SERRF "Soaring" Into Spring 2021!
The Soaring 20's In Expanded Learning
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Stakeholders,
The SERRF Expanded Learning Program continues to “SOAR”, as we stay committed to motivating student learning during these challenging times, through the application of research-based principles and resources that are aligned with Common Core State Standards. We are dedicated to Continuous Quality Improvement through our established goals, based on stakeholder survey information, as we continue to focus on: “Collaborative Partnerships” and “21st Century Skill Building”.
In reflecting on the challenges faced this past year, our hard-working SERRF staff has remained steadfast when it comes to providing quality expanded learning services for our Tehama County students and families. Our SERRF Team quickly pivoted and found ways to generate opportunities to safely provide programming and stay connected with our families both virtually and in-person.
The strength of the SERRF Program has been remarkable, proving itself resilient, innovative and dedicated to the needs of children & families. Most notable has been the overarching ability of our staff and stakeholders - Tehama County Department of Education, districts/schools and community to find and focus on those “silver linings” through the clouds of chaos and for this I am extremely grateful! It's truly an honor to work in service and support of all afterschool and summer programming throughout Tehama County!
~ Karla Stroman, SERRF Administrator
Academic Homework/Power Hour
The Academic focus of homework/academic assistance is an important component of the SERRF Program. The components include:
- Homework Support: One hour of homework support is provided daily, if students do not have homework or they complete their homework they move onto the following academic content:
- Independent Reading: To become expert readers and to be better readers, students are practicing Read to Self, gaining independence in their reading. Students are reading for extended periods and tracking their class stamina goal through, getting started right away, staying in one spot, reading quietly, and building stamina. The students have access to hundreds of books that are real, living language written to engage readers and draw them in. Students are taking great joy and pleasure in reading, while building independent skills!
- Academic Vocabulary Journal Writing: Academic Vocabulary is critical vocabulary words that students meet again and again in their reading and classroom work. Students discuss and write weekly academic words in their writing journals.
- Math Skill Practice: Students will strengthen their counting skills, addition and subtraction skills, multiplication and division skills, and fractions skills through regular practice with math games.
Click image below to view the Great Kindness Challenge Video:
Enrichment Hour - Social Emotional Learning
The enrichment focus of social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. Today, more than ever our students need SEL skills. That’s why at SERRF, we focus on SEL in all the activities we offer. Most of the curriculum that we have available at SERRF has SEL learning embedded into it. This year we have updated our lesson plans so that going forward, all of our curriculum will include these skills.
Here at SERRF we have a variety of ways we support students with learning SEL skills. We teach these specifically through a variety of curriculum such as, Sanford Harmony, Every Monday Matters, Character Counts, VOICES, and Rachel’s Challenge. We also dedicate one entire week out of the school year for the Great Kindness Challenge. Through this event, in a collaborative partnership with schools, we dedicate a full week focused on performing kind acts throughout the community. SERRF staff put much time and effort into teaching SEL skills on a daily and ongoing basis. Through the fun and engaging activities that students participate in we are helping build a better future for tomorrow.
Recreation Physical Education and Healthy Lifestyles
Virtual Skillastics Programs
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SERRF has had to change the ways we provide physical activity to students to allow for social distancing and to limit the use of shared equipment. The Virtual Skillastics Programs, “Mindfulness” and “Move and Groove”, have been an excellent resource to provide for just that. We have piloted the programs at four school sites and after successful implementation and positive feedback from both staff and students, we are looking forward to purchasing these programs for all SERRF sites. These programs will not only be used for physical activity, but to support our SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Programs as well. The Tehama County Community Action Agency is providing a $10,000 grant to assist in the purchase of these programs.
The ”Mindfulness” program was created with the purpose to educate children on the importance of personal awareness, gratitude, the positive effects of nature, kindness, movement and meditation.
The “Move and Groove” program includes a daily introduction of a social and emotional character trait. This includes topics like decision-making, problem solving, risk-taking, stress management, and empathy Everyday a different groove theme song is explored with simple movements for students to experience.
GO FAR (Go Out For A Run)
Beginning March 1st, SERRF students throughout Tehama County will be participating in GO FAR. This comprehensive fitness program is designed to teach children about healthy eating habits, goal setting, and how to train for a 5K. GO FAR teaches kids that active, healthy lifestyles are fun and can be sustained throughout their lives.
To connect our SERRF programs in a collaborative challenge, we have set a goal of 7000 miles to complete by the end of GO FAR. Students at 20 SERRF sites will be tracking their distance walked/ran during GO FAR lessons to contribute to the 7000 Mile Challenge.
*** Every SERRF Program will be hosting a GO FAR race at their school site instead of our typical community wide event. ***
STEAM
On March 1st, SERRF students went on a live virtual field trip to Anza Borrego State Park in Borrego Springs California, located just north of San Diego. Students prepared for this visit by completing a series of 5-E lesson plans focusing on "Desert Animal Adaptations" for grades K - 3rd and "Desert Paleontology: Fossils" for grades 4th - 8th. California State Park Interpreter, Lydia Stinson, took everyone on a real-time visit through the park reinforcing concepts supported in the lesson plans making this visit both exciting and informative for students.
More field trips are scheduled including visits to Carpinteria State Beach, La Purisima Mission, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Click the image below to view the PORTS Website:
SERRF's "SOARING" Successes
"Unsung Hero" Awards - Honored at Region 1 & 2 ReMix Conference
- Mike Thomas, Bidwell SERRF - Site Facilitator
- Debbie Burgett, Vina School - Teacher/Administrator
- Jennifer Bennett - Library Clerk, Jackson Heights School
- Joe Vine - The Copy Center
Important Information!
SERRF 2021-2022 School Year Registration (On-line) - May 2021
Your feed back is valuable! Parent Survey 2020-2021 available (On-line) - May 1, 2021