Written by Amber Heidtke, CEO
At The Zones, we’re dedicated to creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day. Whether we’re launching new programs, improving our facilities, or expanding partnerships, every step we take is driven by our mission to empower youth through meaningful opportunities. In these articles, we’ll dive into of our latest projects—highlighting the impact it’s making and the people working behind the scenes to bring it to life.
Summer is often seen as a break from school, but for many children, it also means a break from learning. Without engaging activities to keep their minds active, kids can experience what’s known as the “summer slide”—a loss of academic skills and knowledge over the summer months. That’s why summer camp is more than just fun; it’s an essential way to keep kids learning, growing, and thriving.
At The Zones, we design our summer programs to combat learning loss while providing an exciting and enriching experience. Our goal is to ensure that kids return to school in the fall feeling confident, engaged, and ready to succeed.
What is the Summer Slide?
The “summer slide” refers to the academic regression that many students experience over the summer break when they are not engaged in educational activities. Research shows that:
Students can lose up to two months of math and reading skills over the summer. Low-income students are disproportionately affected, with less access to books, educational activities, and enrichment programs. By the time students reach middle school, summer learning loss can account for up to two years of achievement gaps.
But the good news? Enrichment programs, like those offered at The Zones, can help prevent this loss and even give kids an academic boost!
How The Zones Combats Learning Loss
At The Zones, we believe in learning through play, creativity, and hands-on experiences. Our summer camp programs are carefully designed to keep kids engaged, curious, and active. Here’s how we make a difference:
STEM & Creative Learning
We integrate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities into our camp, making learning fun through hands-on experiments, robotics, and problem-solving games.
Reading & Literacy Activities
To prevent reading loss, we incorporate storytelling, book clubs, and creative writing exercises to keep kids engaged with words and ideas.
The Arts & Self-Expression
Whether through theater, dance, or music, our campers explore creativity and build confidence in self-expression.
Sports & Physical Play
Physical activity is critical for a child’s overall well-being. Our sports programs encourage teamwork, discipline, and a lifelong love of movement.
Life Skills & Leadership
We focus on personal development by teaching problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills—helping kids grow into confident, capable individuals.
A Safe & Supportive Environment
At The Zones, we understand the importance of a safe, welcoming space for kids to learn and grow. Our highly trained staff is dedicated to fostering an environment where every child feels supported and valued.
Join Us This Summer!
Don’t let your child fall behind this summer. Enroll them in The Zones’ summer camp and ensure they keep learning, exploring, and thriving!
Give your child a summer that builds skills, friendships, and confidence. We can’t wait to welcome them to The Zones!
Santa Rosa City Schools is expected to close Herbert Slater Middle School at the end of the 2024–2025 academic year and beginning in August 2025, more than 650 Slater students may transition to Montgomery High School, which will be restructured into a 7–12 campus. With Montgomery High School directly across the street, The Zones is positioned as a central hub for youth services during this pivotal transition.
The Challenges of Middle School-High School Consolidation
For many students, the middle school years serve as a critical bridge between childhood and adolescence. Moving these grades into high school settings can create both academic and social-emotional hurdles, including increased pressure and expectations, social and emotional adjustment, and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
The transition to high school can already be daunting for ninth graders. Placing middle schoolers in the same setting could make it harder for them to adjust at their own pace. Younger students may also be influenced by older students' behaviors, which may not always be developmentally appropriate.
How The Zones is Stepping Up
At The Zones, we recognize the unique challenges that come with this transition, and we’re ready to support students every step of the way. Our after-school programming provides a structured, welcoming space where middle schoolers can develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a high school setting.
Here’s how we help:
Moving Forward Together
Change is never easy, but with the right support, students can not only adjust to a consolidated middle school-high school environment but also thrive in it. The Zones is committed to ensuring that middle schoolers find stability, encouragement, and the resources they need to succeed, both in school and in life.
As Slater Middle School students make the transition to Montgomery High School’s newly expanded 7–12 campus, The Zones stands ready to support them every step of the way. Located directly across the street, The Zones will serve as a safe, welcoming, and engaging space where students can access academic support, enrichment activities, and social-emotional programming tailored to their unique needs during this period of change. Our after-school programs, designed to foster connection and confidence, will help ease the adjustment and ensure that every student, regardless of age or grade level, feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
