Explore & Expand Afterschool
Exploring new opportunities. Expanding learning.
Dear families,
We are happy to share that our students stayed active, focused, and engaged in their Explore & Expand programs all the way through December. It was wonderful to see them try new activities, build friendships, and grow in their learning during the fall session. Our staff worked hard to create safe, joyful, and meaningful experiences, and we are very proud of everything the children accomplished.
As we conclude the fall session of programming, we hope everyone enjoys their vacation and has time to rest and spend time with family. We look forward to seeing all of our students in the new year. All of our after-school sites are preparing to begin the winter session. Each school has its own schedule, so please check with your child’s school to find out when programs start in January.
In this month’s newsletter, we are happy to highlight the great work happening in several of our middle school programs, new funding for school gardens, and a Holocaust speaker at the Butler middle school. These stories show the creativity, teamwork, and strong engagement of our students and staff.
We are also sharing a short family survey. Your feedback helps us understand what is working well and how we can continue to strengthen the after-school experience for your children.
We hope everyone enjoys their vacation and we send our best wishes for a happy new year. We look forward to seeing all of you soon!
All the best,
Rebecca A. Duda, Ed.D.
Coordinator Special Programs
Our Explore & Expand programs are supported by several funding sources. The two main sources are:
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The Federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant
We receive approximately $1 million each year in 21st CCLC funds.
Twelve of our schools are supported by this grant, which helps us offer free, high-quality after-school and summer programs. -
The Lowell Public Schools District Budget
All other schools are funded through local district funds.
This year, the City of Lowell invested over $1 million to support the Explore & Expand after-school programs, including our summer programs in July.
In addition, all sites are supplemented by other grant sources, such as the FRESH Grant and various Enhancement Grants. These grants help us offer more hands-on activities, special projects, and partnerships for students.
The district works hard to make sure that every school—whether it receives a 21st CCLC grant or not—can offer equitable, high-quality after-school programming. This means all students have access to the same strong learning opportunities.
No matter how a site is funded, all of our programs are designed to help students grow in:
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English Language Arts, with a focus on verbal communication
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Social and Emotional Learning, including:
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Engagement in learning
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Building relationships with peers
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Communication skills
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Our goal is to support every student’s academic and social-emotional growth through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
After-school at Washington Elementary School means time for hands-on learning through STEM activities. Recently, students took part in the exciting “Soap and Pepper Experiment.”
In this activity, students sprinkled pepper on water and then added soap. They were amazed to see the pepper quickly move away from the soap. This simple experiment helped students learn about how soap works and why it is important for keeping our hands clean.
Activities like this keep students curious, engaged, and excited about science. They also help students build verbal communication skills as they share their observations and explain what they see. Thanks to Site Manager Sue McCoy for overseeing the Washington after-school program and ensuring students have engaging, hands-on activities like the Soap & Pepper Experiment!
This fall session, the gym at the Wang after-school program was always full of energy. About 20 students worked each afternoon with their coaches to build their cheerleading skills. Cheerleading is a great way for students to practice teamwork, communication, and positive relationships as they work together to create strong cheers and routines.
Their hard work led to a wonderful Family Night presentation at the conclusion of the fall session. Parents, siblings, and other family members were amazed by the great routines the students performed. It was a proud moment for everyone and a wonderful way to end the session.
The Wang cheerleaders showed what can happen when students stay engaged, support one another, and work toward a shared goal.
Mill City staff working with Robinson students
Mill City working with Robinson families
State Rep. Rodney Elliott
🎓 Did You Know?
How After-School Programs Help Students Thrive
📘 Better Grades & Attendance
Students who regularly attend high-quality after-school programs show:
➡️ 20% higher math scores
➡️ Improved reading skills
➡️ Better school-day attendance
(Afterschool Alliance, 2024)
💬 Stronger Social-Emotional Skills
Participation in after-school programs boosts:
❤️ Confidence and communication
🤝 Teamwork and problem-solving
🧠 Self-management and resilience
(Harvard Family Research Project)
🌎 Safe, Supportive, and Enriching
After-school programs provide a safe space for students to explore new interests, connect with positive role models, and develop lifelong skills.
🎯 Long-Term Impact
Students who participate in after-school programs are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education, and become active members of their communities.
✨ Explore & Expand programs across 22 Lowell Public Schools make these benefits a reality for over 1,200 students every year!
The after-school program at Lowell High School is called The Compass Program because it helps guide students—especially those in grades 9 and 10—toward success during their early years of high school.
Overseen by Katie Keefe, the Compass Program serves about 80 students each session. Students take part in engaging, real-world learning experiences that help them build confidence and discover new interests.
