As the new school year approaches, students, parents, and teachers alike begin preparing for a fresh start filled with opportunities for growth and success. While the anticipation of a new academic year can be exciting for many students, it can also bring feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. This emotional shift is common, especially for students transitioning to a new grade level or school, which can heighten their stress levels (Bagnall, Skipper, & Fox, 2020).

Research by Dr. David Von Drehle (2010) shows that students typically lose about a month of progress in math over the summer, with low-income students potentially falling behind by as much as three months in reading comprehension. There are numerous studies conducted to measure the effectiveness of summer programs to minimize the summer learning loss. According to research conducted by Dr. Mary Terzian, Dr. Kristin Anderson Moore, and Kathleen, Hamilton, (2009), to be an effective summer learning program, sites should balance educational activities with activities typical of summer camps, such as games and sports. These summer learning programs frequently rely more heavily on interactive, hands-on projects and enrichment activities. The following are common characteristics of summer programs that have been effective in decreasing participant’s academic slide:

• Make learning fun by supplementing academic instruction with activities that are relevant and engaging to the participants. Some examples include a debate on current events, use of technology, field trips, hip-hop dance, rap and spoken word, improvisational comedy, art, drama, and storytelling (www.childtrend.org, 2009). 
• Integrate hands-on activities such as immersion and experiential learning to keep students engaged in the material. Engaging children in games, group projects, field trips to historic sites, nature expeditions, and science experiments are all ways in which to make learning more interesting and applied (Johnson, P, 2000).
• Successful summer programs integrate educational learning activities that complement what children are learning during the school year (Bell, S. R. and N. Carrillo, 2007). When possible, hire experienced teachers to deliver the academic lessons. Programs that create positive outcomes for reading and math achievement frequently used experienced teachers for academic services opposed to just relying on college students (www.childtrend.org, 2009). 
• Keep the student group sizes small. Class sizes of about 10-15 students tended to be most effective for small-group instruction, with one lead teacher and one teaching assistant (or about a 1:5 adult-to-student ratio). Individualized instruction is also helpful (www.childtrend.org, 2009). 
• For economically disadvantaged students, who often miss out on extracurricular activities such as sports and music during the school year, combining academic instruction with youth development and physical fitness activities may be particularly effective (www.childtrend.org, 2009). 

After-school professionals should work with the students’ caregivers and parents to help them make the transition back to the regular school day easier for their students. With thoughtful preparation and a positive mindset, the new school year can be a fresh chapter full of promise. By working together and supporting one another, families and after-school program staff can help make this school year the best one yet.

References

Bagnall, C. L., Skipper, Y., & Fox, C. L. (2020). ‘You're in this world now’: Students’, teachers’, and parents’ experiences of school transition and how they feel it can be improved. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 90(1), 206-226.

Bell, S. R. and N. Carrillo (2007). Characteristics of effective summer learning programs in practice. New Directions for Youth Development, 114, 45-63.

Eccles, J. S., & Harold, R. D. (1993). Parent-school involvement during the early adolescent years. Teachers college record, 94(3), 568-587.

Johnson, P. (2000).

Von Drehle, D. (2010). The case against summer. Time Magazine.

Trends, C. (2009). Effective and promising summer learning programs and approaches for economically disadvantaged children and youth. www.childtrends.org and www.childtrendsdatabank.or

Independence Day is a time to remember the courage, sacrifice, and determination of those who fought for our nation's freedom. The colonists dreamed of a place where every voice mattered, where people could live with dignity, and where justice and equality would be the guiding force for the future. Yet the right to freedom is not just about the past. It’s also about what we do with it today. Therefore, the question for those who oversee our youth is how to instill this virtue in today’s students. Especially since they have enjoyed the freedom of living in a democracy their entire life. 

Although today’s youth may not be leading revolutions or writing a constitution, they still have something just as powerful which is their voice. Student voice refers to the active involvement of students in the decision-making processes that affect their learning and school environment. It’s about recognizing students as partners in education, not just passive receivers of knowledge. It is acknowledging their ideas, questions, and dreams matter.  

When youth can discuss their thoughts, opinions and beliefs, they are honoring the very spirit of independence. People working in summer programs can use Independence Day as a reminder for students attending their programs to have the freedom to learn, grow, and shape the world the world they will be living in. Encourage students to use their voices not just to speak, but to listen to others, try and understand their perspectives, and to become leaders in their school.  When students are given a platform to express their ideas, concerns, and aspirations, not only will their school benefit but their community benefit as well.  

As out of school practitioners create an environment where students feel safe and respected, they will share their thoughts.  You can encourage dialogue by using tools like surveys, suggestion boxes, or reserve time for open forums. Show students that their input can lead to real change.  As students are given the opportunity to speak, and more importantly, to be heard, they become a crucial part of actively engaging in their programs.

Independence Day recognizes our nation's freedom from colonial rule or oppression. Similarly, by encouraging student voice, you are empowering young people to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns freely within their schools and communities. Just as a country values its independence, schools should value students' perspectives as well. Empowering student voice isn’t just a cliché; it’s a transformative method for teaching and learning. Happy Independence Day, and may we always remember our voice is our power.