Summer in Venice, Florida, isn’t just about sunshine, sandy toes, and ice cream. At the Student Leadership Academy (SLA), summer is also the perfect time for students to sharpen their minds while still enjoying their break. Thanks to SLA’s engaging Summer Reading & Math plans, students get to stay academically active, without it feeling like school never ended.
Let’s face it, the “summer slide” is real. That long break can lead to forgotten skills, rusty math facts, and a bumpy start come fall. SLA tackles that head-on with programs that keep learning fun, flexible, and family-friendly. Whether your student is a bookworm or a numbers whiz (or both), there’s something for everyone.
Reading that Rewards: Casual Days for Turning Pages
SLA’s Summer Reading program comes with two exciting options—each designed to encourage students to read while still allowing plenty of room for pool days and popsicles.
Option one is the Skill Plan on IXL.com, where students review grade-level reading skills using their school login credentials (N# and SLApin). The process is simple: pick a B.E.S.T. Standards category, work through the reading activities until they score at least 80 (that’s called a SmartScore), and track their progress on the Skills Plan. For every category completed, students earn one casual dress day. That’s right—earn your jeans and T-shirts back by reading. Sounds like a win.
Option two is the Summer Reading Project, perfect for students who prefer diving into a good book. Each student picks a book from their upcoming grade level list, reads it, and then selects one creative project from a choice board to complete. From crafting book trailers to writing alternate endings, the options are as creative as they are fun. And the reward? Three casual days per book and project combo. It’s a low-pressure way to keep reading exciting, and parents can help by reviewing the book list together to ensure it’s the right fit for their family values.
Math Doesn’t Take a Break—But It Can Still Be Cool
Now let’s talk numbers. The Summer Math Skill Plan works similarly to the reading program and is also hosted on IXL.com. Students choose the math plan based on the grade and class they just finished, not the one they’re heading into.
So, if your student wrapped up 5th grade this year, they’ll tackle the 5th-grade plan—even if they were in an accelerated class. Just like in the reading plan, students aim for a SmartScore of 80 in each B.E.S.T. Standards category. Every completed category earns them one casual day, making every equation a step closer to ditching the uniform.
These plans are not about learning brand-new content, but rather reviewing and reinforcing skills so that students stay sharp. It’s a stress-free way to keep math fresh without the pressure of new material or letter grades.
Important Dates and Details
Both reading and math plans are optional but strongly encouraged. Students will turn in completed projects or Skills Plans to their ELA or math teachers by Friday, August 15, 2025. Questions? Parents can reach out to casey.clinch@sarasotacountyschools.net for clarification or assistance.
Why Programs Like This Make Venice, Florida, a Great Place to Raise Kids
When a city’s schools take summer learning seriously—while still making it fun—it says a lot about the community. At SLA, the goal isn’t to make summer feel like school, but to offer tools that help kids stay ahead and feel confident heading into a new grade.
This kind of proactive, engaging education is part of what makes Venice a great place for families. It’s a town where academics and creativity go hand-in-hand, where student leadership is more than just a name, and where summer reading can earn you more than just good grades—it can earn you the freedom to wear your favorite T-shirt on a school day.
So if you’re considering a move, know that Venice offers more than just scenic views and outdoor fun. It’s a place where learning doesn’t stop when the final bell rings, and where schools like SLA help students shine throughout the year.
Source: studentleadershipacademyvenice.org
Header Image Source: Anita Jankovic on Unsplash
