MANCHESTER, NH – Officials in Manchester heralded National Summer Learning Day at Gossler Park Elementary School on July 12, 2018, encouraging children not to lose focus on learning – especially reading – during the summer months.
School District Superintendent Dr. Bolgen Vargas welcomed representatives from a number of organizations and community partners involved in the effort. Organizations from the Granite YMCA, to the Children’s Literacy Foundation, Barnes & Noble, the Fisher Cats as well as city departments like the library and parks and recreation, were all helping out, he noted.
Christine Brennan, Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Education, also spoke at the event and stated that those children who were involved in the program were growing up and would soon be playing a role in the future of the city. She said the city had taken the national concept of the day and really branded it as its own.
“Everyone is working to have the kids ready to come to school, ready to learn, and not just during the school year but during the summer,” Brennan said, “This gives them positive experiences and relationships so we can help keep kids safe, grow their minds, and give them career pathways to success.”
Brennan added that it was great to see students at the event who attended the Beech Street Elementary School where she was previously principal.
Mayor Joyce Craig had her chief of staff, Ryan Mahoney, read a proclamation to celebrate the event, calling summer learning “a critical component of our collective effort to ensure all students graduate from high school prepared for college, careers, and life,” and congratulating all of the organizations working to ensure the wellbeing of young people in the city.
