Hawthorne Scholastic Academy moves on to the CPS Championships after winning the Northside K-6 Intermediate Section!
We are thrilled to celebrate (again!) the outstanding success of the Hawthorne Scholastic Academy chess team, a brilliant example of what students can achieve through hard work and practice.
The team recently competed in the CPS Academic Chess’s 2026 CPS Northside Championship Tournament on February 28th, going head-to-head against CPS’s most talented. We are incredibly proud to announce that the Hawthorne Scholastic Academy chess team placed 1st among 16 teams in the highly competitive K-6 Intermediate section. Hawthorne beat out our friendly competitors, including Skinner North Elementary, Decatur, Alcott, Keller Gifted Magnet School, and Edison Regional Gifted Center. Not bad for Hawthorne’s first year placing in CPS!
HSA student Bota Narthasilpa scored 4.5/5, placing 2nd individually. Leyee Qian took 4th place, and Tate Walling,, Kaiyee Qian, and Ness Mehta all tied for 5th with Leeyee. Thus, Hawthorne’s total score of 16.5 points, a full point ahead of the competition (crazy!).
This remarkable accomplishment highlights the hard work, strategic thinking, and steady practice nurtured in the Nexplore/MM Chess program. Using the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills they’ve learned, these young competitors truly shone when it mattered most.
In recognition of their brilliant performance, the team won a well-deserved 1st Place Plaque! We sincerely hope they bring it to school to display and inspire the next generation of chess champions!
Now, we’re on to the championships on March 14th!
February 2026: Rejuvenation, impact & the power of After School 💛
February took us to a conference that reminded us exactly why afterschool professionals are the heartbeat of their communities.
On February 27–28, Nexplore attended the CAN 2026 Site Coordinator Symposium, hosted by the California Afterschool Network — and the energy in the room was powerful, emotional, and deeply inspiring.
This wasn’t just another conference. It was a space for rejuvenation, validation, and real conversations.
🌟 CAN 2026 Site Coordinator Symposium
The majority of attendees were site coordinators — the leaders who work long hours, often behind the scenes, making afterschool programs run every single day.
The tone of the symposium was clear: You matter. Your work matters. The impact is real.
Keynote speakers shared real-life stories of students whose lives were transformed years ago because of the care and consistency of a site coordinator. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
This event focused on reminding professionals that even when the work feels thankless, the ripple effect lasts for years.
💬 Meaningful Conversations at the Nexplore Table
We had powerful conversations about programming needs and trends.
There was a healthy mix of coordinators interested in:
💻 Screen-based enrichment options
✂️ Hands-on, no-screen programming
📚 Curriculum-only models
The interest in curriculum-only options sparked important conversations — especially since one of Nexplore’s biggest differentiators is that we don’t just bring curriculum — we bring the teachers too.
We also made a fun new connection with the team from Nature Watch, adding another great relationship to our growing network.
🎨 In Times of Terror, Wage Beauty
One of the most moving sessions came from ASAPconnect with their presentation:
“In Times of Terror, Wage Beauty: A Journey into Healing, Courage and Imagination.”
Inspired by Mark Gonzales’ book In Times of Terror, Wage Beauty, the session invited attendees to consider a powerful question:
When the world feels heavy and uncertain — will we react with fear, or will we wage beauty?
Through guided meditation and reflective exercises, participants explored how creativity, courage, and connection can become tools for healing — not only for students, but for entire communities.
🤝 #iAmImpact: Healing Circles & Community Care
Another standout session came from #iAmImpact, who cultivate relationships to help people thrive both personally and professionally.
Their workshop centered on healing circles and practical strategies to support students in crisis. Site coordinators were encouraged to build spaces of safety and collaboration — communities that work together instead of against one another.
It was a reminder that afterschool programs are more than enrichment — they are ecosystems of care.
✨ Why February Mattered
The CAN 2026 Site Coordinator Symposium wasn’t about flashy announcements or trends.
It was about impact.
