Borrego Sun - Since 1949

BASIC’s 8th Summer Learning Academy was very successful once again. Our staff of excellent teachers worked to meet the needs of our students. This summer we had 45 students that were recommended by their teachers and then chosen by the school principal based on need, as well as, desire and ability to attend all 20 sessions. Students with perfect attendance (one absence allowed) received a refurbished Yoga Laptop with headphones. All but two students accomplished this!

The focus for this summer’s classes was Elementary Reading for 2nd and 3rd graders, Elementary Math for 4th and 5th graders, English Language Development for 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders, and Middle School Math for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. The goal by the end of the summer was to get our students up to grade level in their areas of most need. We saw significant improvement from all the students.

Our dedicated, outstanding staff of teachers, aides and volunteers this summer were Tania Fuerte (Elementary Reading Class), Megan Hanna (Elementary Math Class), Neysa Smith (English Language Development), and Ken Collard (Middle School Math Class). Their aides were Joselyn Troncoso, Ty White, Bryan Fuerte and Brody White, respectively. It is to be noted that the aides are all BSUSD graduates, interested in giving back to the community. The volunteers were Alexandra Buchowiecka, Jim Wall, and Roberta Wall. Working as a tight team, these educators were able to offer their students a rigorous academic program balanced with enrichment, project-based learning, books and gifts such as backpacks, t-shirts and school supplies. We expanded the “buddy program” where the middle schoolers acted as mentors/buddies to help the younger ones through some lessons in both math and reading. This year, we also had the assistance of UCI graduate students, Julian Levine and Taylor Wycoff, who spent time observing, providing feedback and suggestions. They wanted to use BASIC Learning Academy as a “model” for other interested communities.

The Learning Academy classes were held from July 3 through Aug 1 at the UCI Steele Burnand Center from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and snacks were provided every day by Kendall’s Cafe.

We offered two incredible enrichment programs this summer for our students. Art with Oak Lake Art Center (OLAC) was a hit again. OLAC is a private non-profit that teaches art. Ed and Joan White came out again this summer and provided our students with a painting lesson. This summer’s theme was “Your Favorite Gift”. Each student got to paint and take home their own matted piece of art. Vector Control came out and did a presentation on the life cycles of mosquitoes. The students were able to look at their different life stages through magnifying glasses and make craft art that they got to take home.

Closing Ceremonies were on Aug. 1. The event was well attended with over 150 adults and children. Each of the classes presented their summer long projects. This provides excellent training for presentation skills that could be valuable in the students’ careers. They were on display for all of the families in attendance.

BASIC, a “cradle to graduation” program, has been in existence for over 30 years. It exists to assist our community of learners from childhood through adulthood, in accessing an education in spite of our rural location and low socio-economic situation. This highly successful 501c3 accomplishes its mission through grants, scholarships and programs such as the Learning Academy.

BASIC started the Summer Learning Academy (LA) in 2016, a four-week intensive program for students who are below grade level in Math, Reading, Writing, and English Language Development. This program uniquely offers small class sizes, personalized attention, over 100 hours of instruction per student, all at no cost to students. Equally importantly, LA also provides nutritious meals.

BASIC is a charitable 501c3 organization and your donations could help grow our programs. You may give at http://www.borregobasic.org or send your checks to PO 1914, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004.