Summer school students in the St. Vrain Valley School District, including those at Longmont’s Eagle Crest Elementary, are participating in Project Launch, a comprehensive summer program designed to reinforce math and literacy skills while engaging students in fun, hands-on activities like STEM challenges and interactive lessons. The program, which runs full days four times a week in June, serves about 2,350 elementary and 580 middle school students across multiple sites, offering small class sizes and additional support for special education and dyslexic students. Funded through a combination of district funds and state and federal grants, Project Launch also incorporates science and social studies concepts, with specialized STEM projects such as building mini pickleball courts and robotics challenges.
Teachers and staff emphasize the program’s role in helping students build confidence and develop stronger school habits, preparing them for the upcoming school year. Middle school students receive targeted instruction in core subjects and practical skills like email communication, while elementary students benefit from small group instruction and enrichment activities like read-alouds and visits from traveling planetariums. Educators involved in Project Launch highlight the positive impact on student growth and engagement, noting that many students return year after year to continue their learning in a supportive, enjoyable environment.
