JCSD 509J Earns Three-Year Summer Learning Grant to Improve Literacy and Support Student Success

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 6, 2026

Joseph Prechtl, Communications Director

jprechtl@509j.net | 541-475-6192 Ext. 2225

 

JCSD 509J Earns Three-Year Summer Learning Grant to Improve Literacy 

and Support Student Success

Jefferson County, Ore. - Jefferson County School District 509J is pleased to announce the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has awarded our district a three year summer learning grant. This grant will provide our district annual funding so we can sustain our summer programming for students across our district at no extra cost. The program’s goal is to strengthen literacy and support student success. 

The grant will provide approximately $478,860 annually over the next three years to support our summer program that serves more than 500 students in grades K-12. We are one of only two school districts in our region who received this competitive funding, which will support students across all grade levels.

Our summer acceleration program will be offered at Bridges High School, Madras Elementary School, and Madras High School. The program will run Monday-Thursday starting on July 20 through August 6. We will offer transportation to students in need and meals to all summer program students. Warm Springs K-8 Academy has historically served as a program site, but the campus will not be available due to a major construction project. Students who attend WSK8 will attend our summer program at Madras Elementary this year.

Our summer acceleration program will provide students with opportunities for academic enrichment to help them meet state standards in subjects including reading and language arts, math, and science. The program will offer many opportunities for students to participate in STEM based learning that sparks curiosity and hands-on activities that make learning exciting. There will be a strong focus on ELA and math each day as well.

“This competitive funding allows our district to continue to invest in a meaningful and robust summer program that offers additional support to students across all grade levels,” Superintendent Jay Mathisen said. “We are thankful to receive this funding which allows us to offer these programs that support our students' growth and ensure they flourish here.”

More information on registration and program schedules are available on our website. Families are encouraged to visit our website here to learn more about the programs. 

Jefferson County School District 509J serves approximately 2,650 students across Jefferson County, Oregon. Our district is committed to uniting to empower culturally enhanced learners to shape the world. We believe in our core values of Students Flourish Here, We Care for Each Other, and Better Every Day. 

###