Winter ELOP and Childcare: Supporting NVUSD Students to Thrive

The Napa Valley Unified School District’s (NVUSD) Winter Extended Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) and childcare services provide a dynamic environment where academic growth and socialization flourish, reflecting the district’s commitment to strategic goals of rigorous learning and data-informed support systems. This program is a collaboration between NVUSD and two key partners: the Boys and Girls Club of the Napa Valley and NCOE COOL School/ACE. Together, they provide after-school care and summer and winter programs, while NVUSD teachers push in to deliver targeted academic interventions.

Academic Growth Through Engaging Experiences
During Winter ELOP, NVUSD teachers offered small-group instruction tailored to student needs, reinforcing foundational literacy and numeracy skills in fun and meaningful ways. Janeen Alexandre, a TK teacher at Browns Valley School, shared how she used creative activities to keep young learners engaged. “We played the Snowball Game to practice letter and sound recognition, and the kids loved it so much they asked to play again. These games make learning fun and keep them connected to their school routines,” she said. Alexandre also highlighted how art projects inspired creativity and allowed students to connect academics with self-expression.

Mrs. Navarro, a teacher at Shearer Magnet School, supported 4th and 5th-grade students during Winter ELOP, providing targeted intervention to help them build critical skills. She shared, “It was wonderful to see students from different schools coming together to learn collaboratively. We focused on thematic teaching, where students expressed themselves through discussions on topics like patriotic symbols, math in art, and science concepts. This approach made learning engaging and meaningful for them.” Navarro’s creative use of real-world examples, such as demonstrating math concepts through bowling, helped students overcome challenges and find joy in learning.

Margaret Booth, a childcare provider at Northwood Elementary, described the program’s holistic approach. “Winter break is a more relaxed time, but the kids are still learning. We do themed activities like penguin crafts and even hosted a Polar Express day with hot chocolate and conductor hats,” she explained. “It’s amazing to see how kids from six or seven different schools come together, make friends, and have a great time.”

Socialization and Community Building
Socialization is a cornerstone of the program, allowing students to form new connections and strengthen existing ones. Navarro observed, “It’s nice to see multi-grade groups working together, sharing personal stories, and learning collaboratively. The program provides a sense of belonging and builds resilience.”

Bridging Breaks with Structure and Enrichment
The structured yet flexible environment ensures students stay engaged and ready to transition smoothly back into regular instruction. Booth emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “This is a wonderful opportunity to keep kids engaged and ready for the school day structure after the break.” Teachers also used this time to prepare students for upcoming assessments, integrating literacy and numeracy into thematic lessons that align with NVUSD’s instructional framework.

A Commitment to Excellence
NVUSD’s Winter ELOP and childcare programs exemplify the district’s commitment to strategic goals. By offering rigorous, real-world learning experiences, fostering social-emotional connections, and using data to support targeted interventions, NVUSD ensures every student has the tools to succeed.

Families interested in learning more about NVUSD’s Expanded Learning Opportunity Program can visit the NVUSD ELOP website, call the ELOP Office at (707) 253-3959 or send an email to nvusdchildcare@nvusd.org for additional details. Don’t miss the chance to give your child a head start in a supportive and engaging environment!