Students participating in the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program this summer and their families are receiving Learning Tool Kits (kindergarten) and books (Grades 1-5) donated by the Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association (MCPSRA), with the assistance of the MCPS Educational Foundation. The materials are designed to help extend the learning experiences of the summer program into the home environment.

A tool kit training with some of the parents and students who have participated in ELO will take place in the Media Center at Highland View Elementary School on Wednesday, July 27, at 11:30 a.m. The school is located at 9010 Providence Avenue in Silver Spring. NOTE: Members of the news media are welcome to attend.

More than 6,000 new and "gently used" books were collected and sorted by MCPSRA members for distribution to all the ELO schools. Nine hundred thirty-two tool kits were created for distribution to kindergarten students. Each tool kit contains a variety of learning materials, including magnetic letters, crayons, Play Doh, a number line, calendar, a book, and parent information on suggested ways to use the kit. The parent information is translated into Spanish and Vietnamese.

The four-week ELO summer program, now in its fourth year, is available to students in kindergarten through grade 5 in Title I schools. It was designed to help students attending MCPS schools with the highest poverty levels improve their reading, writing, and math skills in a fun and enriching setting and extend the learning process of the school year. Transportation, breakfast, and lunch also are provided to students.

For more information, contact Janet L. Dunn, coordinator, Extended Learning Opportunities, at 301-230-0660.