Lowell After School EXCEL Program joins K.E.Y Zone:
 EXCEL (Experience Can Enhance Learning) is a targeted service program offered to students at Lowell School who are in need of some more help in the areas of reading, math and writing. Students must be either partially meeting or does not meet the standard for their grade level to be invited to attend. Staff will make recommendations to parents in hopes that the students will receive additional instruction beyond the school day.  The main goal is to strengthen student’s skills and their connection to school.
EXCEL offers the student the chance to:

·  participate in a variety of  learning experiences….practicing independence using the Second Step lessons working on Empathy, Anger Management and Conflict Resolution.

 ·  receive tutorial help in academic areas where needed…goals written specifically for the student from the classroom teacher in reading, writing and math.

·  build social skills….outdoor time and snack time with guidance from teachers.

 ·  participate in a community service project….helping to plan a project that would help a genuine community need.

 ·  receive help with  teacher led lessons that support spelling, reading and math.

 Daily routine:

2:15-3:00: Social gathering: snack and recreation:  outside as much as possible.

3:00-3:30: Brain Time: Students will complete homework. When homework is completed students will practice fluency in math and reading.

3:30-5:00: Students will join their EXCEL teacher for lessons.  Students will be involved in lessons that support the school day and allow for extra help where they are struggling.

5:00-5:15: Students will return to K.E.Y. Zone to participate in additional learning experiences. At 5:15 students will either catch a bus home or be picked up by a family member.

The program will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:15-5:15 pm. The first part of their day will be in the organized larger group called K.E.Y. Zone, the after school program.  Classes will begin on October 23rd. Bus transportation will be available for those who: are attending the K.E.Y. Zone program 3 days or more/week, as well as living in the Lowell boundaries, family has no car to transport child, and parent must be home to meet the child. EXCEL will not meet on days when school is not in session or conference days. 

Registration forms will be sent home with selected students.  Look in the Wednesday folder.  If you need a form come to teh Lowell Office.  Please complete BOTH the K.E.Y. Zone Registration form and the Excel Student Information Form and return to your child’s teacher quickly.  EXCEL is now a part of K.E.Y. Zone which provides snacks, Brain Time (Homework Help) and bus transportation. Attending Targeted Service (EXCEL) is at no cost to you on Tuesday's and Wednesday's. We do encourage participation all 5 days in KEY Zone, which includes a fee. Financial assistance is available. Contact Mark at 218 336-8900 ext. 2.

K.E.Y. Zone is a new afterschool program.  You may have questions about the program in order to register your child.  Please call these people to get your answers:

Mark about K.E.Y. Zone financial questions-218- 336-8900 ext. 2

Liz about K.E.Y. Zone general questions-(218)336-8895 x2947

Kelsey about K.E.Y.Zone program questions-218-336-8895 X2947

Please contact Cyndi Venberg with your questions, concerns or additional information regarding EXCEL

Cyndi Venberg, EXCEL facilitator ( school hours 218-336-8895 ext 3006 or after hours 218-391-8953)