Merced City School District Opens Community Learning Hubs to Bring More Resources to Community During the Summer
 

(June 21, 2021, MERCED, CA) -- In an effort to provide resources to accelerate learning recovery during the summer, Merced City School District (MCSD) has opened Community Learning Hubs. In partnership with local businesses and other community organizations, the learning hubs are located around Merced and staffed by MCSD. The hubs are located at Merced Mall, Boys and Girls Club, Restorative Justice League and Sheehy Elementary Library. Open twice a week, for a few hours each week, the hubs were opened as part of the District’s “Literacy and Learning Backpack Campaign”, which launched before the end of the school year. As part of the backpack campaign, each student in the District, from preschool through 8th grade, received a backpack filled with books and workbooks to continue learning and reading over the summer.

Each backpack contained four books, tip cards, and a “Getting Ready” workbook. The workbooks are specific to each grade level and have been customized to include community-based activities that students and their families can do together this summer.

Students who need help completing their workbooks included in their backpacks can stop by an MCSD Learning Hub and instructional aides are there to provide additional support.

“Learning doesn’t just happen in our classrooms. That's why our team continues to find ways to support students beyond the classroom and provide resources to address learning loss, especially this year,” explains Doug Collins, Deputy Superintendent for MCSD. “The Learning Hubs along with our Literacy and Learning Backpacks will be a great way to help students continue learning and reading over the summer and help students not just catch up but also be ready for the next school year.

Each learning hub is equipped to serve six to ten students at a time with MCSD staff helping kids on using materials in their Literacy and Learning Backpacks. Those who are interested in getting Literacy and Learning Backpack can also stop by one of the hubs to get one.

“Giving back to the community has always been a top priority at Merced Mall. Being able to host a learning hub is a wonderful opportunity to support our community who has always supported us. Providing a safe space for children to continue learning is just one of the many ways we can support children and their families. The Literacy and Learning Backpack Campaign is a great program and we are glad to be a part of it,” shares Nanette Villegas, Marketing Manager for Merced Mall.

Birdi Olivares-Kidwell, Board of Education President shares what it meant to be able to see the project come to life, “It was powerful for me to see the Literacy and Learning Backpacks in person. Approving them in concept was very different than seeing this project come to life.  Reading through the books really brought home the impact that we can make for children with culturally relevant material. Seeing the smiles on their faces at our learning hubs, and the joy as they explored the various items in the backpacks was emotional for me.  I’m just so proud of our team at MCSD for this innovative program. Bringing access to these resources, putting quality hardcover books in their hands, and providing in-person help through our learning hubs can make a significant difference for our students at this critical time.”

Learning Hubs are open Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Merced Mall, Restorative Justice League and Sheehy Library. The Learning Hub at the Boys and Girls Club is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. To learn more about MCSD’s Literacy and Learning Backpack campaign, visit www.mcsd.k12.ca.us.