Expanded Learning Opportunity Program

Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District is excited to introduce yet another opportunity for our students to enrich their learning beyond the regular school day and school calendar! Through ELOP programming, qualifying students will be offered expanded learning through after school, summer, or intersession learning programs. These programs focus on developing the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs and interests of pupils through hands-on, engaging learning experiences. Programs supported through ELOP are pupil-centered, results driven, and include a wide array of community partners that enrich the regular school day learning our students receive. It is the intent of ELOP to engage students in enrichment, play, nutrition, and other developmentally appropriate activities.

Together with ASES and SACC, ELOP will prioritize serving eligible TK-6th grade students at all of NLMUSD's elementary and middle school sites, throughout the school year and during summer. Participating students can expect to enjoy homework assistance, academically and creatively enriching activities, social-emotional well-being and support, leadership and character building activities, nutritious snacks, hands-on Project Based Learning experiences, health-building outdoor play and sports activities, and a whole lot of fun!  All ELOP programming is free of charge to all eligible students.

The NLMUSD's Expanded Learning Programs believe that all students deserve quality and equitable learning opportunities. An essential goal of all programs is to be an academic support system to schools and to students as well as to work with students in developing strong social-emotional skills. All programs provide support through three components: common core curriculum, character building, and Community and Social Engagement.

By taking an interdisciplinary approach to instruction that connects common core skills, character education, and community & social engagement, students will apply their learning to create and develop projects that critically address real-world topics. These projects are referred to as Better World Projects (Project Based Learning).

Better World Projects involves the exploration of a relevant topic such as “Equity in Education” or “Environmental Preservation.” Through these projects and labs, students exercise 21^st Century skills: Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, and Creativity (4Cs).

Better World Projects encompass:

• EDUCATION:  Students learn about relevant and current topics that relate to their school, community, and the world
• EMPOWERMENT:  Students further investigate the topic and generate real solutions
• ACTION:  Students actively address real-world topics by applying their solutions and seeing their actions turn into positive change.

SHARED VISION

NLMUSD’s expanded learning programs support closing the achievement gap in K-12 education as well as developing the skills to become responsible community members and life-long learners. This is accomplished through collaboration with all stakeholders: students, educators, families, and the greater community as well as through rigorous data-driven instruction, project-based learning, enrichment activities, social-emotional support, critical inquiry, and exposure to higher education.