School is officially out for many children in Roanoke City with the end of RCPS+, Roanoke City Public Schools’ six-week summer enrichment program. With four weeks left of summer and idle time for many children from needy families, Cox and Roanoke City Public Schools partnered to provide four new books for each RCPS+ student at Hurt Park Elementary to enjoy and read the remainder of their summer break.
According to a Harvard study, reading four to five books over summer break can prevent a decline in reading achievement scores from spring to fall. (Kim JS. Summer Reading and the Ethnic Achievement Gap. Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk.) Easy access to books will encourage these students to beat summer learning loss and help them return to school ready to learn.
“Roanoke City Public Schools is committed to combating the summer slide and keeping our students engaged even when school is out. RCPS+ provides an additional six weeks of enrichment for many of our students to keep them connected,” said Justin McLeod, Community Relations Specialist, Roanoke City Public Schools. “This partnership with Cox demonstrates how together through public-private partnership we can stay focused on this commitment and continue to make a positive impact on the youth in our community.”
Cox employees celebrated the end of RCPS+ with the students at Hurt Park Elementary by hosting a party where the children were able to select the books they wanted to take home and enjoy. Additionally, Cox volunteers read with the students and provided refreshments.
“Cox Communications is committed to ensuring that all children in the Valley have the tools they need to succeed in school and in life,” said Jeff Merritt, Market Vice President for Roanoke Operations for Cox Virginia. “We are proud to work with our partners such as Roanoke City Public Schools to engage students over the summer to ensure they are prepared when they come back to school.”
The support at Hurt Park Elementary is part of a larger focus by Cox Virginia recognizing the importance of student engagement during the summer. In total, nearly 2,000 books were distributed throughout Cox Virginia communities to more than 500 children. Additional sites included Daniels Run Elementary and Main Street Child Development Center in Fairfax and Horizons Hampton Roads in Norfolk.
