🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Teaching: Valerie Ortiz
At Nexplore, we love celebrating instructors who bring passion, creativity, and dedication to their classrooms. Each month, we shine a spotlight on a team member who embodies our mission and values—and this September, that spotlight is shining on Valerie! 🎉✨
From leading Wacky Science at Mercey Springs Elementary to Magic/Electronic Gadgets at R.M. Miano, Valerie goes above and beyond to make every class a space where kids can learn, explore, and have fun. Her energy, preparation, and inventive teaching style make science and technology approachable, exciting, and unforgettable.
Whether she’s sparking curiosity through hands-on experiments, building strong connections with students and staff, or creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels included, Valerie truly lives out the Nexplore Commitment and the “5Cs.” 🌟
We are so grateful for the enthusiasm, professionalism, and care she brings every week. Valerie’s dedication inspires confidence and joy in her students—and that’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month!
🙌 Thank You, Valerie!
We are so grateful for Valerie’s hard work and commitment to our programs. Her creativity and dedication truly spark curiosity and confidence in every class—and that’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month!
Turning School Breaks Into Opportunities: Why Enrichment Matters
When school breaks arrive—whether it’s summer, winter holidays, or even a three-day weekend—families often face the same question: What do we do with the kids? Parents still work, children need structure, and schools are asked if anything will be available.
Enrichment programs offered during breaks solve this challenge while creating valuable opportunities for learning and growth.
The Research on Break Learning
Studies show that:
✅ Students can lose up to 20–30% of school-year learning over a long summer break (NWEA).
✅ STEM-focused activities outside the classroom help students develop problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills they often don’t get in traditional settings.
✅ Parents increasingly seek out structured, reliable options during breaks—not just for childcare, but for meaningful enrichment.
By offering enrichment during breaks, schools can position themselves as a trusted resource while helping students stay engaged.
What Effective Break Programs Look Like
The most impactful programs blend fun with hands-on learning. Students should feel excited, while schools and parents see the long-term value.
Here are some examples of programs we’ve seen succeed:
🤖 LEGO Robotics – Students learn coding and teamwork while solving creative engineering challenges.
🪵Woodcraft – Hands-on building that sparks imagination and improves focus.
🌐Web Design – Early exposure to real-world digital skills in a fun, age-appropriate way.
These activities aren’t “extra schoolwork”—they’re opportunities to apply knowledge in exciting, memorable ways.
🤝Beyond Summer: The Value of Short Break Programs
It’s not just about the summer. Long weekends and short holidays like Memorial Day, Presidents’ Day, or teacher planning days can also be transformed into opportunities for students. Mini-programs provide a safe, engaging environment that parents rely on and students look forward to.
Moving Forward Together
When schools open their doors during breaks, they’re not just filling time—they’re building stronger connections with families, supporting continuous learning, and giving students a chance to explore new passions.
👉 Want to learn how programs like LEGO Robotics, Woodcraft, or Web Design could fit into your school’s schedule?
