Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) kicked off its Elementary Summer Program at Harbor View, Mariners, Rea, Sonora and Wilson Elementary Schools last week. A record number of 2,032 students are enrolled in the no-cost academic and enrichment program that includes breakfast and lunch. 

Credentialed NMUSD teachers guide students entering kindergarten through sixth grade in improving their English language arts (ELA) and math skills in small classroom settings. Students are provided with all the tools required for academic success, including notebooks, pencils and crayons. 

To encourage good citizenship, upper-grade students were issued Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) passes, which reward students for positive behavior during the summer program, encouraging them to contribute to an overall school climate that’s beneficial for all. 

The district also partners with several organizations — including Strategic Kids, Brainstorm STEM, Active Learning and Elevo — to bring enrichment opportunities to students. Rotations focusing on music, drama, visual art and physical education, as well as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities, keep students active and engaged. 

One partnership, the Arts and Learning Conservatory, oversees high-quality productions of kid-centric musicals at all summer program sites. Students entering fourth through sixth grades are eligible to participate in these programs, which culminate in a showcase performance at the end of the summer session.

Additionally, the Recess Art program is available once a week in the mornings at each summer program location. Students are welcome to join the free-flow projects any time between 7:30 am and 8:30 am.

Check out photos of the programs on our SmugMug (more photos to be added throughout the summer program). The Elementary Summer Program ends on August 1, 2023.