Expanded Learning Program
Expanded Learning Opportunities Program/Expanding Minds (ELOP) for the 2025–2026 school year.
Expanded Learning Opportunities Program/Expanding Minds (ELOP) for the 2025–2026 school year. ![]()
Expanded Learning Opportunities Program/Expanding Minds (ELOP) for the 2025–2026 school year.
Dear WJUSD Families,
We want to let you know about important changes to our after-school Expanded Learning Opportunities Program/Expanding Minds (ELOP) for the 2025–2026 school year.
Due to financial uncertainty at the state and federal levels, along with rising costs to maintain quality staffing, we will need to reduce the number of available spaces and enrichment activities in next year’s Expanding Minds program, including YMCA programs at Zamora and Spring Lake.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Our team will continue working closely with schools and families to serve as many students as possible.
- Applications are currently being reviewed.
- Students are prioritized for enrollment according to state law (AB 1567), which includes foster youth, homeless, migrant, English learners, and low-income students.
- Families will be notified of student acceptance during the week of June 2.
These changes are necessary to keep the program sustainable in the long term. We understand how important Expanding Learning is to our families, and we remain committed to providing high-quality learning experiences for our students.
If your child is placed on the waiting list, you may want to explore other community options such as the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and City of Woodland programs.
Thank you for your continued partnership and understanding as we navigate these changes together.
Sincerely,
WJUSD Communications
2025-26 EXPANDING MINDS PROGRAM ENROLLMENT
2025-26 EXPANDING MINDS PROGRAM ENROLLMENT
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2025-26 EXPANDING MINDS PROGRAM ENROLLMENT
UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will notify families of 2025-26 after-school placement as soon as possible.
We are excited to announce the opening of enrollment for the 2025-2026 Expanding Minds (formerly known as ASES) school year. Any parent/guardian who is interested in having their child(ren) join the Expanding Minds program will need to fill out the interest form for each child(ren) for your child(ren) to be added to the interest form waitlist. There is no automatic enrollment for the upcoming school year. Parents/guardians who obtain a spot for their student(s) will receive a confirmation message later in the summer. If you have any questions, please contact your Site Specialists.
Expanding Minds programs are offered at the following elementary school sites: Beamer, Dingle, Freeman, Gibson, Maxwell, Plainfield, Tafoya, Whitehead, and Woodland Prairie. The YMCA program is offered at Spring Lake and Zamora elementary school sites. Expanding Minds and YMCA programs are funded through a state grant and are open until 6:00 pm every school day. The program starts immediately after school and includes homework support, intervention, enrichment, recreation, and a nutritious snack. Our mission is to create an enriching, safe, academic, and fun environment conducive to learning that will impact students' education and lives in a positive manner. The program is open to students from transitional kindergarten (TK) to sixth grade.
All students are eligible to join the Expanded Learning program. Priority enrollment is given to Foster, Homeless, Migrant, English Learner, and low-income students first, as required by AB 1567. Families are placed on a processing list for their designated school sites and are reviewed weekly by site leads. Families will be contacted when space becomes available. Family wait time varies based on individual sites' staffing needs.
Following this, waitlist priority is based on:
- Sibling already in the program
- Principal/staff referral
- Academic performance
Note: All parents, both returning and new, must enroll online.
Open Enrollment Periods:
1st- April 28th- June 6th.
2nd- November 17th - December 19th
There will be one sign-up interest for all after-school programs. This includes:
* Expanding Minds: Beamer, Dingle, Freeman, Gibson, Maxwell, Plainfield, Tafoya, Whitehead, and Woodland Prairie)
* YMCA sites: Spring Lake & Zamora
* Sci-Tech Charter
Complete one interest form per student.
Click here
For more information, contact:
Tori Peterson
Expanded Learning Coordinator
(530) 406-3250
tori.peterson@wjusd.org
Expanded Learning Site Support Specialists at each school site:
- Beamer Elementary: Ismael Grajeda Fuentes, 530-681-7919, ismael.grajeda@wjusd.org
- Dingle Elementary: Susana Gomez Camacho, 530-867-1996, susana.gomezcamacho@wjusd.org
- Freeman Elementary: Laura Killion, 530-867-2107, laura.killion@wjusd.org
- Gibson Elementary: Christian Pesqueda, 530-341-7695, christian.pesqueda@wjusd.org
- Maxwell Elementary: Alexandra Diaz, 530-867-2147, alexandra.diaz@wjusd.org
- Plainfield Elementary: Eduardo Gonzalez, 530-723-8425, eduardo.gonzalez@wjusd.org
- Tafoya Elementary: Katie Bruner, 530-867-2150, katie.bruner@wjusd.org
- Whitehead Elementary: Monica Coronado, 530-867-2182, monica.coronado@wjusd.org
- Woodland Prairie Elementary: Pablo Vasquez, 530-723-0872, pablo.vasquez@wjusd.org
Zamora Elementary and Spring Lake Elementary:
YMCA is providing the Expanded Learning program for Zamora and Spring Lake students.
Site Directors, if you have questions:
Site Directors, if you have questions:
Jaya Pandey @ Springlake - (916)-318-2846; jpandey@ymcasuperiorcal.org
Kristen Lockett @ Zamora - (530) 702-8604; klockett@ymcasuperiorcal.orgSee the sign-up interest form above
Science & Technology (Sci-Tech) Elementary Charter School:
The principal, Maria Martinez, manages its program based on separate funding.
- Expanded Learning Site Support Specialist:
- Sci-Tech Elementary: Teresa Borrego- teresa.borrego@wjusd.org
See the sign-up interest form above
High school Ambassadors : 2025-26 school year
High School Youth EmploymentHigh school Ambassadors : 2025-26 school year ![]()
High School Youth Employment
High school Ambassadors : 2025-26 school year
Description: The WJUSD Expanded Learning Program is searching for highly motivated current junior and senior students to serve as High School Ambassadors at the elementary school program sites. High School Ambassadors will assist with projects and lead art/team-building activities specific to their assigned program site. If selected for a position, all High School Ambassadors will be paid an hourly wage.
Pay Rate: $17.00/hour
Youth Employment Requirements:
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Be a current WJUSD junior or senior high school student.
- Have a current CA ID/ DL. Own transportation to any elementary school site.
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Be available for interviews and attend ongoing trainings.
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If selected, High School Ambassadors must complete a WJUSD Employee Hiring Packet with fingerprint clearance.
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High School Ambassadors must be prepared to work up to 4 hours a day. Programs run Monday-Friday, 2 pm-6 pm.
Youth Employment Responsibilities/Duties:
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Assist with snack distributions.
- Assist tutors with homework help and enrichment activities.
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Assist with parent pickup.
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Attend staff meetings and trainings.
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Plan and lead weekly art or team-building youth activities.
- Complete High School Ambassador Project.
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Other classroom duties as assigned.
Questions: Contact Tori Peterson, tori.peterson@wjusd.org
Applications: Check back here for a live link on August 13, 2025.
Interviews will be set up starting in September.