One exciting activity offered this fall was the Fashion Design Lab. In this program, students learned marketing skills by designing clothing merchandise that will be sold in the high school’s school store. Fashion Design Lab is taught by Lowell artist Mathew Walterding, who helps students combine creativity with real business skills.
At the end of the fall session, Fashion Design Lab students visited the LHS school store to learn from teacher Mrs. Taylor about how she selects and markets merchandise. Students then shared ideas for how they will advertise and promote their new clothing line during the winter session.
We cannot wait to see the designs they create and the new items they will bring to the school store!
Students listening to their music teacher provide instruction.
Students practicing for the winter concert
Exploring music at the Pyne!
Last night, students from Sullivan Middle School and Stoklosa Middle School took part in a Mock Trial event held at the Lowell Court. This special experience gave students the opportunity to learn how the justice system works inside a real courtroom.
Students worked with Discovering Justice, local attorneys, judges and court staff from Lowell Court, and school staff and site managers to prepare for the trial. Together, these partners helped students understand legal roles, practice speaking clearly, and build confidence.
The students tried a fictional court case designed for middle school learners. In the case, students examined evidence, listened to witness testimony, and decided how the law should be applied. Students took on roles such as lawyers, witnesses, and jurors, and learned how to present arguments, ask questions, and respectfully disagree.
This experience helped students strengthen important skills, including:
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Verbal communication
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Public speaking and confidence
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Critical thinking
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Teamwork and collaboration
We are proud of the Sullivan and Stoklosa students for their preparation, professionalism, and thoughtful participation. The Mock Trial was a powerful example of hands-on, real-world learning made possible through strong community partnerships.
At Reilly Elementary School, students take part in a variety of after-school activities that support our learning goals in both English Language Arts and social-emotional learning. Two favorite choices for many students are Legos and board games.
During Lego activities, students work together to build creative structures. They talk with one another about their plans, share ideas, and problem-solve as a team. This helps them practice verbal communication, cooperation, and flexible thinking.
Board games also give students a chance to learn important skills in a fun way. While playing, students learn to take turns, follow rules, and communicate clearly. They practice staying focused, managing feelings when the game gets challenging, and celebrating each other’s successes.
These hands-on activities support our goals of helping students grow in:
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Engagement in learning
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Relationships with peers
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Communication skills
The Reilly after-school program shows how play can be a powerful tool for learning. Students are not only having fun—they are building confidence, friendships, and important life skills.
On December 10, Holocaust survivor Janet Applefield visited Butler Middle School to speak with Grade 8 students during the school day. Mrs. Applefield shared her personal story of surviving the Holocaust as a young child and spoke about the lasting impact of her experiences.
Mrs. Applefield told students that she was born in Poland and was only a baby when World War II began. Her family was forced to flee their home to escape persecution. During the war, she and her family lived in hiding and relied on the help and bravery of others to survive. Many members of her extended family did not survive, a reality that she shared with honesty and care.
Throughout her presentation, Mrs. Applefield emphasized the importance of remembering history, speaking up against hate, and treating others with kindness and respect. Students listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and reflected on how individual choices can make a difference.
This presentation was funded through the Special Programs Office, the same department within Lowell Public Schools that oversees the Explore & Expand after-school programming. The Special Programs Office is committed to supporting meaningful learning experiences both during the school day and after school.
Mrs. Applefield’s visit helped students build empathy, strengthen listening and communication skills, and deepen their understanding of history and human responsibility. We are grateful for the opportunity to offer students powerful learning experiences that connect classroom learning to real life.
Each family will receive an Explore & Expand Family Handbook. The handbook explains important information about our after-school program—such as schedules, attendance, behavior, safety, and contact information.
The handbook is available in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Khmer so that every family can understand the program’s policies and procedures.
Please read the handbook carefully with your child and return the first page (the sign-off form) to your child’s school. This page lets us know that you have received and reviewed the handbook together.
At the end of the handbook, there is also a survey consent form. You only need to return that page if you do not want your child to take part in any student surveys.
If you have any questions, please contact your school’s site manager or the Special Programs Office.
📞 Contact Us
If you have a question about your child’s after-school program, we are here to help!
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School-Based Questions:
Please contact your school’s site manager first. They can help with schedules, attendance, or program details at your child’s school. -
District Office Contacts:
Rebecca Duda, Ed.D.
Coordinator of Special Programs
📧 rduda@lowell.k12.ma.us
☎️ 978-674-2053Jeanne Maguire
Administrative Assistant, Special Programs
📧 jmmaguire@lowell.k12.ma.us
☎️ 978-674-2037
We are proud to support your children in the Explore & Expand program and look forward to another great year of learning and growth!