OSSD Launches PowerUP Institute to Combat Summer Learning Loss

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss (OSSD) -- Ocean Springs School District has launched the PowerUP Institute, a collection of educational summer camps designed to combat potential summer learning loss in students.

OSSD administration and staff recognize the impact on student achievement when student learning opportunities are extended beyond the regular school calendar. As a result, the district will provide a comprehensive summer learning program to address students in current grades K-12 through a variety of programs as part of the OSSD PowerUP Institute.

Tonya Bolton, the Director of Federal Programs for OSSD, organized the summer programs, along with the help of staff from across the district. “Our students lost key instructional time due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year. This year, even though we were able to attend a full school year in person, our students’ typical educational experiences were disrupted by potential quarantine due to contact tracing, alternate schedules, and other COVID-19 mitigation procedures,” said Bolton. “Dr. Coleman, Dr. Williams, and the Board of Trustees recognized the importance of additional instruction time to offset possible academic impacts due to COVID-19 and summer break. This launched the development of our comprehensive summer programs to address the academic needs of our students.”

The PowerUP Institute consists of four uniquely tailored programs for students: Summer Learning Literacy Program, IDEA Extended School Year Program, CTE Career Exploration Program, and Connections STEM Camp.  Each program is designed to address the specific academic needs of students in a nurturing, enriching environment.