We are thrilled to be implementing our exciting new vision for the Expanded Learning Program this year — one built with cultural relevance at its heart, designed to enrich
and deepen the mission of Spanish Immersion at Fuente Nueva. Our programming is anchored in four foundational pillars, our Estrellas Brillantes (Bright Stars), which
reflect the values at the core of our school culture:

● Casa de la Cultura — respetar al lenguaje (respecting language)
● Raíces en la Tierra — respetar al lugar (respecting place)
● Bienestar — respetar a ti mismo (respecting yourself)
● Amistad y Comunidad — respetar a otros (respecting others)

Although a continuation and enrichment of the academic and social culture of the school day, ELOP is a unique opportunity for students to engage in a multi-age, creative,
experiential learning program. Our students aren't just filling time after school; they're building friendships, exploring their creativity, and receiving rich, enriching instruction
from members of our own community. We couldn't be prouder of this program and how truly enriching it is for our students.
Casa de la Cultura Inspired by the casas de la cultura — beloved community centers found in pueblos throughout Mexico — this pillar brings the artistic and cultural traditions of Latin America
directly into our students' after-school experience:

● Arte Textil — textile arts
● Artes Visuales — visual arts
● Danza Folklórica — folkloric dance
● Artesanía — traditional craftsmanship
● Teatro Creativo — creative theater
● Viajeros — a class inviting students to explore the world as travelers

Raíces en la Tierra
Our outdoor education program honors the deep, ancestral relationship between land and humanity found across Mesoamerican and Indigenous communities, with classes
such as: 
● Raíces en la Tierra — land science, watershed study, and hands-on environmental projects
● Naturalistas — students cultivate a rich relationship with the natural world through nature journaling and nature-inspired art
● Cocina de Milpa y Mesa — a "farm to table" class rooted in the Three Sisters garden and ancestral, traditional recipes
● Técnicas Ancestrales — time-honored skills such as knot-making, plant identification, and foundational wilderness survival
Amistad y Comunidad

Our Fuente Nueva community continues to thrive through beloved traditions, and this year, we're excited to add some new opportunities for connection:
● Abuelo Storytime – thanks to our generous abuelos!
● Cross Country team – thanks to our fantastic parent volunteers!
● Fútbol (soccer) team – brand new this year, with Coach Kevin!
● STEAM Makerspace – a brand-new hands-on space for building and problem-solving in small groups
● Lego Builders & Board Games – fun and friendship with creative construction, sharing and turn-taking, and learning games that will be fun for years to come

Bienestar
Wellness and connection remain central to our program, woven through both structured circles and our newly re-envisioned quiet time:

• Connection Circle – our Kindergarten students practice emotional literacy, social skills, and listening in our daily connection circle
• Tiempo Tranquilo – our commitment to screen-free recreational activity unfolds with a guided, calming block of time for homework help (tarea), reading and sharing books, journaling, drawing, and learning strategies for word and math puzzles
• Yoga with Maestra America supports our students' physical and emotional wellbeing and nervous system regulation through breath and movement
• Recreo – guided outdoor recreation sessions continue to bring fun and healthy physical exercise to every afternoon with staff teaching jump rope games with Spanish rhymes, disc golf and Ultimate Frisbee, hula hoop tricks, and cooperative sports and traditional playground games.