🫡 Summer Break's Here & The Summer Slump Will Soon Appear! 🫡

Another Rainy Week Ahead But We All Know That The Sun Will Eventually Shine Again! So Happy Sunday, To Everyone In The HubCity & Beyond!

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• What Is The Summer Slump? 📉

• Why Parents Should Act Early ⏰

• Balancing Fun & Learning This Summer 🧠 

• Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

School’s out in a week and summer break will officially be in full swing but don’t let the excitement fool you. Every year, parents and teachers see a dip in learning retention and focus once the long summer break sets in.

It’s called “The Summer Slump”, and it affects millions of students nationwide — including right here in Jackson. So what exactly is it, and what can parents do about it?

Let’s break it all down. 👇

📉 What Is The Summer Slump? 📉

The Summer Slump (also known as summer learning loss) is what happens when kids spend 8–10 weeks away from structured learning environments.

Research shows that students — especially in reading and math — tend to lose some of the knowledge they gained during the school year. And for younger students or those who were already struggling, this dip can be even more noticeable.

Some quick facts:

• Students can lose 20% to 30% of what they learned in math over the summer.

• Reading comprehension tends to slide the most in early elementary grades.

• The learning loss compounds over time — meaning kids who regularly fall behind each summer may struggle more during the school year.

And it’s not just about grades. The longer kids go without structure or brain stimulation, the harder it is to shift back into “learning mode” once school starts again in the fall. 😓

⏰ Why Parents Should Act Early ⏰

We get it — summer is a time to relax. But by the time mid-July rolls around, many parents start to feel it…

• Kids are bored.

• Routines are gone.

• The tablet and TV time are sky-high 📱📺

• And that back-to-school panic starts to creep in 😬

That’s why it’s important to address the summer slump early — not two weeks before school starts.

Here’s why acting early makes all the difference:

✅ Structure sets the tone. Starting small with a few scheduled activities keeps the mind engaged and prevents total burnout later.

✅ Kids thrive on routine. Even a loose summer routine (like reading for 20 minutes in the morning) can go a long way.

✅ You’ll thank yourself later. It’s way easier to prevent learning loss than to reverse it in August!

The earlier you create a plan, the easier it is to maintain momentum — and keep the household from spiraling into “endless screen time and snack breaks.” 😂

🧠 Balancing Fun & Learning This Summer 🧠

Here’s the good news — this doesn’t mean summer has to be all schoolwork and worksheets!

You can absolutely let kids enjoy their summer and still keep them sharp. The key? Balance.

Here’s a simple plan that helps you do both:

🎮 Let them have fun. Yes — let them play video games. Let them hang out with friends. Let them sleep in a little. Summer should still feel like summer.

📚 Mix in learning activities.

• 20–30 minutes of reading per day

• Fun brain games or educational apps

• Creative projects (writing short stories, building something, painting)

🎯 Set themed weeks or mini-goals.

• “Science Week” where they do experiments at home

• “Entrepreneur Week” where they come up with a pretend business

• “Reading Challenge” with a prize for finishing 3 books

📅 Keep some structure.
Try this sample daily rhythm:

• Morning: Breakfast + 30 mins of reading or math games

• Midday: Free play, outdoor time, or camps

• Afternoon: Educational screen time (PBS Kids, educational YouTube)

• Evening: Relax + family time

Jackson also has tons of summer events, camps, and kid-friendly activities listed in our weekly newsletter — so be sure to check those out too! 🛝🎨

Summer doesn’t have to be a brain drain. With just a little bit of planning, you can help your child enjoy their break AND stay sharp. The summer slump may be common — but it’s also totally preventable.

👀 Want ideas for educational events or fun learning opportunities around Jackson? We’ve got you covered below in our curated weekly list!

Don’t forget to take a moment and answer our brief poll below!

👇️ Support Something Local! 👇️ 

Event Promoted & Sponsored By SparkJoy Homeschool - Jackson, TN

Monday, May 19th

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, May 19th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Parents & Children Are Invited To Come Enjoy A Story, Sing, Dance, Craft & Make Friends All Under One Roof!

