• Middle School Summer Program Frequently Asked Questions

    Questions

    Answers

    What is the Middle School Learning Loss Summer Camp?

    Middle School Summer Camp is a free, 4-week program that will begin on May 29 and will run through June 26. This camp will include 6 hours of daily, in-person programming from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, including:

    • Instruction in English Language Arts and math;
    • Intervention; and
    • Recess.
     

    Who is eligible for this program?

    Families of eligible students received a notification via email on March 6, 2024.

    Eligibility for this program is based on factors including:

    • Individual student performance on state reading and math assessments
    • A student’s fall semester grades in math or reading/language arts
    • Economic challenges facing families
     

    Can you tell me more about the factors that KCS considered?

    KCS looked at approximately six data points and if your student did not perform well on at least one of these points, they may have been identified as a student that could benefit from Middle School Summer Camp. A few of the data points that KCS examined were:

    • State TCAP data
    • Academic screener results
    • Benchmark data
    • Grades from the fall semester


    In addition, students whose families are facing economic challenges were also eligible for this program.

     

    Why is this program being offered?

    In January, 2021, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted the Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act to support students whose learning was interrupted by COVID-19. As part of this initiative, Tennessee school districts are again required to offer learning loss remediation programs for eligible students during the summer of 2023.

     

    Is this program mandatory?

    The Middle School Summer Camp is optional, and students are not required to attend.

     

    My student will be unavailable during a portion of the 4-week camp period. Are they still able to enroll?

    Students will receive the greatest academic benefits by attending the full 4-week camp. However, students who will be unavailable for a limited number of days may still enroll in the program.

     

    Will the Middle School Summer Camp be held at my student’s school?

    The district expects that all middle schools will host summer programming. If your student's school is not selected, another nearby location will be assigned.

     

    Will bus transportation be provided?

    Yes, Knox County Schools will provide bus transportation for the Summer Camp.

     

    Will meals be provided?

    Yes, free breakfast and lunch meals will be provided to all attendees.

     
     

    Will students get credit for this program?

    We believe the Middle School Summer Camp is an important tool to help students prepare for their next grade level. However, participation in this camp will not affect a student’s grades from the spring semester, and will not provide credit for classes in the fall semester.

     

    How do I sign up?

    Eligible families received a follow-up email on March 9 with an enrollment link. Enrollment was open from March 9 through April 7. 

     

    Is this program available for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)?

    During Summer Camp, the full scope of Special Education services may not be available and programming will not be intended to address IEP goals. This is an optional program and students will not be assigned grades. The Department of Student Success will work with staff to ensure that all students have the support needed in order to access programming.

     

    What is the status of additional programming for students with IEPs?

    Determinations regarding traditional Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) services will be made as they have been in the past by IEP teams. 

     

    Will students with 504 plans receive supports?

    Students with 504 plans who are eligible to attend Summer Bridge Camp will be provided supports to access the curriculum.

     

    Will English Language Learner (ELL) services be available?

    During Summer Camp the full scope of ELL services may not be available. This is an optional program and students will not be assigned grades. The Department of Student Success will work with school staff to ensure that all students have the support needed in order to access programming.

     

    What level of health services will be provided?

    Each school site will have access to a nurse, but not all sites will have a full-time nurse onsite.