It was about restoration.
It was about remembering that afterschool professionals change lives — sometimes quietly, but always meaningfully.
We left inspired, energized, and even more committed to supporting the leaders who support students every day.
And if February is any indication of what 2026 holds… it’s going to be a powerful year.
👉 Want to see what’s next for Nexplore?
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin, and check out our upcoming conferences and events.
Celebrating the educator behind the JOY of learning: Kaoutar Assah
At Nexplore, the magic happens inside the classroom, and this month’s Instructor of the Month is a perfect example of that magic in action. ✨
From the moment students walk in, they’re met with structure, encouragement, and FUN. With a natural ability to balance learning and excitement, this instructor creates an environment where curiosity grows, confidence builds, and every child feels seen.
Whether it’s inspiring young engineers, building meaningful relationships with families, or adding thoughtful touches that make students feel special, their dedication shows up in every detail.
🎥 Inside the Classroom
Kaoutar’s impact is best seen in the everyday classroom moments — the curiosity, the smiles, the creativity, and the confidence students build along the way.
Take a look inside her classroom and experience what joyful learning looks like in action.
💛 Thank You, Kaoutar
We are so grateful for Kaoutar’s dedication, positivity, and heart for students. Her consistency, creativity, and genuine care help create meaningful learning experiences that inspire confidence and curiosity every day.
That’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month. ✨
Why Intersession Mini Camps are the best Spring Break solution for your site 🌸
Spring Break creates a familiar challenge for schools and after-school sites: families need coverage, but they also want meaningful experiences.
That’s where Intersession Mini Camps from Nexplore make a difference ✨
Instead of pausing learning, sites can offer a full week of themed, hands-on enrichment that keeps kids engaged, active, and excited to return.
🌈 What Are Intersession Mini Camps?
Intersession Mini Camps are weeklong enrichment experiences designed specifically for school breaks. Each day or week centers around a theme — from STEM, Digital Tech and Arts to Fitness and Life Skills — giving kids variety while maintaining structure.
Sites can choose the schedule that best fits their community:
🕒 Partial (Half Day | 3–4 hours) — ideal for flexible participation
🌞 Full Day (6–7 hours) — a complete, structured experience that supports working families
👉 Want to explore the themes and see what Mini Camps look like?
Visit our Mini Camps page to see how it works.
⭐ Why Sites Choose Mini Camps for Spring Break
🧩 They’re flexible
Mini camps adapt to your schedule, space, and enrollment needs — including half-day or full-day formats.
🎨 They keep kids engaged
Hands-on projects, movement, and collaborative activities prevent the “break boredom” families worry about.
🤝 They strengthen community
Shared themed experiences create connection among students and families.
✅ They’re simple to implement
Professional instructors, clear structure, and turnkey planning reduce the workload for site staff.
🌟 The Result
Spring Break becomes an opportunity instead of a gap — a chance to offer joy-filled learning that families remember.
With both Partial and Full Day schedule options, sites can provide the level of coverage their families truly need 📅
If you’d like to preview themes before booking, explore the Mini Camps page and start planning early.
January 2026: Kicking Off the Year by Connecting, Learning, and Inspiring 🚀
We started 2026 exactly how we love to: on the road, in community, and surrounded by educators who are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for students. January took the Nexplore team across California for three very different — but equally inspiring — conferences.
From leadership and inclusion, to program quality, to wellness and connection, here’s a look at how our January conferences set the tone for an incredible year ahead.
🎓 SSDA E3 Forum Imperial | El Centro, CA
January 15, 2026
The SSDA E3 (Engage, Empower, Elevate) Forum brought together superintendents from small and rural districts across Imperial, CA, all focused on one powerful theme: The Superintendent as the Instructional Leader.
The day kicked off with a special touch — a junior high school band playing live jazz, setting an upbeat and welcoming tone for the entire event. 🎷✨
The keynote speaker, Heather Friziellie, delivered an impactful session centered on inclusion and the importance of evolving our language to better serve all students, educators, and communities. Her message resonated deeply with attendees and sparked thoughtful conversations throughout the day.
