Roane County Schools' expanded summer program kicked off Monday, June 21, bringing Student Opportunities for Learning Experiences (SOLE) to nearly 200 students at Geary, Spencer Middle, Walton, and Roane County High School.
The Summer SOLE program will give students opportunities to catch up or keep up with their studies in reading and math, while also bringing them fun learning opportunities that might not be practical during the school year. Teachers and staff have planned field trips to area businesses and nature areas, hands-on exploration of science and art, and special treats for students during the four-week program.
Summer SOLE is supported by a grant from the West Virginia Department of Education through WVDE's ESSERF 2 plan. ESSERF 2, the second round of pandemic relief funding provided by Congress to elementary and secondary schools throughout the nation, will also provide $3.2 million to Roane County Schools for work throughout the 2021-2024 grant cycle. The Roane County Board of Education approved the county's ESSERF 2 plan in May 2021, providing for additional student and classroom technology and support for teachers and staff to maintain very small class sizes and increased health and safety protocols brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.