Berkeley LEARNS Afterschool Program

Emily Nathan, Berkeley LEARNS Program Supervisor
1731 Prince Street
Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone: (510) 883-6146
Fax: (510) 644-7726
emilynathan@berkeley.net

Berkeley LEARNS Calendars

Berkeley LEARNS celebrated Lights On Afterschool.

Berkeley LEARNS Elementary Basketball Schedule

Public Notice of Grant Application  (updated 11/30/11)

Berkeley LEARNS (Links Enrichment, Academics and Recreation to the Needs of Students) After School Programs

Berkeley LEARNS programs provide academic support, cultural enrichment and recreation from the time the traditional school day ends until 6:00pm during the academic year.

The programs are in operation at nine elementary school sites (Berkeley Arts Magnet, Cragmont, Emerson, Le Conte, Malcolm X, Oxford, Rosa Parks, Thousand Oaks and Washington), at all three middle schools, and B-Tech.

LEARNS also has morning programs before school at Berkeley Arts Magnet, Cragmont and Rosa Parks.

All BUSD students are eligible to participate in a Berkeley LEARNS After School Program.  Students can ONLY enroll at the program located at the school they attend. Students and siblings who are currently enrolled in a program receive priority placement for the following year. Additional spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Berkeley LEARNS Mission Statement

Berkeley LEARNS After School Programs support children in reaching their full potential by providing academic support, recreational activities, and enrichment classes in a safe and structured environment.  Located at the school sites, we strengthen the link between the schools and families and strive to provide a seamless day.  By working directly with teachers, staff, families, and school based programs we are better able to advance student learning.

2011-12 LEARNS Parent Handbook

Berkeley LEARNS fact sheet 2011

Berkeley LEARNS Early Release Policy

 

The programs receive reimbursement for students who attend the Program five days a week for three hours a day.  Full-time enrollees will receive priority in registration.  Every effort will be made to accommodate parents seeking part-time enrollment.  Drop-in students are not allowed.

Berkeley LEARNS programs are primarily funded by the California Department of Education After School Education and Safety Programs (ASES) grant, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grants, parent fees based on a sliding scale, and various mini-grants.

LEARNS Coordinator Roster (PDF)

Late Pickup Policy Form

LEARNS 12-13 Fee Scale

Berkeley LEARNS After School Programs consist of four major components.

Academic Support

The academic component supports academic success by creating links to classroom learning by offering homework support, small group or individual tutoring, and mentoring.  The program staff is in continual communication with the classroom teachers to stay informed of students’ academic challenges and strengths, which enable the staff to provide appropriate academic activities.

Enrichment Opportunities

The enrichment component offers both traditional and non-traditional activities designed to build knowledge and enhance creative expression. These opportunities are offered by program staff and contracted specialists. The range of classes include: Visual and Performing Arts, Music, Life skills, and Science, and many more.   Multiple sessions are offered per year.  While participating in these components, students have the opportunity to sharpen and/or learn skills and discover new ways to express themselves. We have found that when children are offered the chance to excel in enrichment activities, their self-esteem and confidence soars, which leads to academic success.

Recreational Activities

We encourage personal growth through competitive and non-competitive sports by building teamwork and a healthy competitive spirit, developing relationships, and having fun.  Through our partnership with the City of Berkeley we are able to offer our elementary school students an enhanced athletic program. The middle school programs include recreational sports and interscholastic athletic teams.

Elementary Schools Football Schedule Fall 2011

2011-12 Middle School Student Athlete Forms

 

Community Building

Berkeley LEARNS Programs instill a sense of community among the students that fosters pride in their program, school, and community. Some of the related activities include: community circles, leadership programs, TRIBES, community service projects, and conflict resolution programs.  In addition, the programs serve as a resource to families and the community.  The programs encourage and value all forms of parent/guardian involvement and offer multiple opportunities for parents/guardians to be involved in their children’s education.