RPS Summer of Discovery Logo Header

Transforming Summer Learning

Summer of Discovery is an intentional effort to transform traditional summer school into a high-interest, engaging opportunity focused in four essential learning areas: academics, experiences, relational skills, and wellness. Welcoming and celebrating students of all identities is a top priority in this program, along with embedding mental health and other learning supports.

Students are invited to join our Summer of Discovery program by their teachers and school leadership.

RPS Summer of Discovery Program

615 7th Street SW
507.328.4017 | Email Us

What are the key components of summer learning?

Four essential learning areas are key components for our summer program -- academics, experiences, relational skills, and wellbeing. All students participating in the summer learning should experience all four of these areas

Two students working on a class assignments on their laptops

Academics

Including assessment of current reading skills and growth support for all participants using culturally responsive materials and approaches, plus opportunities to practice other academic skills through high interest activities; at secondary, credit needs will influence the specific academic skills in focus.

Three students standing barefoot in a steam catching minnows with nets

Experiences

Activities such as creating, constructing, experimenting, imagining, observing, playing, reflecting, visiting, which support strong engagement and the building of new knowledge, skills, and awareness. Daily outdoor experiences are embedded in plans.

Relational Skills

A focus on recognizing and celebrating identity and culture, developing and practicing empathy, learning to collaborate effectively in community with people of various ages, backgrounds, abilities, and views, which prepares our students to thrive in many environments.

Three students talking with an SOD teacher and laughing in conversation.

Wellbeing

Building our students’ resilience by improving elements of health, such as physical strength, speed, agility, balance, or stamina; mindfulness; gratitude and optimism; nutrition; and other aspects of self-care.

High School Student staring into the camera while walking across the street

Engaging our Students and Community

Student experiences in Summer of Discovery vary on a daily and even hourly basis. Significant outdoor time and engaging experiences both in and out of the school building contribute to building the background knowledge needed for future learning. Students will receive targeted support in reading and math along with extended practice using technology, games, and other tools to keep growing the skills and mindsets needed for success in school.  

Walking and school bus field trips extend our learning spaces out into our community and beyond. Our students and staff find these some of the most memorable elements of Summer of Discovery, and we work to provide students with experiences that expand their worlds. 

Our community has been extremely supportive of Summer of Discovery, opening their doors for field trips, bringing in experts for collaboration, and funding special efforts. We want to invite them back into our spaces to show them what students are learning. To that end, we intentionally plan for showcase events for parents and our community supporters.

When is Summer of Discovery?

Summer of Discovery Invitation

In early Spring, teachers and school leadership will determine who will be invited to Summer of Discovery. We apply MDE criteria for invitation to Summer of Discovery.

If you would like more information or to express your interest in eligibility for Summer of Discovery - please connect with us: Email: sod@rochesterschools.org Phone: 507.328.4017

We will connect you with your summer school location and review possibilities.