Lights on After-school event highlights MDUSD Expanded Learning after-school programs

MDUSD's C.A.R.E.S. (Collaborative for Academics, Recreation, & Enrichment for Students) Expanded Learning Program celebrated 25 years of support for District students during a "Lights On Afterschool" event on Oct. 23rd that highlighted the many activities available to about 3,000 students at 23 schools. The event included student performances showcasing cheer and cultural dances - as well as art, robotics, and sports. In addition, each program created a display board with photos spotlighting students engaged in gardens, STEM, homework help, clubs and other programs.

Expanded Learning Administrator Cherie Gann said the annual event recognizes the importance of afterschool programs and the impact they have on our students - expanding and extending their learning and giving them a safe place to be after school. She said each individual site had its own celebration, then they all came together for the districtwide event to showcase their TK-12 programs. 

Ygnacio Valley HS International Baccalaureate (IB) students Teresa Duran and Jakob Rihnavsky are Expanded Learning program interns at Oak Grove MS, where they tutor students in math. Teresa and Jakob said they enjoy working with middle school students to help their community and teach others. Oak Grove MS students Heidi Chiquillo and Ramiro Ochoa said they have fun participating in the afterschool program's activities, such as a "Breakout Box" that requires students to solve problems or puzzles, as well as the math tutoring they are receiving, which gives them a preview of what to expect in high school. Both said that they would like to be program tutors when they get to high school. Ygnacio Valley HS robotics club students Alexander Sanchez Cruz, Joseph Huerta Arias and Gabrielle Love also provide mentoring to OGMS students who participate in the FIRST Lego League competitions. They said they like to show younger students their options in high school, which can provide paths to future careers. 
 
Three-year-old Melissa Urbano smiled as she tried out a drum at the Afterschool Music booth. Program operator Ozer Ozturk said the program will offer music and movement classes at Expanded Learning sites.  Artist Tysen Knight, who collaborates with students on art projects, said students worked on canvases decorated with lightbulbs and other creations they added during the event. Each canvas is signed on the back by the students and given to the program to display after it is completed. Tyson said he also teaches students to use "MoxieBox" kits to create art at afterschool program sites. 

More information about the program and sites it serves is here.