The Washington School District is partnering with the YMCA to encourage elementary students to attend summer school if the student shows a substantial deficiency in reading. Curriculum Director Veta Thode announced at this week’s school board meeting that the Y-Read program will launch this summer. Students involved will go to the YMCA to meet with teachers for 20 minutes of instruction and then 40 minutes of activity, repeating the cycle. Students will then get a free day pass to the Y which includes the outdoor pool. Approximately 75 to 80 kindergarten through third grade students will be served through the program with three to four teachers involved.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Jorgensen explained there is a state mandate with early literacy implementation and this is Washington’s approach to having more students involved in the program. The state mandate is students not proficient by the end of third grade, who did not attend the summer program and do not qualify for a good cause examption will be retained.

Thode adds Y-Read encompasses education, physical activity and social activity for students.