This forum was all about leadership with purpose, collaboration, and walking away with actionable strategies to strengthen instructional vision — even when wearing multiple hats.
🏫 BACR Community Services Fair | Oakland, CA
January 22, 2026
The BACR Community Services Fair in Oakland was all about quality programs and professional development for site directors.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in PD sessions focused on building strong, impactful programs for students. Vendors joined during lunch, creating a space for directors to explore resources, ask questions, and discover new ways to enhance their offerings.
It was a great mix of learning, collaboration, and real-world solutions — and we loved connecting with educators who are deeply committed to delivering high-quality experiences for their kids.
🧘♀️ ACSA Region 16 Wellness Retreat | Burbank, CA
January 31, 2026
The ACSA Region 16 Wellness Retreat was truly something special.
Hosted at The Castaways in Burbank, the event offered breathtaking views overlooking the San Fernando Valley, creating the perfect setting for a day dedicated to wellness, reflection, and connection. 🌿✨
Participants spent the day rotating through:
✅ Yoga classes 🧘♂️
✅ Nature walks 🌱
✅ Art therapy 🎨
✅ Affirmation stations 💬💛
The energy was incredibly positive, and attendees were highly engaged with vendors throughout the event. We had meaningful conversations, reconnected with current clients, gathered valuable leads, and felt an overwhelming amount of love for Nexplore and what we do.
✨ A Strong Start to 2026
January reminded us why we do what we do. Whether it’s leadership development, program quality, or educator wellness, community and connection are always at the heart of learning.
We’re beyond grateful for the conversations, the inspiration, and the partnerships that came out of these events — and we’re just getting started.
👉 Want to see what’s next for Nexplore?
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin, and check out our upcoming conferences and events.
Why Oregon’s State Summer Learning Grants Create a Powerful Opportunity — and How Districts Can Bring Them to Life
Oregon’s commitment to summer learning is entering a new chapter. With the launch of the State Summer Learning Grant program, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is signaling a clear priority: summer learning should be intentional, equitable, and built for long-term impact.
For districts, education service districts (ESDs), and charter schools, this funding represents more than dollars, it’s an opportunity to rethink how summer programs are designed, staffed, and delivered in ways that truly serve students.
From Short-Term Programs to Sustainable Impact
Unlike one-year funding cycles, Oregon’s State Summer Learning Grants move toward a multi-year, competitive funding model, allowing grantees to plan with confidence. The focus on literacy outcomes, evidence-based practices, and meaningful instructional time raises the bar for what summer learning can be and should be.
But with that opportunity comes a real challenge:
How do districts scale high-quality summer programs quickly without overextending internal staff or sacrificing quality?
That’s where strategic partnerships matter.
Where Nexplore Fits In
At Nexplore, we work alongside districts across the country to design and deliver high-quality enrichment and academic support programs that complement core instructional goals, especially during summer.
For Oregon districts pursuing State Summer Learning Grant funding, Nexplore can support implementation by:
✅ Providing ready-to-deploy, research-aligned enrichment programs that pair naturally with literacy and academic priorities
✅ Training instructors based on the specific courses and age groups they will serve, ensuring consistency and quality across sites
✅ Offering operational support that helps districts meet required instructional hours while keeping programs engaging and student-centered
✅ Scaling programming across multiple schools or regions without adding administrative burden to district teams
Rather than asking districts to build everything from scratch, Nexplore helps turn grant plans into high-quality, on-the-ground experiences for students.
High Expectations Require the Right Partners
ODE’s summer learning framework emphasizes:
✅ Equity and access
✅ Evidence-based instruction
✅ Strong planning and execution
✅ Programs that students actually want to attend
Meeting those expectations requires more than good intentions, it requires capacity, training, and proven systems. Districts that partner with organizations experienced in expanded learning can move faster, reduce risk, and focus their energy where it matters most: student outcomes.
