In a few weeks, the Firebaugh/Las Deltas Unified School District will wrap up an enrichment program meant to entertain, educate, and encourage local youngsters.
The Expanded Learning Program (ELP) finished up a very successful June and will carry on until July 18th, according to supervisor Gilma Arrellano. The program has 415 students enrolled at three of the school district’s sites—Bailey Primary, Mills Intermediate, and Firebaugh Middle School.
Arrellano has worked in the ELP for 13 years in various roles, most recently as a Project Specialist for the program serving multiple districts with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. She became the program’s supervisor last March and explained that the goals of the program are to give students “excitement, enrichment, and unforgettable experiences.”
Each school site hosts different and engaging programs that fit with the children’s ages and learning levels.
For instance, at Bailey Primary, there are themed dress days, such as “Engineers Day,” where kids worked in labs learning the STEM concepts with creativity.
The “Imagination Station” brought out Veterinarian Sciences with children getting hands-on experiences, and the sprinklers were turned on at the Bailey campus for “Water Day,” a day of fun to end the month of June.
At Mills Intermediate, students not only had their dress-up days, but also learned the basics of graphic and gaming design. There was also Olympic-style activities led by the school’s tutors.
“Our plan for July is to keep building student participation and interest, not only at Mills, but as all three sites,” Arrellano explained.
The goal at Firebaugh Middle School is to combine academic enrichment with real-world excitement, she added.
Students learned how to fly drones, design custom T-shirts, and compete in E-sports and game design sessions, as well as a “Pool Day” at Firebaugh High School.
All of the students went on field trips to Fresno State, the Chaffee Zoo, and Blackbeard’s, as well as the Exploratorium.
“Our summer programs are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families,” Arrellano said. “Sharing this story with the broader community not only celebrates the students and staff involved but also helps raise awareness of the vital free enrichment opportunities available right here in Firebaugh.”
