VVSD Summer School Program — Beneficial For Our Kids?

I noticed recently that the Valley View School District had sent out a survey regarding a summer school program for 2012. I remember a bit of a shock last year when VVSD cut back and eliminated its summer school program and there will not be a program again this summer.

I remember from last summer that a lot of kids, some elementary school and some junior high, hanging around the neighborhood without much parental guidance. I also know that many of the VVSD elementary schools have not achieved No Child Left Behind AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) requirements.

I’m pleased that VVSD is looking into a summer school program. I feel that summer school is required to keep kids up to par with state standards and other schools. While it’s not the job of the school system to "babysit" kids, a summer school program will undoubtedly keep kids out of trouble and in some cases offer them a support system that they may not have at home.

One part of the survey included whether parents would be willing to pay for all or some of the program. I normally pay for a few camps and programs each summer for my son to learn or have fun, so I’m partially willing to pay for the program. We also let him attend Vacation Bible School programs, available at most churches for free. I fear that some kids and parents that don’t have the means may not take advantage of the program if there is a cost required.

I remember when the program was cut, I believe there was a cost of the between $200k - $300k (correct me if I am wrong?). I wonder if VVSD could take advantage of more volunteers to make such a program more feasible. I know that bus service would be expensive for the smaller group that would attend summer school, so that may also be a constraint for some.

What do you think? Is a summer school program beneficial to our kids, or do you consider it more of a babysitting service that does not warrant funding? What other programs (free or at cost) should be considered for Bolingbrook kids?