Summer Reading Program (SAIL)
The ability to read well is one of the most important skills children learn in school. Unfortunately, many children struggle to become proficient readers. Because of this, P.K. Yonge (PKY) Developmental Research School created a summer program, Summer Adventures in Literacy (SAIL), nineteen years ago. More recently, the University of Florida Literacy Initiative (UFLI) summer reading program was developed to provide intensive one-on-one tutoring for students with dyslexia and other significant reading difficulties.
Once again, SAIL and UFLI are teaming up to offer a great experience for struggling readers in Gainesville and the surrounding area. Children participating this summer will receive four hours of reading instruction, including one-on-one tutoring and small-group intervention, literacy games, and large-group activities.
What is SAIL?
SAIL is a three-week summer reading program that employs evidence-based intervention methods. With an adult to child ratio of approximately 1:2, students receive individualized instruction, specifically tailored to address their reading difficulties.
SAIL is scheduled to take place June 10th – June 28th, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm each day.
Small-group and one-on-one reading tutoring during SAIL is conducted both by SAIL teachers and by UF graduate student reading specialist interns, under the supervision of UF faculty and SAIL teachers.
Who is eligible to attend SAIL?
SAIL is open to students in grades 1-5 with documented difficulties in reading. This documentation may include (a) a prior diagnosis of dyslexia or a specific learning disability (SLD) in reading, (b) a record of significantly below-benchmark performance on standardized tests, or (c) results from UFLI screening assessment.
All potential participants must also be screened by UFLI personnel to ensure that the program is a good match for the student’s needs. After you have submitted an application, UFLI staff will contact you to schedule a screening appointment.
Why should my child attend SAIL?
Data from previous summers indicate that students who attend SAIL make significant gains in their reading achievement.
We know that reading achievement declines when struggling readers do not attend a summer reading program.
State benchmarks for promotion and graduation focus heavily on reading skills. Standards for promotion from 3rd grade and graduation from high school are set in state law and measured by student performance on state assessments.
What else do I need to know about SAIL?
SAIL enrollment is limited and will be offered to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students who register for SAIL are expected to arrive on time, attend every day, and adhere to the P.K. Yonge Student Code of Conduct.
For students who do not currently attend 3rd grade at P.K. Yonge, SAIL will not serve as their 3rd grade Summer Reading Camp for the purposes of the state of Florida’s promotion and/or retention decision.
A parent-student-teacher meeting is a unique and important component of SAIL. We will provide opportunities for you to learn how to become more involved with your child’s reading and to share your child’s reading progress.
The cost of participation in SAIL is $500. Payment in full is required prior to beginning SAIL. A limited number of scholarships are available for students. Please indicate on the application form if you wish to apply for a scholarship.
Afternoon summer camp activities are being offered after SAIL on P.K. Yonge’s campus. Please contact Blue Wave After School, Inc. for more information about camps (352-692-3007).
How do I register my child for SAIL?
Applications for SAIL 2019 are now closed.
