Detroit schools offer summer events balancing fun and continued learning

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) on June 20, 2024 kicked off its "Summer on the Block" series where parents and others were able to receive academic and social service resources like books and voter registration. | Ken Coleman

As the temperature in the Motor City soared toward 90 degrees on Thursday, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) kicked off its “Summer on the Block” series where parents and others were able to receive academic and community resources like books, yoga, painting and voter registration. 

Ice cream and entertainment were also on site at Davis Aerospace Technical High School, located on the city’s lower eastside. 

Sharlonda Buckman, DPSCD assistant superintendent of the school district’s Family and Community Engagement Department, said the effort provides an opportunity for continued interaction with school-aged children. 

“It’s important that we continue to build bridges with families so they stay connected to our schools and make sure that our children can balance having fun and continuing to learn over the summer,” Buckman said. 

With about 50,000 students, DPSCD is the state’s largest public school district and will offer several other “Summer on the Block” events planned for the summer. Detroit has a poverty rate of 33.8%, approximately 2.5 times higher than Michigan’s poverty rate of 13.4%, according to U.S, Census statistics. Education leaders believe that providing year-long resources to families can help children to achieve academic success. 

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