1/ A quick thread of why traditional "summer school" may be a big mistake for exhausted, traumatized kids, and why we need to be thinking bigger about more emotionally and psychologically relevant programming for kids this summer.

Hear me out. https://twitter.com/JenniferJJacobs/status/1362110606229311493

2/ We underestimate how hard the last 12 months have been on kids. As a parent of public school 3rd and 6th graders, I know. The disconnect from peers, challenges of distance learning, stop and start of in-school instruction, and general stress of COVID has drained kids.

3/ YES there's been learning loss. YES it's been worst for low income kids without regular digital access and kids with learning needs. YES we need to build new services around these kids to help them catch up.

But kids are exhausted, and MORE school this summer may not work.

4/ We should think of this summer through a WELLNESS lens. Build a fun, socially and emotionally healthy experience this summer where kids can regrow and relearn social-emotional skills and reset their tired brains for the fall, when, hopefully, normal school finally restarts.

5/ There can be an educational element to this programming, but traditional classroom based summer school would be a mistake for all kids. I strongly believe this, and most educators and parents I talk to agree.

So here's what this means for federal policy:

6/ The COVID relief bill should have dedicated funding for summer programming that is NOT just summer school. This $$ can be administered by school districts, but in partnership w YM(W)CAs, Boys/Girls Clubs, & summer camps to DOUBLE the number of free/affordable summer slots.

7/ These programs should be more about emotional wellbeing than strict instruction. More summer camp than summer school.

That will also give educators the summer to prepare for the fall, and use the relief $$ to build real supports around kids in need when school restarts.

8/ Finally, I'm not alone in this belief. Last week I sent a letter to congressional leaders making this case. It was signed by the following Senators:

Smith
Sanders
Hassan
Schatz
Wyden
Brown
Warren
Bennet
Van Hollen
Durbin
Shaheen
Kaine