Edward Harris Jr. Middle School Exl

Attendance Requirements and Parallel Program Participation

In accordance with California Education Code Section 8483(a)(2), students enrolled in the Expanded Learning (ExL) Program are expected to attend the program consistently and actively participate in all scheduled program components. To maintain compliance with state and grant requirements, students should attend the program a minimum of three (3) out of five (5) school days per week and remain in attendance for the full duration of the program day whenever possible.

Consistent attendance is essential to ensuring that students receive the full academic, enrichment, and social-emotional benefits of the program. Additionally, attendance data plays a critical role in supporting the After School Education and Safety (ASES) Grant, which provides funding for Expanded Learning programs throughout the Elk Grove Unified School District. As a result, regular attendance remains a top priority for both students and families.

Parallel Program Participation

The ExL Program recognizes that many students participate in additional school-sponsored and community-based activities, including athletics, clubs, tutoring, music programs, religious programs, appointments, and other extracurricular opportunities. Students who are walkers or who participate in these activities may remain enrolled in the ExL Program without jeopardizing their enrollment status through the use of a completed Parallel Program Participation Form.

The Parallel Program Participation Form allows students to leave the program to attend an approved activity and, if applicable, return to ExL afterward. Submission and approval of this form ensures that attendance is documented appropriately and that the student's participation in outside activities does not negatively impact program attendance requirements.

Students participating in a parallel program are still required to check in with ExL staff each day to verify attendance and ensure student accountability and safety. Failure to check in may result in the absence being recorded as unexcused.

Parallel Program Participation Forms are available daily at the ExL dismissal area and may also be obtained from the Site Coordinator. Families are encouraged to communicate any ongoing scheduling needs with program staff to ensure accurate attendance records and continued program eligibility.

Pickup Windows

Pickup windows are posted right outside of dismissal area (door). We advise all parents to pick up their students within posted pickup windows to ensure their is no disturbance during program. If there are any exigent circumstances, please call the site phone posted and inform that you are going to be picking up your student. 

All program communication will be distributed through TalkingPoints and/or Synergy to ensure families receive timely and important updates regarding the Expanded Learning (ExL) Program. These platforms will be used to share information about program activities, attendance, schedules, student expectations, special events, and any program-related announcements. Families are strongly encouraged to regularly monitor their inboxes, notifications, and messages to stay informed and connected. Maintaining consistent communication between the program and families is essential to supporting student success, ensuring accurate information is received, and promoting the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the ExL program.

Enrichment Activities

A key component of the Expanded Learning (ExL) Program is providing students with meaningful enrichment opportunities that extend learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. Students participate in grade-level, curriculum-focused enrichment activities designed to reinforce academic concepts, develop critical thinking skills, encourage creativity, and promote social-emotional growth.

The ExL Program follows the Elk Grove Unified School District's Community Learning Center Collaborative (CLCC) standards and expectations, which align closely with Expanded Learning Program quality standards. These enrichment opportunities are intentionally designed to provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences that complement the regular school-day curriculum while fostering student voice, choice, leadership, and exploration.

Enrichment activities may include literacy development, mathematics enrichment, STEM experiences, arts and creativity, health and wellness, team-building activities, career exploration, leadership development, cultural awareness, and other project-based learning opportunities. Through these experiences, students are encouraged to collaborate with peers, build new skills, explore personal interests, and strengthen their connection to school and community.

Students participate in structured enrichment activities three (3) times per week in accordance with the ExL Program schedule. These activities are facilitated by trained staff and are designed to support academic achievement while providing a fun, engaging, and supportive environment that promotes lifelong learning and personal development.

Club Enrollment and Participation

Club offerings for the Expanded Learning (ExL) Program will begin in September and provide students with opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills, build relationships, and engage in enriching experiences beyond the regular school day.

Prior to the start of clubs, all enrolled students will receive a Club Selection Form outlining the available club options for the semester. Club selection forms will be distributed in hard-copy format and must be completed, signed if required, and returned by the specified deadline. Timely submission helps ensure accurate placement and allows staff to appropriately plan club rosters, materials, and supervision.

Students will be placed into clubs based on their selections, space availability, grade-level eligibility, and program considerations. Every effort will be made to accommodate student preferences; however, placement in a specific club cannot be guaranteed due to enrollment limits and staffing capacity.

Requests to change club placements may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Parents/guardians may submit a request to the Site Coordinator if a club change is necessary due to academic needs, scheduling conflicts, student interests, or other reasonable circumstances. Approval of club changes will be based on available space, program needs, and the educational benefit to the student.

The ExL Program encourages students to fully participate in their assigned clubs and approach each opportunity with enthusiasm, respect, and a willingness to learn. Clubs are designed to support student engagement, leadership development, creativity, collaboration, and personal growth while fostering a positive and inclusive program environment.

Student Leadership Council (SLC)

The Expanded Learning (ExL) Program values student voice and believes that students play an essential role in shaping a positive, engaging, and responsive program environment. To ensure that student perspectives are represented and heard, each ExL class will select one student representative to serve on the Student Leadership Council (SLC).

The Student Leadership Council serves as the official student advisory group for the Harris ExL Program. Council members are responsible for gathering feedback, ideas, concerns, and suggestions from their peers and communicating them to program leadership. Through this process, students have the opportunity to actively contribute to program development, enrichment offerings, special events, school culture, and other aspects of the ExL experience.

SLC members will participate in monthly meetings with Mr. Singh, Site Coordinator, to discuss student interests, review program initiatives, identify opportunities for improvement, and collaborate on ways to enhance the overall student experience. Meetings may also include planning student-led activities, reviewing program feedback, discussing upcoming events, and exploring new opportunities that align with student needs and interests.

Representatives are expected to serve as positive role models by demonstrating the EHMS RICH values of Responsibility, Integrity, Consideration, and Hard Work. SLC members should actively listen to their classmates, communicate respectfully, and represent the interests of all students in a fair and constructive manner.

To encourage broad student participation and leadership development, a new Student Leadership Council will be established each school term. Representatives will be elected by their peers within their respective ExL classes, providing multiple students throughout the year with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, civic responsibility, public speaking abilities, and collaborative decision-making experience.

The Student Leadership Council reflects the ExL Program's commitment to student empowerment, leadership development, and meaningful student involvement in creating a program that meets the needs and interests of the Harris student community.