Mayor Menino celebrates last day of school with students and families

Mayor Menino Monday joined city officials, Boston Public Schools, students and families to kick off the start of summer and celebrate the last day of the academic school year. City officials representing youth services and public safety agencies came together to discuss summer safety and encourage families to take advantage of the variety of city programs and services available to Boston youth and families throughout the summer.  

“The City of Boston offers an outstanding variety of programs and support services for youth throughout the year, and this summer is no exception,” said Mayor Menino.  “Our city departments have worked very hard to increase services and programs that provide our youth with an enriching summer experience, from summer school to summer camps, keeping them in a safe learning environment and off the streets during the summer months.”

Boston Public Schools (BPS) announced that it is making changes to its summer school program, Summer Scholars 2010, which will serve more than 5,000 students this year. The school day will be extended, shifting from four hours to six hours, with four hours of academics and 1.5 hours of enrichment daily.  Academics will focus on the district’s most academically challenged students and enrichment opportunities offered will include arts instruction, golf, yoga, forensic science, and a field trip one day a week.

“By creating our Summer Scholars 2010 program, we are breaking the conventional wisdom of what summer school looks like,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. “We know that these students will benefit significantly from high-quality instruction and enrichment opportunities and we are confident the program will be both exciting and rewarding.”

Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) has been working with BPS to ensure that every child has a safe place to go each day after their summer school session.  This summer BCYF will offer several employment and skill-development programs for teens in addition to the many summer camps, athletic leagues, and fun events offered throughout the summer.  Boston R.O.C.K.S!!! (Recreational Opportunities for City Kids) is entering its fourth year of providing a coordinated effort to connect youth with free and low cost programs, activities and employment.  Parents, guardians, and youth are encouraged to utilize the website www.bostonyouthzone.com or call (617-635-KIDS) to find summer programs across the city.  The number of programs currently listed is nearly 1,000.

“Keeping our young people safe and engaged in healthy and fun activities during the summer is a major priority for the Mayor and BCYF,” said Daphne Griffin, executive director of BCYF.  “We have worked closely with our city partners to ensure a coordinated effort and fill in the gaps to ensure we are reaching as many youth as possible.”  

Mayor Menino also reminded students and families of the importance of basic summer safety tips.  The Boston Public Health Commission and public safety officials from Boston Emergency Management Services, Boston Fire Department, and Boston Police Department spoke about summer safety concerns and discussed how children and families can reduce the potential outdoor hazards of summer.

Safety Tips include:

 ·       When outdoors, use adequate amounts of protective sunscreen (SPF-15or higher) and wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and hats. Be especially cautious when the sun’s UV radiation is strongest, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

 ·        Stay safe by the ocean, lake, or poolside this summer by following basic water safety rules. Never swim alone and always obey lifeguards and posted warnings and signs.

 ·       Bicycling injuries increase in the summer months. It is important to know how to ride safely to prevent crashes and to wear a helmet on every trip. 

 ·        Window falls are one of the leading causes of injury to children under age five. Windows should be locked if not in use or opened from the top if possible.

·       Heat related illness such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be fatal if untreated and need to be taken seriously, particularly for elderly and younger populations.  To avoid heat stroke, stay hydrated, wear loose, light colored clothing, rest often in shady areas or inside whenever possible, and pay attention to the warning signs such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches.