Yellow Springs - Lauren Mikesell
Lauren Mikesell, a parent and staff member of the Mills Lawn Elementary School, made it her mission to create and coordinate an after-school student enrichment program. The Mills Lawn Extracurricular Program was successfully launched at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year.
By the end of May, MLEP will have offered approximately 100 courses in the areas of STEM, fine arts, social emotional learning (SEL), athletics, nature, and language. Some of the specific courses offered include sign language, photography, kindness squad, crafting, cheer, badminton, buddy board games, Dungeons and Dragons, choir, and loose parts (crafts).
This opportunity is free to all Mills Lawn students in kindergarten through sixth grade due to the generous support of the Yellow Springs Community Foundation.
Q. What is the experience like at MLEP?
A. On any given day, you can step into an MLEP class and see smiling faces, contemplative glances and creative movement as the students experience new and exciting opportunities for enrichment.
One class will be headed out to explore the local nature preserve while other students are learning about surface tension through science experiments. In fine arts classes, we see creativity sparked by local artists, and in another room witness students finding their chi in a zen meditative state.
Q. What was your motivation to create MLEP?
A. “I wanted this program implemented because I understand there is a direct correlation between extracurricular involvement and student self-esteem, social and emotional well-being, community engagement, and even improved academic performance.”
Q. How has MLEP supported parents?
A. Of the parents surveyed, 100% of them stated they wanted Mills Lawn to offer additional extracurricular activities after school. Parents cited cost, scheduling conflicts, and transportation as the three major barriers to their children participating in extracurricular activities.
MLEP aimed to remove these barriers for parents by offering all classes for free, on-site, and directly after the school day.
Parents have also expressed a desire for more opportunities for involvement in the school and have found this path through the MLEP program.
Q. How does MLEP engage with the community of Yellow Springs?
A. Every course offered is taught by a vetted community volunteer who generously donates their time and skills to Yellow Springs students.
MLEP has connected 40 new volunteers from the community, local colleges, parents, grandparents, and staff with the desire and ability to positively influence young lives.
These volunteers have been background-checked and approved by the Yellow Springs School Board.