Berkeley LEARNS Afterschool Program

Links Enrichment, Academics and Recreation to the Needs of Students

2020 Bonar Street, Suite 312, Berkeley, CA 94702

Aaron Jorgensen, Extended Learning Program Supervisor
Tel: 510.644.7770 | Fax: 510.644.7726
Email: aaronjorgensen@berkeley.net

Angela Gilder, After School Program Supervisor
Tel: 510.644.8625 | Fax: 510.644.7726
Email: angelagilder@berkeley.net

LEARNS Program Staff Contact Information

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.

What We Do

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.

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.

Late Pickup Policy Form

Berkeley LEARNS After School Programs consist of four major components:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Middle School Student Athlete Forms:

4. 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.

Registration for 2018-2019

The registration process for LEARNS will begin on April 16, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. Families can register at https://berkeleylearns.asapconnected.com. Completing the application does not guarantee enrollment. Priority is given to full-time students and students currently enrolled and their siblings. Students are then enrolled in the program on a space availability basis in the order applications are received.

Once the application for your student is received, a spot will be reserved in the program or they will be wait-listed, depending on space availability. By June 22, you will be notified of the application status by the Program Specialist at your school. Please note, all LEARNS families are required to attend a program orientation at the school site in August to secure enrollment. Notification of specific orientation dates and times will be included in the correspondence in June, as well as posted here. If you are not able to attend the orientation in August, please make other arrangements with the Program Specialist for your school. The Program Specialists can be reached at their site until June 22 and will return to work by August 13, 2018.

Fee Scales

LEARNS Program Specialist Contact Information

LEARNS Middle School Sports Programs
The sports programs at the Middle schools are a part of the LEARNS after school program. If your student plays any sport in the LEARNS program, monthly LEARNS fees are applied.
All students must have an “Assumption of Risk for Participation in Voluntary Sports Program; Waiver, Release and Indemnity Agreement; and Medical Treatment Authorization” form completed in order to participate in any sport.

Public Notice:

Berkeley Unified School District intends to submit a grant application to the California Department of Education to expand after school opportunities for students throughout the City of Berkeley through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program for elementary and middle school sites.

The purpose of this grant program is to establish or expand community learning centers that provide students with academic enrichment opportunities and activities designed to complement the students’ regular academic program, assist with literacy and related educational development services for families, and provide a safe environment for students.

To review the Request for Applications, visit the CDE website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ba/cp.

For information regarding BUSD’s 21st Century grant applications, please contact the BUSD Afterschool Programs Office at 510-883-6146.