Guest Essay | Jennifer Hall Lee: PasadenaLEARNS Community Showcase Was Spectacular

The annual PasadenaLEARNS Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Community (ELOP) annual Community Showcase was held on May 17 at the District headquarters and it was spectacular.

For those who aren’t familiar with this unique accoutrement of the Pasadena Unified School District, the PasadenaLearns ELOP program is PUSD’s after and before school extended learning program which includes a yearly summer program for students.

Superintendent Dr. Blanco said “Students have opportunities to explore the arts, participate in athletics, and receive academic support. This showcase celebrates the joy, creativity, and sense of belonging that our students experience after the bell rings.”

All nineteen PUSD schools offering LEARNS/ELOP participated in the showcase along with hundreds of parents, community members and LEARNS staff who were in attendance.

Harmony Cano, the Coordinator of Expanded Learning said that the showcase “highlights our students’ exploration of the arts, their commitment to teamwork, and the strength of the communities that support them.”

The MC for the various activities was fifth grader Alexa Campos from Madison Elementary.

There were dance performances from elementary schools Willard, Altadena Arts Magnet, Don Benito, Longfellow and secondary schools Blair and Marshall. Folkorico was performed by students from Mary W. Jackson STEAM Multilingual Magnet Elementary and Madison students performed in their Mariachi band.

Each school had a booth where visitors could see the student creations and explore the unique nature of every school.

At the booth for Madison Elementary three dimensional depictions of library books featured characters in miniature sculptures including aluminum foil Rainbow Fish and bright red sculptures of Clifford the Big Red Dog.

LEARNS values their community partnerships such as The Harmony Project which provided intentional instruction for Intermediate Orchestra from both Longfellow and Octavia E Butler Magnet Dual Language STEAM Middle School (OEB) in addition to the Longfellow Advanced Chamber Group, Bucket Drumming and the OEB Drumline.

The Jackson STEAM Cheer Team underscored the energy of the event.

Burgers from The Habit Burger Grill and raspados were given out for free to more than 475 attendees.

Ms. Cano recognized the energy at the event and said, “Our staff always always looks forward to connecting with both our current and incoming families,” and added that “we come together to recognize and celebrate the achievements and thriving spirit of our students.”

Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth J. Blanco said “PUSD after school programs give students opportunities to discover new interests and stay connected to school.”

Jennifer Hall Lee is the Pasadena Unified School District trustee representing District 2.