New summer program coming to Wahluke School District

May 18-MATTAWA - Registration is open for a new summer program for Wahluke School District elementary and middle school students, designed to mix reading and math with experiments, sports, crafts, games and art, among many other activities. The DiscoverWorks program is free for participants.

Bethany Martinez, Wahluke director of migrant and multilingual services, said it's prompted a lot of interest among students and their families.

"We actually are at capacity in almost every grade, and are starting a wait list, so it's definitely something the community is excited for," Martinez said. "Especially junior high - those kids were (saying), 'No, Mom, I want to go.' And seventh grade was our first grade to fill up, which is pretty exciting."

The program begins June 22 and will operate Monday through Thursday through July 26.

"We have an hour before and an hour after (the scheduled classes) available for extra supervision for families who (are) not off work yet, and they need somewhere safe for their child to be. It's not part of the regular day, but it is available to all of our kids who need some supervision," she said.

All services, including meals, are free for families.

"Transportation is provided; breakfast and lunch are provided, some fun prizes," Martinez said.

DiscoverWorks is open to WSD students in the first through eighth grade and incoming Wahluke High School freshmen. It's the first year of the program in Washington. Wahluke was one of 19 schools from two education service districts chosen to participate.

"It's not summer school like you traditionally think about it. 'Oh, I'm struggling and I'm told I have to go.' This is, 'Hey, we're going to do reading and math, but this is a really fun opportunity, and anybody who wants to can sign up.' And I like that," Martinez said.

Teachers are still working out the schedule, she said, and are looking at science activities, art, theater and games, among other possible choices.

"Fourth grade through eighth grades will choose their enrichment because they know what they want at that age," Martinez said.

Sports like basketball, soccer and volleyball will be part of the curriculum too, she said. The elementary school schedule will be a little different, with every student getting a chance to try every activity.

"They get to rotate through and experience a little bit of everything at their grade level," she said.

The district will be offering summer school for specific groups.

"We will still have migrant summer school classes, but those have requirements," Martinez said. "This is different. This is open as a summer program for anybody who wants to (participate) until we fill all the slots."

The program is funded through a grant from the Ballmer Group, a philanthropic organization founded by Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie. Steve Ballmer is a former Microsoft chief executive officer, according to the organization's website. Wahluke Superintendent Andy Harlow said the donation provides WSD with extra opportunities.

"The partnership with the Ballmer Group will allow us to serve more kids than we have in probably a decade. There are not restrictions on student enrollment. And more flexible spending is allowing our team to plan an extremely engaging summer program," Harlow wrote in a press release.

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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 11:49 PM.