Two years of pandemic-disrupted learning resulted in learning gaps for many students. North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) is facing the challenge head-on with the Power-Up! Program. “These federal funds are intended to be used for additional instruction outside of the regular school day,” explains Tammy Alonzo, NTPS program administrator. Children can receive extra practice with math, science, reading, social and other skills. “Everybody did the best they could,” says Tammy about surviving the remote learning situations, yet there are students who are behind their grade levels in numerous areas. With these new programs over 1,100 students are already improving performance and gaining confidence.
Let’s look in on a few of the programs.
The dual-language kindergarten at Lydia Hawk Elementary is taught by Janeal Maxfield and Cristina Charney. Half is taught in English and half in Spanish. “We asked, ‘What was the need?’” says Janeal. It was basic literacy and counting skills. Their Power-Up! Program has a small group of students with 15 minutes of the session focused on foundational skills, such as letter sounds and phonetics. The other 15 minutes are spent on math skills.
“We have a busy day,” says Janeal, with 23 children in her usual morning class and 24 in the afternoon. The Power-Up! Group has eight students in total, and she works with four at a time. “It’s been lovely to see the growth of the children in a different setting,” says Janeal.
Janeal attributes these gaps to the limited participation these young learners had during pandemic restrictions. They missed the usual play groups, sports teams, or trips to the grocery store. There were missed opportunities to talk with others, recognize signs while driving, or notice colors of food. The program is now making up some of what was lost. She sees children exhibit more confidence during the regular school day, and their families have been thrilled with the extra support.
Katie Standlea, a Komachin Middle School teacher, has noticed gaps for older students too. “Students are still lacking hands-on experiences, especially in science,” she says. Her Power-Up! small groups meet once a week. “We hit every area,” she explains, including lab safety, using a Bunsen burner, finding melting points, making elephant toothpaste, and dissecting squid. Students are learning to design and carry out investigations and be prepared for what’s coming in high school.
Katie keeps notes and collects data about the students’ progress. Their average GPA in science is increasing, and she sees them showing confidence about making models on their own. An added benefit is the youth get to spend time with their peers in a comfortable, low– stress atmosphere. The snacks are popular, too.
Lauren Clinton is one of the counselors at Chinook Middle School. Her groups have been addressing depression and anxiety, which are common to some degree in all students. “Children are savvy with technology,” explains Lauren, adding, “They are taking in a lot of information, and it is hard to process.”
Students learn skills to focus on what is in their control and what activities make them feel better. They look for mood changers like getting enough sleep, exercising, and talking with friends. The group might take a walk together or find a silly game. They are growing their awareness of how much phone time is okay and learning when it’s time to put it down. “We know this is helping,” says Lauren. Students keep track of their progress and provide feedback. “Kids appreciate the help,” she says, “and it is important that they know, ‘I am not alone.’”
Nicky Drago is an Evergreen Forest Elementary School intervention specialist. “We have 76 children in Power-Up!” she says. These students are working on reading. Using the Lexia Reading program, students take a first-time assessment to place them at one of 22 levels between Pre-K and 5th grade. Students work on the material at a computer, and the teachers get information that pinpoints any specific skills needing attention. Then there is one-on-one time, where students must master each skill before moving along the path. “Kids love it,” says Nicky, as they get certificates as they pass each level. “We are filling holes,” she adds.
Power-Up! Programs are being funded across the district over the next three years. Currently, transportation is not included, so parents must make the necessary arrangements. For some, picking up their child at 4 p.m. works better for their own schedule, and the typical long line of cars after the regular school day ends is gone. Families do not pay for these extra services. Teachers are compensated for their extra time.
To find out what programs are underway at your school, contact your school directly. New programs will continue to be added. Some families who were resistant initially, have now embraced the opportunity for their kids. More teachers are seeing the benefits, too, and as time goes by it is hoped that more will participate in expanding programs. Learn even more about Power-Up! Programs and how they can help your student on the NTPS website.
North Thurston Public Schools
305 College Street NE, Lacey
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