Lessons require only 15 minutes a day. There are guidelines for parents, along with flash cards and stickers. (Also, parents, please remove the answer key in the back and use this to check students’ work.)
Why is Summer Bridge important?
Summer Bridge is important because it will help you know what skills your child needs to be successful going into the next grade. Students can work on these skills to start the year off right.
How can my child participate?
Summer Bridge is open to all elementary school students currently enrolled in DSD. The free workbooks include engaging activities and practice in reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and fitness. Lessons require only 15 minutes a day. The books include parent guidelines, flash cards, and stickers. Please remove the answer key in the back and use this to check your child's work.
Can middle school students participate?
No. Beginning this year, only elementary students K-5 are eligible to participate in Summer Bridge due to a limited amount of funds available this year. Since we had a low completion rate from middle school students, we decided to end the program at the middle school level at this time. Families of middle school students who are interested in summer learning resources are encouraged to utilize Clever. This is a secure online hub where students can easily access learning apps used during the school year – all in one place. It’s a great tool for summer learning, with resources like i-Ready, Sora, and Khan Academy. Encourage your student to log in regularly to the district's Clever portal to keep skills sharp over the break.
How do I get a workbook?
A Summer Bridge workbook is provided to every DSD elementary school student in the final weeks of the 2024-25 school year. If you don't receive a book, a limited number will be available at the District Administration Office front desk, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 281 Sawyer Drive, Suite 100, in Bodo Park.
When and where are the checkpoints?
Student checkpoints will confirm completion of Summer Bridge pages. We will not have checkpoints at all schools due to construction happening at several schools this summer. If your child currently attends a school that is not listed, you are welcome to select a checkpoint at one of the schools listed below or come to the district office.
Checkpoint dates
- Thursday, June 19: Checkpoint 1 (first 40 pages)
- Thursday, July 17: Checkpoint 2 (first 80 pages)
- Thursday, August 14: Checkpoint 3 (first 120 pages)
Checkpoint locations
- Park Elementary: 2-6 p.m. in Fanto Park (510 E. Sixth Ave.)
- Needham Elementary: 2-6 p.m. in the main entrance (2425 W. Third Ave.)
- Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary: 2-6 p.m. in the library (11274 Colorado Hwy. 140)
- Sunnyside Elementary: 2-6 p.m. in the library (75 County Road 218)
- District Administration Office: During checkpoint weeks, the front office will accept student check-ins Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (281 Sawyer Drive, Suite 100, in Bodo Industrial Park)
What are the prizes?
Students can receive up to three checkpoint prizes—one for each of the three sections completed. When students show that they have completed a section, they will receive a free pass at each checkpoint to an exciting adventure at venues such as the following:
- Durango Community Recreation Center
- Lake Nighthorse
- Powerhouse Science Center
- Cream Bean Berry
- The Gravity Lab
- Wacky Wizards (Mountain Studies Institute)
Please note that the Summer Bridge prizes are available in limited quantities, and students may not be able to choose or swap out prizes. We are grateful to our generous community partners for supporting the Summer Bridge program with these engaging activities.
What happens in the fall?
When students turn in a completed book during the first week of school, they will be entered into a raffle for exciting prizes such as mountain bikes, video game consoles, skateboards, snowboards, gift cards, headphones and speakers, arts and crafts, and family adventures. If students finish the book early, they receive all three checkpoint passes, and they have the opportunity to complete the next grade-level book, too, for a challenge and more prizes.
Our Summer Bridge program is important because it helps families know what skills their children need to be successful going into the next grade, and gives students a chance to work on these skills so they can start the year off right. We are looking forward to seeing you this summer at our checkpoints!
If you have any questions about Summer Bridge, please call 970-247-5411.