Elementary kids explore in HSD’s summer program

By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 21st, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – The Oregon National Guard recently landed a Chinook at the two locations for the Hermiston School District’s summer learning program. Superintendent Tricia Mooney said the elementary school program is more about exploring than it is about working at desks.

“They’ve been to Fort Walla Walla,” she said. “They’ve been to the Sage Center. They were strawberry picking. We’re really looking at a variety of opportunities to keep kids excited about school.”

The district also works with the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center and the Champions program, which provides childcare before and after the district’s program. Mooney said in addition to keeping children engaged, the district is also trying to support their parents or guardians.

“We know that we live in an agricultural community and we have a lot of parents that are working really long hours right now,” she said. “This is a way for us to support our families by offering that extended program.”