Planning Now for Summer 2026 and Beyond
With the State Summer Learning Grant cycle spanning multiple years, now is the time for districts to:
Identify program partners early
✅ Align enrichment offerings with literacy and instructional goals
✅ Build summer models that are sustainable, scalable, and engaging
✅ Summer learning works best when it blends academic purpose with hands-on, joyful learning experiences, and that balance is exactly where strong district-partner collaboration shines.
At Nexplore, we believe summer should be a time when learning feels exciting, relevant, and accessible for every student. As Oregon continues to invest in meaningful summer learning, we’re excited to support districts ready to turn funding into lasting impact.
If you’re exploring State Summer Learning Grants and thinking about implementation, we’d love to be part of the conversation.
We are the Champions! Hawthorne Chess Team in Chicago Captures 1st Place at the 2025 CPS Kings and Queens Tournament
We are thrilled to celebrate (again!) the outstanding success of the Hawthorne Scholastic Academy chess team, a brilliant example of what students can achieve through hard work and practice.
The team recently competed in the CPS Academic Chess’s 2025 Kings and Queens Tournament on Dec 6th, going head-to-head against CPS’s most talented. We are incredibly proud to announce that the Hawthorne Scholastic Academy chess team placed 1st among 18 teams in the highly competitive K-6 Intermediate section. Hawthorne beat out our friendly competitors, including Skinner North Elementary, Decatur, Keller Gifted Magnet School, and Edison Regional Gifted Center. Not bad for Hawthorne’s third tournament as a team!
Three of our four students, Leyee Qian, Tate Walling, and Bota Narthasilpa scored 3 out of 4 points, and one student, Kaiyee Qian, led the team by winning all 4 of his games. Thus, Hawthorne’s total score of 13 points, a full point ahead of the competition.
This remarkable accomplishment highlights the hard work, strategic thinking, and steady practice nurtured in the Nexplore/MM Chess program. Using the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills they’ve learned, these young competitors truly shone when it mattered most.
In recognition of their brilliant performance, the team won a well-deserved 1st Place Plaque! We sincerely hope they bring it to school to display and inspire the next generation of chess champions!
What’s New at Nexplore: Exciting Programs Introduced This Year 🌟
As we look back at the past months, it’s inspiring to see how much curiosity ✨, creativity 🎨, and growth 📚 have flourished across our partner sites. This year, we expanded our catalog with a variety of new programs designed to spark discovery 🔍 and empower kids through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.
Whether you’re planning upcoming sessions or exploring fresh options for your students, here’s a look at the latest additions to the Nexplore lineup. 🚀
We are excited to highlight our NEWEST programs of 2025:
🧬 Biomedical Science – Students investigate the human body, genetics, and health through hands-on biomedical experiments and real-world discovery!
🔧Little Engineers – Students build vehicles using blocks from the First Automobile Engineer kit and explore playful stories that show how each vehicle solves unique challenges through hands-on learning.
🏗️Structural Engineering – Bridges & Skyscrapers – Young engineers put designs to the test, creating earthquake-proof buildings, stable trusses, and soaring towers through hands-on building challenges.
🏗️Structural Engineering – Roller Coaster Engineering – Students discover the principles of gravity, momentum, and structural design as they create their own mini rollercoasters.
🎨🖥️ Digital Art – Students use their imaginations and cutting edge technology to create video game characters, twists on classic art, and showcase portfolios.
🧩Coding with Micro:bit – Discover the exciting world of coding and invention with Micro:bit, where students program their own Micro:bit device, explore cool sensors, and solve real-world problems.
🤖 LEGO Robotics – Students explore STEAM through LEGO® and coding, designing creative solutions and developing real-world engineering skills.
🎶 Choir – Students discover joyful singing as they strengthen pitch and rhythm, learn to breathe with control, and perform together with confidence.
🌾💰 Agriculture Finance – Students manage farms, balance budgets, and make smart financial decisions—culminating in their own farm business plan capstone!
