Although students’ bodies are in the classroom, and their brains have begun to drift to summer break, educators and community members are thinking further all the way to the next school year. The question that plagues most teachers and administrators is, “What can we do to prevent the summer slide?” 

The summer slide, or the summer slump, refers to students regressing academically during the summer break. The summer slide should not be an issue only carried by educators. Three Indy organizations partnered together to support students as they prepare for the break.

New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is next to The Oaks Academy, Martindale-Brightwood Campus. Leaders from both organizations brainstormed how to support students when the school year ends and the next school year begins. 

Dr. Eric Yancy, New Bethel chairman of the trustees who has been a pediatrician to many children across Indianapolis and who is also known for his wondrous singing voice as Pontius Pilate in the Upon This Rock Passion Play, said this endeavor centered around this question, “What can we do to put our energy together and our research together for the children?”

On Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., New Bethel hosted a free children’s book fair inside its building in partnership with The Oaks Academy and the Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore.

Natalie Pipkin, the owner of the Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore, said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to provide access to books.”

Each child who attended the fair on Saturday received four book tickets, allowing children to select two new books and two gently used books.

Pipkin is known for her book curation. On the circle tables was a quote displayed from a notable Black American and books organized together from similar genres or themes.

Middle school attendee James Barnes said, “It was hard only to choose four books.”

From the 49+ photos Pipkin posted on the Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore Facebook page, it was clear the event was well attended, and many children will have new worlds and stories to explore as they try to have fun and avoid the summer slide they hear grown-ups talking about.