Summer Rays is a four-week learning and recreation program for our students who have just completed Senior Kindergarten and are going into Grade 1 or Grade 1 students going into Grade 2 in September. Our program focuses on improving students' literacy and numeracy skills, while offering all the benefits of activities such as field trips, arts and games.
Students are recommended to our Summer Rays Learning program by their current classroom teacher. Enrolment is limited. All accepted candidates will be notified by email in mid to late June or as soon as a class is filled and able to run.
During the first and last week of the program, students will be screened using a phonics screener and our DCDSB CBM screener to determine gaps, inform instruction and determine growth over the 4 weeks.
When is Summer Rays offered?
Summer Rays runs Mondays to Thursdays, for 15 days during the month of July. The hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Parents are encouraged to commit to the entire 15 days of the program.
Sample schedule
Students participate in a wide variety of activities while in the program. Below is a sample of the week's schedule:
| Day of Week | Activity |
|---|---|
|
Monday |
Numeracy and literacy games and activities |
|
Tuesday |
Public library program and book exchange |
|
Wednesday |
Drumming teacher to visit |
|
Thursday |
Water/Park Fun Day - bring learning outside and make connections to weekly literacy and numeracy lessons |
Where is the program offered?
Programs will be run at a variety of schools in an attempt to balance geographically throughout the region.
Frequently asked questions
There is a excursion fee of $50.
No. Parents must provide transportation to and from the school for children attending the Summer Rays Learning program.
No. This program is for Durham Catholic students who are in Kindergarten or Grade 1 only. Teachers will recommend students for the summer program and parents will receive a letter inviting their child to participate.
Yes. Students are required to bring a lunch every day. 2-3 small, healthy snacks and a water bottle should also be sent every day.
The program is offered through our Board and the Ministry of Education. It is taught by our qualified teachers and Early Childhood Educators.
A student is invited to participate in the program by recommendation from his/her current Kindergarten teacher and/or Grade 1 teacher.
Parent testimonials
- "I noticed my son improved his reading, but more importantly his attitude towards reading was more positive."
- "Every aspect is pretty amazing and I am lucky to have my child experience it."
- “Excellent education program and fun at the same time. My son loved attending and we feel the program really benefited him and hope to attend next year to ensure he is set up for success during the school year.”