Jennifer Adamson, administrator of student services for the Portage la Prairie School Division, says families can look forward to another season of summer programming at the city’s three community schools: North Memorial, La Vérendrye, and Fort la Reine.
Adamson says the programs will run once a week from August 12 to August 28, and include morning sessions for caregivers and afternoon sessions by invitation only.
"Portage la Prairie School Division is very excited to offer caregiver and family programming at our three community schools this summer," Adamson says. "Each school will offer programs once a week from August 12 to August 28. The mornings will include activities for up to 10 caregivers."
Child care is available for children over the age of two, supported by the Family Resource summer student program. Afternoon sessions are designed for both students and their caregivers and are offered by invitation.
"Options will include information on nutrition, mental health, and budgeting for busy households," Adamson says. **"The programs are a way for families to stay connected with their school and receive some support during the summer months."
To register or find more information, families are encouraged to visit the social media pages of each school or contact their school's Outreach facilitator directly.
Health care access included
In addition to regular programming, each community school will host a one-day immunization clinic during the week of August 19, supported by Public Health nurses.
"Families can contact their health care provider to confirm which vaccinations they are eligible for and then contact their school Outreach facilitator to sign up," Adamson notes. "Immunization spots are limited, so get to it as soon as you can."
She adds thanks to the Outreach facilitators who help coordinate each year: Jasmine, Sandy, Allison and Vicky.
Popular activities return
While many of the programs vary year to year, Adamson says some favourites are returning.
"Nutrition Bingo is one of the things that is so popular. It's back by demand," Adamson says. "Everything else, every year, there are different things for caregivers to come in and learn more about."
Demand for the programs is high.
"I feel like those spots fill up really fast, so if you haven't heard about the programs yet, get to the social media pages to figure out how to register or contact the school to talk to the Outreach team," Adamson says. "Some schools have already filled their spots."
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive
Adamson says she had the chance to visit each school last summer and was impressed by the atmosphere.
"The families that were there, everybody was so involved with everything that was going on. The kids loved it. They were having a great time. We had great snacks for everybody, and the families were appreciative that it was somewhere for them to gather and get together."
"It's always been positive," Adamson adds. "We're really happy to be able to offer programming in the summer. It's really important to stay connected over the summer because it's a long two months. Kids want something to do, too. It gives them some opportunity to get together, and we're going to offer lots of different, great things for them to do. So yeah, we're looking forward to it."
She adds she also extends thanks to their Community School facilitators, Hailey Pringle and Raela Giesbrecht.
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