Summer Programming By the Numbers

Numbers have a unique way of telling stories, and the summer of 2023 in Steamboat Springs was no exception. From the innovative curriculum, vibrant excursions, and community partnerships, let's look at how 65 Emerging Bilingual students from three schools spent the summer learning and exploring.

1 Dynamic Summer Experience

From June 26 to August 3, the Steamboat Springs School District hosted a summer language acquisition program and Spanish language instruction in line with biliteracy programming that takes place during the school year, that brought together students from Soda Creek Elementary, Strawberry Park Elementary, and Sleeping Giant School.

 

• 11 current 5th graders

• 15 current 4th graders

• 12 current 3rd graders

• 13 current 2nd graders

• 14 current 1st graders

Transportation

Thirty-nine students rode the bus in at least one direction to or from school, and all students utilized transportation services for community excursions.

Languages as Diverse as the Learners

SSSD summer programming includes students speaking diverse languages, including Spanish, Czech, and Bulgarian.

9 Dedicated Staff Members

Behind every successful initiative are those who tirelessly work to make it happen. Nine dedicated staff members, including educators, administrators, and community volunteers, helped make the programming a success:

• Cindy Ruzika (SSMS) 5th Grade

• Christine Geautreux (SGS) and Ann Henderson (SCE) - 4th Grade

• Sherry Meadows (SCE) - 3rd Grade students

• Erin Swanson (SGS/bilingual) and Mary Yamamoto (SCE) - 2nd Grade

• Katelyn Heath (SGS) - 1st Grade

• Meghan Howard (SCE) bilingual social worker - SEL and biliteracy

• Ann Coon - (SCE/bilingual) Administrator

• Two community volunteers

9 Enriching Excursions

Learning extended beyond the classroom walls through a range of exciting excursions:

• Three weeks of swimming lessons at OTHS with most of the cost donated by Honey Stinger

• Music on the Green and Botanic Gardens

• Strings concert venue tour

• Bud Werner Library story walk, storytime, and scavenger hunt

• Yoga sessions for social-emotional learning

• Yampatika water life science exploration

• Pizza-making at Mazzolas

• Paddleboarding with Steamboat Adventures

• Ice skating and bumper cars at Howelsen Hill Ice Rink

6 Weeks of Social-Emotional Learning and Health Services Curriculum with NW Colorado Health

• Mindfulness

• Emotions and Feelings

• Empathy

• Friendship

• Problem Solving and Resilience

• Hopes and Dreams

17 Community Partnerships

Our summer programming was a testament to the power of community collaboration. The summer program continues to be funded annually through a generous grant from the Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation. Seventeen additional community partners joined hands to create an enriching experience for the students.

• Boys and Girls Club

• City of Steamboat Springs

• Yampatika

• Strings and the Yampa River Botanic Gardens

• Bud Werner Memorial Library

• Old Town Hot Springs

• Honey Stinger

• Lift Up of Routt County

• Integrated Community

• Winonas

• The Egg

• Mazzolas

• Paddleboard Adventures

• Routt County Women United

• Colorado Event Rentals

• Northwest Colorado Health Dental Bus

• Rocky Mountain Health Foundation