✨Magic – Explorers – Students transform into magicians with self-confidence, empathy, and grit through Magic Activity Packs!
🪵Woodcraft – Measure, sand, and build! Using a DIY approach, students dive into hands-on woodworking projects while building problem-solving skills and gaining real-world experience with Nexplore.
🏏 Cricket – Young athletes practice cricket fundamentals while learning teamwork, sportsmanship, and strategy in an exciting, supportive environment.
💃Folklórico – Step into tradition with the lively rhythms, colorful movements, and cultural stories of Folklórico dance!
🕺Rikudim – Students explore Israeli folk dancing traditions through circle, line, and partner dances that celebrate diverse cultural heritage.
🌱 Why These New Programs Matter
Each addition to our catalog opens a new pathway for kids to try something different — whether they’re diving into engineering concepts, learning to code, exploring cultural dance, or discovering the science behind agriculture. Our goal is to provide programs that not only educate, but also inspire confidence, creativity, teamwork, and a genuine love for learning. 💛
📘 Explore the Full Program Catalog
These new classes join more than 100 programs across STEM, Digital Tech, Arts, Life Skills, and Fitness.
If you’re building out your next schedule, we’re here to help you find the perfect mix.
📅 Let’s Plan What’s Next
We’re excited to walk you through the newest additions, answer questions, and help you prepare your next season of after-school or in-house programming.
These programs have brought fresh opportunities for exploration🔍, creativity💡, and growth💪, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in 2026.
🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Teaching: Willians De Morais
Every month, Nexplore highlights an instructor who goes above and beyond to bring learning to life—and this month, we’re proud to recognize Willians De Morais.
Willians brings a powerful blend of adaptability, passion, and consistency across a wide range of programs. His teaching journey with Nexplore reflects exactly what our mission is all about: blending skills, fostering growth, and turning everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences.
No matter the subject, Willians brings clarity, structure, and enthusiasm—creating environments where kids feel supported, energized, and eager to explore.
Praised by Sites Across the Bay Area
School partners consistently highlight his professionalism, communication, and positive impact. His warm approach connects with students, while his strong class management ensures a space where everyone can grow.
A True Member of the Joy Team
Willians represents the best of Nexplore—an instructor who blends skills, fosters connection, and turns learning into joyful discovery. We’re grateful for the energy he brings to our programs and proud to celebrate him as our Instructor of the Month.
🙌 Thank You, Willians!
We are truly grateful for Willians’s outstanding dedication across every site and program he supports. His versatility, professionalism, and positive energy elevate each class—from 3D Printing to Soccer to Martial Arts—creating meaningful learning experiences for every student he teaches. His impact is felt everywhere he goes, and that’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month! 🌟
Checkmate! Hawthorne Chess Team Captures 3rd Place at the 2025 CPS Knights Quest Tournament
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding success of the Hawthorne Scholastic Cademy chess team, a brilliant example of what students can achieve through the Nexplore Chess program, in partnership with Mindful Masters Chess Academy.
The team recently competed in the Chicagoland Academic Chess’s 2025 CPS Knights Quest Tournament, going head-to-head against Chicago’s most talented young players. We are incredibly proud to announce that the Hawthorne team placed 3rd among 23 teams in the highly competitive K-6 Intermediate section!
This remarkable achievement reflects countless hours of dedication, strategic thinking, and practice—the core skills our Nexplore Chess program is designed to foster. By applying the critical thinking and problem-solving strategies learned in their sessions, these young minds demonstrated true mastery under pressure. The top 4 placers all scored 3 out out 4 points, leading to the team’s total score out of 12.
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Honoring an Outstanding Team Performance
In recognition of their brilliant performance, the team won a well-deserved 3rd Place Plaque! We sincerely hope they bring it to school to display and inspire the next generation of Nexplore Chess champions!
👉Want to bring a competitive and inspiring Chess program to your school?