Program Spotlight: After School Program
Our K–8 After-School Programs are designed to be both supportive and playful. We “sneak in” academic enrichment and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities, creative projects, and plenty of room for choice and fun.
Reading, math, and collaboration are woven naturally into experiences that feel engaging rather than instructional. Because, as it turns out, learning sticks best when kids are having fun!
By extending learning beyond the school day, the program creates space for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Over time, these experiences help youth build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and practice teamwork, tools that serve them both in school and throughout their lives.
Learning Through Doing (And Exploring!
Academic enrichment comes alive in many forms. Students explore science concepts through LEGO education, practice literacy during weekly library visits, and strengthen math skills through games and collaborative challenges.
Arts and crafts projects—from sewing to hands-on creative builds—invite imagination and patience, while offering another way for kids to express themselves.
“On Mondays, the After-School Program takes the kids to the Lopez Library… At pick up, he is always excited to tell me what book he chose all by himself.”
“I love being a high school leader of Slopez Cafe because I get to be myself while leading others. There are endless options of what we can do and I really love that.”
— Teen Leader of Slopez Café
“My high (in the sense of the best part of the day) today was I got to come to Slopez Cafe and my day got instantly better being here!”
— Teen Leader of Slopez Café
A Place to Unwind: Slopez Café
Fridays bring something extra special: Slopez Café, a peer-led after-school space where youth can relax, connect, and express themselves creatively. Teen peer leaders, who participated in a week-long intensive training, facilitate activities for younger students, creating a powerful model of leadership and mentorship.
Recently, youth decorated cakes inspired by their emotions, using color and design to reflect how they were feeling or explored how they wanted to feel. Activities like this gently open the door to conversations about emotions, self-awareness, and empathy, all while building connection and confidence.
Exploring Lopez Together
Field trips offer another layer of learning, helping students connect with the land and each other. In partnership with the Youth Conservation Corps, students kicked off the year at Upright Head, where they helped address trail erosion caused by deer. On another outing, cold but clear weather welcomed them to Hummel Lake for hiking, fishing, and forest exploration.
Beach walks brought encounters with birds, seals, and a low tide full of discoveries. The day ended with students building a driftwood shelter, decorated with bull kelp and clam shells. This proved to be a moment of teamwork, creativity, and wonder that lingered long after the bus ride home.
Clubs Kids Ask For (and Love)
When asked what they wanted most, students didn’t hesitate: Baking Club immediately rose to the top. Together, youth choose recipes, learn kitchen skills, and share what they make, often bringing treats home to their families. From gingerbread houses and cinnamon rolls to cake pops and cheesecake, Baking Club blends math, patience, collaboration, and joy in the most delicious of ways.
For older students (grades 5–8), new culinary and craft clubs have rolled out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Quilting, sewing tote bags, and cooking from scratch give students practical skills and a sense of pride in what they create.
Looking Ahead
Staff are already looking ahead to Summer Camps, continuing to build on the creativity, curiosity, and confidence students develop during the school year. More details will be shared soon.
In the meantime, we are deeply grateful to the partners who make this program possible: Lopez Island School District for hosting and supporting the program, the Lopez Island Library, and the Youth Conservation Corps of the San Juan Islands Conservation District for creating and leading enriching activities.
The After-School Program is funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, with additional support from the Thrift Shop Grant for healthy snacks. Slopez Café is a partnership between the After-School Program and Youth Prevention Character Strong made possible by San Juan County Health and Community Services.