Expanded-learning program served more than 375 students, district presenter says

Alma, an Expanded Learning Program staff member, told the Farmersville Unified School District board on July 15 that the district's summer Expanded Learning program served more than 375 students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade and offered STEAM, sports and swimming camps. The presentation emphasized hands-on learning and community partnerships. "This summer, Expanded Learning Program proudly serve over 375 students from TK through twelfth grade in a wide variety of enrichments and meaningful programs," Alma said. She described STEAM activities including robotics, coding and design work, a three-week swimming camp for students ages 5 to 17, and one-week sports sessions offering soccer, football, baseball and basketball. The program also partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters for mentoring, and worked with Walmart to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies, Alma said. Eleven program graduates received scholarships at a Hotel Wyndham event, with awards of up to $1,000 each. Alma said the summer program ran six weeks and credited an "amazing team of 8 teachers and 13 program staff," plus cafeteria, custodial, transportation and counseling staff for supporting students. Superintendent Manuel Mendez praised the presentation and noted the role of summer programs in student engagement. The district showed a short video of program activities during the meeting. The board and district staff thanked Alma and the program team for their work, and the superintendent and trustees encouraged continued partnerships and support for Expanded Learning offerings as the district prepares for the coming school year.