The purpose of Families Matter: St. Lucie Public Schools Parenting Guide is to give parents and families information about the resources found within our local community. The resources shared could be in the form of people connected to St. Lucie Public Schools like School Counselors, District Support Personnel or Educators on your child’s campus, or the resources could be found on our SLPS website, and it could be in the form of local community agencies that help your child achieve success. You play a pivotal role in the life of your child/children, and as always, our aim is to support you. Our purpose for this episode is to give you tools and resources to support your child’s learning during those summer months.

Summer means more time spent in and around water. It is crucial to know water safety tips such as watching children closely when swimming. Another tip is to teach children of all ages to never swim alone and to always make sure an adult is present when they go swimming. These tips can be included in safety briefing before swimming to go over all water safety rules. Check out more water safety tips at SafeKids Worldwide. 

There are so many resources within St. Lucie County’s Park and Recreation Department that are FREE!

Another great free resource to stay engaged with learning over the summer is to go to the public library! They offer a variety of classes such as Pre-school Storybook Craft, Music & Motion, STEAM Power, and Story-time Jam just to name a few. Click the link for their full calendar of events. 

St. Lucie Public Library is also hosting a summer reading challenge with some amazing prizes! Click the link for all the details.

Check out the engaging and fun online resources offered for students organized by grade band to help prevent summer slide.

SLPS Summer Slide Resources

Boys & Girls Club has many summer programs at various locations throughout the county. For our families with older students, Boys & Girls Club offer an “Earn while your Learn” opportunity to participate in their workforce readiness program. Any teen enrolled in a Boys & Girls Club can earn a monthly stipend after completing workforce activities. 

Here’s more information about this program and more –

SUMMER PROGRAMS 2024

The purpose of this show is to focus on parents and families within our district. You play a pivotal role in the life of your child/children. They look to you for comfort after a long day, help with homework, and when they received a good grade on a test. You are the glue that guides your family to success. The role of the parent may look different from household to household. We see you, value you and are here to support you and your family.

Carlos Zamora shared his thoughts and the story behind writing “Amigo”.

Here are translated audio recordings of “Amigo” written by Carlos Zamora in Spanish, Haitian-Creole, and Portuguese.

New Worlds Reading Initiative is a reading program supported by the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center and Florida legislature that sends books to your child’s home if they need additional support in reading.

If you are interested in finding out more about the resources offered, please visit their website at www.newworldsreading.com to see if your child qualifies for additional support and resources. The NWRI targets elementary students in grades Pre-K through fifth grade who are reading below grade level. Talk with your child’s teacher or school to determine what supports are out there to develop a love of reading. Quality literature can be sent to your home FREE, for students reading below grade level. These home libraries can support your child’s reading growth and nurture your child’s love of reading.

 The New Worlds Reading Initiative application is easy to complete and is only a few simple steps. Go to www.newworldsreading.com and scroll to the bottom of the page, click “Get Started”. This will direct you to the application. You can also select your home language as you fill out the application. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s school.  

The reading guide for “Amigo” is filled with engaging literacy activities to do with your child. The books are delivered to your house with reading guides to work on as you read together.

All residents of St. Lucie County are entitled to a library card free of charge. Cards can be obtained in person at any branch except Pruitt Campus Library, or applicants 16 or older can call any location except Pruitt Campus Library during open hours or complete an online form.