KITS is a special free program for kids entering kindergarten that is being offered to families in Springfield's Promise neighborhoods served by Maple Elementary School and Two Rivers–Dos Ríos Elementary School, and, new this year, the Riverbend neighborhood. Funding is provided through a collaboration between United Way of Lane County, the Springfield and Bethel school districts and the Oregon Social Learning Center.

 

KITS starts with a playgroup that meets twice a week for 8 weeks in July and August. Students are taught pre-reading skills and social skills that will help make their transition to school easier. After school begins, the groups continue to meet once a week for another 8 weeks in September and October. Families can call 541-485-2711 for more information or to sign up.

 

 

 

A free, grant-funded special opportunity is available for students who will be in grades 6, 7 or 8 at Hamlin this fall. Students will be able to work on a variety of projects that involve designing, building and programming LEGO® robots.

Students can sign up for 1 or more weeks, Monday-Thursday, July 7-25, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Lunch will be provided by Food for Lane County from 12:00 to 12:30. Space is limited to 30 students each week. Fliers are available at Hamlin, Centennial, Page and Two Rivers–Dos Ríos.

 

 

Starting on June 24 and running through August 23, kids ages 2-18 can get free lunch at sites throughout the city, provided by FOOD for Lane County and the USDA's Summer Food Program. Lunch is offered daily from 12 and 1 p.m.

 

SPS sites:

Also, Page Park, near Page Elementary; Guy Lee Park, next to Guy Lee Elementary; Douglas Gardens Park, next to Douglas Gardens Elementary. Click here to view the entire list of Springfield locations.

Willamalane's Summer Playground Program

 

Willamalane's free, drop-in Summer Playground Program starts June 24 for kids entering grades 1-5. The safe and supervised program runs four days a week at 9 neighborhood parks and playgrounds throughout Springfield. (Click here for more info or to see a list on the Willamalane website--click on the Playground tab.) The program provides recreational activities centered around literacy, physical activity and positive character development. Its emphasis is on action, as kids play basketball, soccer, Frisbee, badminton, among other activities.

The program operates Monday-Thursday starting on June 24. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m., depending on the playground site. Light snacks will be provided. In addition, most of the playground sites also offer free lunch from 12 to 1 through the Summer Food Program. Students must complete a registration form for each site they wish to attend.

 

 

The Springfield Public Library's Summer Reading Program kicks off on Tuesday, June 18, at 11 a.m. with a free celebration at the Library Fountain Plaza. Kids can sign up for summer reading and get a free book and an ice cream treat. They also get treated to a juggling show and workshop. 

 

Summer Reading Spots - More 2013 info coming soon

 

Kids can listen to story time and leave with a free book this summer, courtesy of the Summer Reading Spots, sponsored by the Eugene Public Library and the United Way.

The program runs from June 24 through August 15, Monday through Thursday, from 1 to 2 p.m.

 

There will be three Springfield sites this summer: Willamalane Park Swim Center (1276 G St.), Meadow Park (851 Mill St.) and Guy Lee Elementary (755 Harlow Rd.).