Homers -- What's going right

STOP THE SLIDING: Kids on Course is the latest initiative in the Corridor that aims to reverse the “summer slide” - the loss of academic skills among children during the months between school years that researchers say can put kids a month behind or more by the time the fall term begins. This community project serves students at Cedar Rapids' Harrison and Van Buren elementary schools, four days a week. It's similar to a program in Iowa City, the school district's 21st Century Community Centers summer session that runs five days a week. Students considered at-risk comprise the large number served.

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FORWARD: The long-sought Highway 100 extension from Edgewood Road to Highway 30 in Cedar Rapids is another big step closer toward becoming a reality. The project, aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety on Interstate 380 through the city, last week was approved for funding in the state's $2.6 billion, five-year highway program. The Iowa Transportation Commission OK'd $18.55 million toward the estimated total cost of $197.6 million to cover several years of paving work as the project unfolds.

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