RCSD celebrates summer reading success through City Council Literacy Program

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District is expanding learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom this summer, offering programs designed to keep students engaged while supporting their academic growth. Through partnerships with local organizations and city leaders, the district is providing educational experiences that encourage learning, build confidence, and help families during the summer months.

Among the featured initiatives is the City Council Literacy Program, a collaborative effort that focuses on improving reading skills for younger students while creating meaningful employment opportunities for local teenagers. The program is taking place at Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7 and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School No. 9, bringing together the Rochester City School District, the City of Rochester, and PrimeTime 585.

Supported through city funding, the literacy initiative serves children entering first through third grade using a phonics-based curriculum developed by Read Alliance. A total of 90 elementary students are participating this summer, receiving reading instruction from 40 trained teen mentors between the ages of 14 and 16. The teenagers are hired as paid reading “buddies,” allowing them to gain valuable work experience while helping younger students strengthen essential literacy skills.

District leaders say the program creates benefits for both age groups. Younger children receive individualized support from mentors who are close enough in age to build comfortable relationships, while the teens develop leadership, communication, and workplace skills that can benefit them long after the summer ends.

“Peer support is essential,” said Camille Simmons, President of the Rochester Board of Education. “Teen students sitting with younger children creates a powerful connection where learning from a ‘big kid’ changes the dynamic of a traditional classroom.”

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The literacy initiative is part of the district’s larger summer learning strategy, which launched earlier this month. Officials say this year’s programming emphasizes partnerships throughout the community to provide academic instruction alongside youth development opportunities. Programs are available for students of different ages and include everything from early literacy support to enrichment activities and coursework that helps older students stay on track toward graduation.

Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser said collaboration across the community is a key part of making these programs successful and ensuring students continue learning even after the regular school year has ended.

“When we talk about the importance of our community coming together for our children, we share a common vision to work collaboratively and better meet their needs across Rochester,” said Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of Schools. “By partnering with local organizations, we provide meaningful academic programs that alleviate summer childcare costs for families while ensuring students have access to meals and essential services.”

Each day of the City Council Literacy Program follows a carefully planned schedule that balances academics with physical activity and nutritional support. Students participate in two literacy classes along with two reading comprehension laboratory sessions that reinforce the skills they are developing through the reading curriculum.

Beyond classroom instruction, children also spend 25 minutes taking part in organized physical activities led by movement professionals working alongside the teen mentors. The combination of learning and exercise is intended to keep students active and engaged throughout the day while supporting their overall well-being.

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Meals are another important part of the program. Students receive lunch each day featuring popular menu options such as pasta, pizza, and barbecue. Organizers have also included an additional layer of support for families by sending students home with extra food each afternoon. Officials say this approach helps reduce household food concerns while encouraging consistent attendance throughout the summer session.

District leaders believe that combining literacy instruction, mentorship, physical activity, and nutrition creates an environment where students are better prepared to succeed both academically and personally. At the same time, the program gives local teenagers an opportunity to earn income while serving as positive role models within their own community.

As summer learning continues across Rochester, the City Council Literacy Program reflects the district’s broader effort to ensure students remain engaged during the break from school. By pairing young readers with trained teen mentors and surrounding them with academic, physical, and nutritional support, the initiative aims to make summer both productive and enjoyable while strengthening connections across the community.