Tuesday, May 20th

A “Spark” For Archery 🏹
Date: Tuesday, May 20th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Browns Church
Price: $10 Per Family For Non Members
Additional Details: Come Out & Learn A Skill That Could Spark A Passion For A Lifetime! A Special Thanks To Browns Church For Letting Us Use Their Space To Host This Event!
Hosted By: Spark Joy Homeschool Coop

Wednesday, May 21st

Story Time Station 📖
Date: Wednesday, May 21st
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool

Thursday, May 22nd

VSS Competitive Dance Team (Auditions) ⏯️
Date: Thursday, May 22nd
Time: 5:30 PM 
Location: VSS Dance
Additional Details: Does Your Child Have A Passion For Dance But They Haven’t Found The Right Outlet Yet?  Bring Them In To Audition For Our Competitive Dance Team! All Skill Levels Are Welcomed, Even First Timers!

Friday, May 23rd

School Is Out Day 🥳
Date: Friday, May 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library (Teen Space)
Price: Free
Ages: 13 - 19 Years Old
Additional Details: Help Us Celebrate The First Day Of Summer Break With An Ice Cream Party, A Fortnite Tournament & More!

Saturday, May 24th

Kids’ Saturday Morning Planetarium Show: The Cowboy Astronomer 🔭
Date: Saturday, May 24th
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Kids’ Pokemon Trading Club 🐎
Date: Saturday, May 24th
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Additional Details: Meetup With Other Pokemon Enthusiasts To Talk, Make New Friends, Trade Pokemon Cards & Have Fun.

Monday, May 19th

MHDS Steak Night @ Redbones 🥩
Date: Monday, May 19th
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Redbones
Price: $8.99 6oz Steak (Every $8.99 Steak & Drink Purchase = $1 Donation)
Additional Details: Come Out & Enjoy Good Food And Supporting A Great Cause! Donations Will Go To The Mental Health & Departmental Services (MHDS)

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, May 19th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Parents & Children Are Invited To Come Enjoy A Story, Sing, Dance, Craft & Make Friends All Under One Roof!

Bingo & Brownies 🟫
Date: Monday, May 19th
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: Bingo, Brownies & Drink $3

Experience Day 🪞
Date: Monday, May 19th
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Empire Beauty School
Additional Details: Parents If You Have A High School Senior Who Is Interested In A Career With The Beauty Industry, This Event Is A Must For Them. Come Meet With Our Highly Skilled Educators, Get Your Questions Answered, Mingle With Others & Enjoy Light Refreshments.

Tuesday, May 20th

A “Spark” For Archery 🏹
Date: Tuesday, May 20th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Browns Church
Price: $10 Per Family For Non Members
Additional Details: Come Out & Learn A Skill That Could Spark A Passion For A Lifetime! A Special Thanks To Browns Church For Letting Us Use Their Space To Host This Event!
Hosted By: Spark Joy Homeschool Coop

Crafternoon Special 🧶
Date: Tuesday, May 20th
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Bring Your Kids In For A Great Crafternoon & Let Them Craft Whatever Their Hearts Desire!

Popsicles In The Park 😎
Date: Tuesday, May 20th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Conger Park
Price: Free
Additional Details: Bring A Friend & Join Us For A Complimentary Hot Dog Dinner & Popsicles In The Park! 

Dark Matter Mystery ⚫
Date: Tuesday, May 20th
Time: 5:30 AM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, May 21st

Keto Meal Planning Class🍖
Date: Wednesday, May 21st
Time: 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM
Location: Westwood Community Center
Price: Free
Additional Details: Get Ready To Learn Recipes From A Certified Instructor/Author In Our Free Keto Planning Class!

Teens With Dreams Hiring Event 👏
Date: Wednesday, May 21st
Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Ball Park McDonald’s
Additional Details: Is Your Teen Looking For Their First Job This Summer? Bring Them In To Interview & Let Them Gain Experience While Making Money This Summer.

