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Opportunities for All: Extended Learning & Enrichment at Payne School

Posted Date: 10/16/25 (3:00 PM)

Opportunities for All: Extended Learning & Enrichment at Payne School

MAX Learning After-School Program - Fall Newsletter

October 16, 2025
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What is Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs (ELOP) at Payne?

Also known as "MAX Learning", our ELOP program provides a safe, supportive space where students can learn and grow beyond the regular school day and year. Through hands-on, engaging activities, students build academic, social, emotional, and physical skills. “Expanded learning” includes after-school, occasional Saturdays, and summer intersession programs designed to enrich learning for students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.
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Our Current Program Offerings:

  1. Think Together (TK-6) – Offers academic and enrichment activities, including homework support. Program runs from school dismissal until 6:00 p.m.
  2. SPARKS (El Monte City Parks & Recreation) (TK-6) – Provides homework help and sports-based enrichment, including flag football, basketball, cheer, volleyball, and swimming. Runs until 6:00 p.m.
  3. Home Field Advantage (Grades 2-6) – Introductory sports program teaching soccer, basketball, and tennis fundamentals while building teamwork and leadership skills.
  4. Lift Healthy Cooking (Grades 1-6) – Students learn to cook nutritious recipes at home through hands-on workshops led by professional chefs.
  5. Cultural Bytes Academy (TK-6) – Offers engaging language classes in Spanish and Mandarin.
  6. Windtree Education (TK-6) – Inspires creativity through STEAM classes in ceramics, robotics, graphic design, digital art, music, and 3D design.
On non-instructional days, Think Together and Parks & Rec often offer study trips or enrichment camps. Other programs are offered quarterly so that all students have an opportunity to participate in these fun and engaging classes. To ensure the daily operations of our after-school program, we have a dedicated support staff which includes our attendance clerk, instructional aides, campus monitors, custodians, Community Schools Site Lead, Principal, and district staff.
 

New Class: Cultural Bytes Mandarin Academy (K-6) Begins Week of Tuesday, October 28

Students will learn to engage in short, fun conversations on everyday topics, including family, home, feelings, hobbies, and daily routines. Through interactive activities, games, and role-playing, students will build practical vocabulary and speaking confidence while developing an appreciation for Mandarin language and culture.
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Study Trip to the Orange County Zoo

Enrolled students will participate in a Study Trip to the Orange County Zoo next Friday, October 31. They will explore a variety of animals, observe behaviors, and learn about habitats and conservation. Exhibits will connect classroom science to real-world experiences, making learning interactive and memorable. Contact Ms. Jessica or any Think Together Staff for details.
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Enrichment Camp and The Aquatics Center

This free program offers Mountain View School District students a fun and safe experience on Friday, October 31, from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Activities include arts and crafts, cooking, and games at Parkview. Swimming will be held at the El Monte Aquatics Center. A separate permission slip is required. Contact Ms. Diana or any Parks & Rec Staff for details.
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Greetings from your Community Schools Site Lead

 
Dear Payne Families,

As your Community Schools Site Lead, I am both honored and excited to partner with you this year. My commitment is to listen to your voices, learn from your experiences, and work together to continue building a strong and connected school community.

We’re thrilled to share several exciting updates! This year, we’re opening our new Parent Resource Center (formerly the Magnolia Center). This welcoming space will serve as a hub of support: offering shoes, clothing, and other essential resources for families in need.

Last year, our Assets & Needs Survey helped us better understand the strengths and priorities of our community. Here are a few highlights:

  • 79% of our students speak a language other than English at home, making Payne a beautifully diverse school.
  • Families reported feeling strongly included, particularly through invitations to school events, meetings, and activities.
  • Our MAX Learning After-School Program expanded significantly and now serves over half (54%) of our students.
  • 92% of our certificated and classified staff shared that they feel included and have a strong sense of belonging at Payne.

These results reaffirm our shared purpose: To deepen our understanding of who we are as a community and to ensure that Payne remains a place where every student, family, and staff member feels at home. Thank you for being such an important part of the Payne family. We look forward to another year of connection, growth, and partnership!

Sincerely,
Dr. Alex Rectra
Community Schools Site Lead
 

Families: Join Us in a Focus Group Discussion

As part of the next phase of our Community Schools grant, we invite parent(s)/guardian(s) to join a small, anonymous focus group. Share your ideas about our school and your family’s needs by completing this short Sign-up Form. We want to hear from you!
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Sign-up for our Focus Group
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Upcoming Event: Día de los Muertos Festivities at the PRC – Friday, November 7, 2:30-4:30

Join us on November 7 to celebrate Día de los Muertos! Offered to students and their families, we will enjoy student performances, arts and crafts, movies, music, refreshments, and more. Please contact Ms. Nellie and Dr. Rectra in the Parent Resource Center for more details.
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