From the courtyard of Ponderosa Elementary School in Anaheim, four classmates explained the benefits they have found by participating in a dual program —English and Spanish— from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade grade, level they are currently studying.
They all agreed that speaking more than one language allows them to communicate with more people. They indicated that if they don’t know or understand a word, their teachers are always willing to help them learn and expand their vocabulary.
The students were grateful that this semester apart from their regular classes they also they can participate in extracurricular programs such as a debate club.
“We are learning to debate how we are going to do to solve a problem, for example, how to eat healthy”, said Arianna Gómez, 9 years old.
“I really like the program because if I get nervous to speak, [los maestros] they teach me to be less nervous”, added Gina Rodríguez.
For the girls, this opportunity is not only incredible for their ability of leadership, but also because they are starting to socialize again, an activity that they lost for almost two years with the closure of schools during the COVID pandemic-16.
When Javier Gómez found out at the beginning this semester that his daughter Arianna would have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular classes, at no cost to him, and in the same school she attends, he did not hesitate to enroll her.
Arianna is currently taking classes in folk dance, student leadership, and one of her favorites, debate.
“I see that she is flourishing, she not only is she hungry to continue learning but she is excelling. She is getting rich on different shows,” Javier said. “The debate club is something that she wanted and she is excited because it gives her the oral skills to present something and talk about topics that interest her.”
The before and after school program, known as the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, is the result of a state initiative to improve the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of students .
Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom to reduce academic stress caused by the pandemic, the initiative contributes $1.675 millions statewide to fully support students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.
Yadira Moreno, director of school, family and community engagement, said the Anaheim Elementary School District (AESD), which serves 24 schools, received a total of $16 mil tions to implement the program for two years.
“My job now is to program external contracts, different enrichment opportunities for children and intervention”, said Moreno, who prior to the pandemic held the title of principal at Ponderosa School.
Moreno explained that the time students have been absent has been a lot, so spending more time together again helps them to collaborate and trust each other.
Thanked for being given this money as it allows them to seek outside organizations and community partners to exhibit nationally .
With the new program, schools have tutors in each school, sports coaches, specialties such as folkloric, debate, leadership among others.
“The student leadership program is a national program with which we made a contract and also debate, which is in several districts but compete nationally Moreno said. “This is a very special moment in education because we never had that kind of money or the ability to have those contracts.”
With these funds, schools have the opportunity to expand their activities up to nine hours. At Ponderosa School, for example, students can get to take after school classes in the morning at 6: 30 at 7: 30 or after school from 2:00 p.m. to 3: 45 pm.
Leaving the pandemic behind
Javier acknowledged that for his daughter it was a big problem to face the social part during the confinement.
“Parents managed to do some days of play among peers, but it is not the same to see each other 30 minutes to be together every day, “said Javier .
The extracurricular classes have been a great help for the pockets of the parents, since For example, before the pandemic, the folkloric dance class was offered, but it was the responsibility of the parents to cover all the expenses.
“Now they can register for free and the school it provides what is necessary,” said Yadira.
Vidal Valdez, director of the elementary school, said that they were grateful since this is an opportunity for the children to have the opportunity to continue learning ndo.
“We want to support you now that you are going back to school. We are growing in the program and we will continue to help,” Valdez said. “And if students need more help in subjects like English or math, that’s where the program comes in and it’s all free.”
It is estimated that the Latino student population in the AESD is approximately 87%.