schools.jpgSan Francisco city and school officials are joining members of local youth groups for an event today aimed at making sure students keep learning even while classes are out for the summer.

The “summer learning loss” is a contributing factor to the achievement gap between low-income and middle-income students, according to the San Francisco Unified School District.

To combat it, officials are holding an event this afternoon to call on the community to support youth programs that encourage physical activities, learning projects and a healthy diet over the summer months.

“Our students need the community’s support to keep them growing and learning all summer, to build on what they learn during the school year so they come back to school ready to learn rather than farther behind,” Superintendent Carlos Garcia said in a statement.

Supervisors Ross Mirkarimi, John Avalos and Eric Mar are expected to attend today’s event, which is hosted by the nonprofit New Day for Learning and runs from noon to 3 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza.

Representatives from local Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA programs, as well as other youth programs from the Western Addition, Mission and Bayview neighborhoods, are also expected to attend.

Members of the public are invited, and the event will include games, performances, a petting zoo and other activities.

Dan McMenamin, Bay City News

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