RSTEM staff and students describe "Dreams" after-school program, cite wait list and partnerships
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Summary
Richfield STEM Elementary staff presented the Dreams after‑school program — serving about 130 students with expanded STEM, Spanish club and partnerships (aviation, cycling) — and student speakers said the program helps socializing and class choice; staff confirmed funding comes from the district and noted a wait list.
Staff from Rich STEM Elementary presented the Dreams after‑school program to the board and described an expanded menu of offerings, new partnerships and high demand.
Kelly Woods, principal at Rich STEM Elementary, said the program serves about 130 students and that the school increased offerings this year from eight to nine classes, three of which have a STEM focus. Woods described partnerships that include an aviation club working with local airport staff and a cycling partnership with the Minnesota Cycling Center, adding that those partnerships include hands‑on projects and planned field trips supported by grants.
Fifth‑grader Adair Martinez told the board, "Dreams is a fun way for kids to socialize with friends in different grades or classes." Student presenters also noted a waiting list for some classes; Woods confirmed the program is funded through the district. Board members praised the program and suggested additional outreach to bring pilots and transportation partners into classroom events.
Administrators said the program runs in sessions (Monday and Wednesday) with classes assigned during each session; families can request switches after winter break. Woods said increasing staff participation and offering specialists will help scale offerings and that district staff will present more about extended learning in a future meeting.
