Summer 2021 Highlights
Summer 2021 has come to an end and while saying goodbye to new and returning students is always bittersweet, we are proud to announce the astonishing number of students Valdés Math had the pleasure of teaching and strengthening their math skills this summer — both in-person and virtually.
With 29 classes, 6 in-person and 23 virtual classes, Valdés served a total number of 435 students — 380 virtual students and 55 in-person students. Another number we’re proud of is… zero! During our seven weeks of in-person instruction, we had zero cases of COVID-19. The health and safety of our students and staff was our number one priority this summer and we are proud to report that our healthy and protective habits of constant mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand sanitizing served us well. These safety measurements were made possible by Valdes staff who acted quickly to sew homemade masks for students and make shields that were placed on the desks.
Six classes were taught on Ocala’s campus with 55 masked students in each classroom with socially distanced seats and plenty of hand sanitizer.
To continuously engage students’ minds, Valdés teachers and teaching assistants took their lessons outside. For more friendly fun, these in-person classes went head-to-head in weekly math competitions answering questions to win the grand prize of back to school goodies such as pencils, water bottles, and notebooks.
Our virtual classes had plenty of fun too! Though they couldn’t meet in person to have weekly math competitions, our 23 teachers who taught virtually used Kahoot, a trivia like learning game, where students put their knowledge to the test in a dynamic and positive way.
Our virtual and in-person students deserve a huge round of applause for continuing their math studies during an unprecedented time. This summer surely made them more resilient students. Here’s what a few of students had to say about their summer with Valdes:
“Valdes Math has me feeling more prepared for my seventh grade year. I’m very surprised at my math abilities now and my Valdes teacher helped me gain that confidence,” explains Alan from Ms. Umali’s class.
“We have been working very hard this summer at Valdes, but I’m so glad we are because I’ve learned a lot in seven weeks. I look forward to my eighth grade year and coming back next summer!” states Jesus from Ms. Capili’s class.
We look forward to having many new and returning students next summer! Thank you for supporting the many talented students of Valdes Math and providing them with a program to catch up and strengthen their math skills. Supporters like you give these students the confidence to achieve their academic and personal goals.