No one likes to go to summer school — including, we are certain, the teachers.

But Youngstown City Schools are right to offer a summer education program this year in an attempt to aid students who might have fallen behind while taking classes online during the past year.

The Youngstown City School District announced recently its plans to offer a five-week in-person class curriculum available to all students from June 7 to July 9. The program will provide valuable educational opportunities, as well as offering fun and uplifting activities for our city’s kids.

This program will provide all-day classes for students whether they might have struggled to complete their coursework through this pandemic year, fallen behind in their classes or simply want to participate in programs being co-sponsored by the district and community organizations.

The district also may provide additional classes through the end of August, even after the five-week program is completed, according to city schools Chief Executive Officer Justin Jennings.

Jennings said the district’s goal is to make sure students are safe and have opportunities to continue learning.

Bravo!

“This is good for the community. There has been an uptick in violence in the city, so having places where students can go through the summer will help,” Jennings said.

Focuses will be on academic weaknesses and literacy. But it doesn’t stop there. The classes also will include enrichment programs sponsored by organizations, including the United Way, Red Zone, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, OH! WOW science museum and others.

Students also will be able to participate in outside sports activities and visual arts like painting, drawing, music and theater.

And making the programs even better is the fact that they come at no local cost to residents or taxpayers. Rather, Youngstown schools are able to offer this extensive summer programming because of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds it received from the state, according to Jennings.

In the latest round of funding, announced in February, Youngstown is expected to receive $22,338,287. Last fall, Youngstown City Schools received $5,655,164 in relief funds. At the time, school officials said the district would be using the money to purchase laptops and Chromebooks for students.

Transportation, breakfast and lunch also will be provided to all participants in the summer program.

Overall, it sounds like an uplifting and beneficial environment where students will be able to learn and grow. Certainly, it also will serve as a benefit for parents of younger children who work during the day.

Kudos to the district and to the community organizations that are assisting in the planning and programming.

Now, we hope parents encourage their children to take part in the program.

editorial@vindy.com