Story Time Station 📖
Date: Wednesday, May 21st
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool

Thursday, May 22nd

VSS Competitive Dance Team (Auditions) ⏯️
Date: Thursday, May 22nd
Time: 5:30 PM 
Location: VSS Dance
Additional Details: Does Your Child Have A Passion For Dance But They Haven’t Found The Right Outlet Yet?  Bring Them In To Audition For Our Competitive Dance Team! All Skill Levels Are Welcomed, Even First Timers!

Thursday Adult Game Night 🎮
Date: Thursday, May 22nd
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Age: (18+ Gamers Only)
Additional Details: Come Hangout & Find Your Late Night Gaming Community! This Event Is Exclusively For Gamers 18 and Older.

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, May 22nd
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Friday, May 23rd

Magic Wheels Memorial Day Weekend Special 🛼
Date: Friday, May 23rd
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Ritz Magic Wheels
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Ages: 12 & Under
Additional Details: Bring Your Kids In & Have Them Skate Their Way Into Summer This Year! (The Holiday Pricing Is For Accompanied Minors, Unaccompanied Minor Will Be Charged The Unsupervised Minor Fee.)

School Is Out Day 🥳
Date: Friday, May 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library (Teen Space)
Price: Free
Ages: 13 - 19 Years Old
Additional Details: Help Us Celebrate The First Day Of Summer Break With An Ice Cream Party, A Fortnite Tournament & More!

Dark Matter Mystery ⚫
Date: Friday, May 23rd
Time: 1:30 AM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Saturday, May 24th

May - Monthly Market 🛍️
Date: Saturday, May 24th
Time: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: Free Entry (Merchandise Pricing Varies)
Additional Details: Baked Goods, Custom Shirts, Embroidered Hats, Jewelry & So Much More! Come Out To Support Local Businesses & Have A Blast Doing It!

Swap Meet At The American Hot Rodder Show 🏁
Date: Saturday, May 24th
Time: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Jackson Dragway
Price: Free Entry (Merchandise Pricing Varies)
Additional Details: Come On Down & Check Us Out! We Will Have A Bit Of Everything At This Swap Meet! (Vendors $20 Day Of 20x30 Spot!) If You’re Trying To Sell It, Consider Bringing It! Everything From Antiques, Powertools, Trailers, Auto Parts, & Anything Else That Will Fit In Your 20x30 Area!

Tween & Teen Sewing 🪡
Date: Saturday, May 24th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Age: 11 - 18 (Parent Must Be Present For 13 & Under)
Additional Details: All Skill Levels Are Welcomed!

Sing for Your Supper Sunday 🍽️
Date: Saturday, May 24th
Time: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: 415 E Lafayette
Price: Free (All Ages Welcome)
Additional Details: Come meet and share a meal with local songwriters and performers. This is an outdoor event, so please bring lawn chairs or blankets if needed.

Kids’ Saturday Morning Planetarium Show: The Cowboy Astronomer 🔭
Date: Saturday, May 24th
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Kids’ Pokemon Trading Club 🐎
Date: Saturday, May 24th
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Additional Details: Meetup With Other Pokemon Enthusiasts To Talk, Make New Friends, Trade Pokemon Cards & Have Fun.

Magic Wheels Memorial Day Weekend Special 🛼
Date: Saturday, May 24th
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Ritz Magic Wheels
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Ages: 12 & Under
Additional Details: Bring Your Kids In & Have Them Skate Their Way Into Summer This Year! (The Holiday Pricing Is For Accompanied Minors, Unaccompanied Minor Will Be Charged The Unsupervised Minor Fee.)

Sunday, May 25th

Magic Wheels Memorial Day Weekend Special 🛼
Date: Sunday, May 25th
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Ritz Magic Wheels
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Ages: 12 & Under
Additional Details: Bring Your Kids In & Have Them Skate Their Way Into Summer This Year! (The Holiday Pricing Is For Accompanied Minors, Unaccompanied Minor Will Be Charged The Unsupervised Minor Fee.)