After-school expansion: district highlights Think Together partnership and high satisfaction ratings

Sylvia V. Amaya, the district's expanded learning opportunities (ELOP) coordinator, and a Think Together executive presented the district's after-school offerings and partnership outcomes. They said ELOP-funded programs operate at all eight elementary sites and three middle schools and serve 923 students after school in the Think Together program.

Presenters described enrichment offerings that include robotics, Girls Who Code, gardening and folklorico, and they reviewed survey results: student responses averaged about 90% satisfaction, parent responses averaged 98.6% and principal responses averaged 94% in favor of the program. Staff said the program provides academic supports through "Student Nest" tutoring (grades 3–6), daily learning supports and enrichment that extends the school day to nine hours in some summer models.

Trustees asked questions about participation rules, overlap between Think Together and school-site clubs, whether students in Think Together can join separate on-site activities, and how to ensure equitable access. Presenters said on-site arrangements and parental release forms allow students to participate in site activities and then rejoin Think Together; they also said Think Together can supply staff where a site lacks teacher leaders.

Trustee comments emphasized requests for disaggregated participation data (English learners, students with greatest need) and suggestions for adding low-cost athletic competitions and cross-site sporting events.

No board action was taken; trustees thanked Think Together for high participation and asked staff to continue refining access and data reporting.