Expanded Learning

Serving Students Grades Universal Pre-Kindergarten-8th

To meet the needs of busy working families, Expanded Learning Programs provide the flexibility to extend learning for school-age children ages 4 to 14 years. With a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities, our programs serve kids with a wide variety of interests driving exploration, critical thinking and development of problem solving, collaboration and communication skills.

Our trained staff members are ready to help students: 

• Improve reading, writing, fitness and social skills

• Experience fun, friendships and learning

• Build character and confidence

• Get a jumpstart on homework completion

Reinforcing 21st Century Learning Goals

We start by offering homework support each day and at least three planned activities in the creative arts, science, language arts, math, and health and fitness. From there, activity choices further drive exploration and hone the five “Cs” — critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, character and communication skills.

Thanks to a strong curriculum and excellent staff, our program helps children take personal responsibility for their actions while recognizing and cultivating each child’s individual abilities. It’s a winning formula for student success in school and beyond!

Mind-Expanding Enrichment Opportunities

Homework Time: Expanded Learning Programs provide time, supplies, support, and an environment for students to work on homework or school assignments.

Social Emotional Learning: Supporting the whole child is a priority for WSD.  We provide Sanford Harmony curriculum in all of our programs.

Project B.O.L.D.: Supporting character-building behaviors such as honesty, helpfulness, respect, fairness, safety and problem solving combined with opportunities for children to take part in community projects.

Fitness: Physical activity, health and nutrition, goal setting, relaxation and stress management all help children stay active and understand the value of good health and fitness.

KidsLit: Our literacy program helps children achieve and exceed reading and writing goals with 30 minutes of reading and writing activity each day.

KidzScience: The AfterSchool KidzScience program for grades 3–5 is designed specifically for out-of-school settings. This inquiry-based science program offers 14 kits:

• Green Science Kits 
  • Each green science kit focuses on environmental science and learning how to take better care of the Earth. The activities explore the scientific concepts of: fossil fuels and alternative energy sources; food and gardens; fresh water use and conservation; and waste disposal and recycling.
• Life Science Kits
  • Each life science kit explores living things and the natural world, focusing on the scientific concepts of Earth’s changing surface, how plants’ and animals’ colors help them survive, how habitats provide organisms everything they need to live, and connections in nature between predators, prey, and the resources both need.
• Physical Science Kits
  • Each physical science kit explores the physical world, focusing on the scientific concepts of air resistance, magnetism, and surface tension.
• Forensic Science Kits
  • Each forensic science kit focuses on children practicing science inquiry skills: asking meaningful questions they can investigate and developing explanations based on their evidence and observations.
     

KidzMath: The basic goals of the program are to build students’ confidence and skills in math and develop their ability to work in a team.  Lessons consist of cooperative games that are intended to be different from the traditional math curriculum but target and build upon traditional math skills.

Our Educational Approach - Where Learning Meets Fun!

With more than 30 years experience in the design and delivery of engaging out-of-school-time programs, we know that the Westminster School District Expanded Learning Programs work – for kids, parents and teachers. Our dedicated teams of out-of-school-time learning experts use an approach that balances student-initiated learning with adult direct activities that expand upon the learning of the regular school day. In addition, our curriculum focuses on important 21st century learning skills known as the Five Cs:

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Critical Thinking
• Creativity
• Character

We meet all aspects of a child’s development with fun activities like arts, sports, reading and science exploration, all while aligning our programming to meet the learning objectives of the Westminster School District and even individual school goals.

At the end of the day, everybody gets what he or she need. You can ensure that children continue to learn beyond the school bell, parents get a safe and convenient place for their child while they’re at work, and children enjoy fun activities with friends that help them learn in non-traditional ways.

Locations:

After School programing is offered at all locations.

Before and After school programing is offered at the following locations:

• Anderson
• Clegg
• DeMille
• Eastwood
• Finley
• Fryberger
• Hayden
• Meairs
• Schmitt
• Schroeder
• Sequoia
• Stacey MS
• Webber
• Willmore