Enrichment Learning to Curb the Slide

Enrichment Learning to Curb the Slide

Summer at Courtyard 2019 celebrated its fifth year of offering free summer learning enrichment programming to children from Queen Village. This year’s program included 30 children, ages 5–11, led by program managers Michael Kimmel and Mia DeCrescenzo, (both teachers during the school year), and was made possible by volunteers and the generous donations of businesses and individuals.

Summer at Courtyard provides enrichment through art, music, free play, and field trips. However, the element QVNA is most proud of is the daily reading program—developed by Kimmel and DeCrescenzo—to curb the “summer slide.” Made possible this year through a grant from the Free Library of Philadelphia, books were curated to include appropriate reading materials for each level of comprehension. And small group instruction included stations for reading, computer reading programs, and word games.

The six-week program ran Monday through Thursday from July 9 until Aug. 15 at the Courtyard Apartments at Riverview’s Community Room, 1021 S. 4th St.

Summer at Courtyard is a partnership among QVNA, the Courtyard Residents Council, Southwark Development Corporation, Better Tomorrows, and the Michaels Organization. ■

Fun learning experiences included drumming (www.musicopia.net), dental care (www.cavitybusters.com), ceramics (www.theclaystudio.org), and the culture of Indigenous peoples (www.wearetheseeds.org).

Weekly field trips spanned in topics from science and nature

Thank you for your generosity, Summer at Courtyard sponsors:

Platinum level — $5,000+ ■ Care Institute Group, Inc. ■ Cozen O’Connor Foundation

Silver level — $1,000–4,999 ■ Bill and Margie Berlinghoff ■ David Bresler D.D.S., P.C. ■ Eugene Ehrenfeld

Sunshine level — $500–749 ■ Steven Fishman

Summer level — $250–499 ■ Jamie Nadeau ■ Kenneth Segarnick