriculum director Sandy Mummey.

“It’s exciting because we know this money will be able to support the program for three years,” she said.

One program will target incoming kindergarten students, previously named Jump Start, which aims to get young children ready for school by focusing on social and emotional learning, while the program for incoming first through fifth graders focuses on literacy, Mummey said.

Programs for the latter include nature journaling and reading lessons, building on reading and writing skills.

The program also will be able to add licensed teachers to Neighbors for Kids in Depoe Bay and Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program, further expanding the number of children that can be served across the county, Mummey said.

Students who are good candidates for the program will be reached out an email, she said, but any incoming kindergarten student is encouraged to apply.

“We are really trying to get as many kindergarteners to get a jump start on their educational journey,” Mummey said.