The Plumas Lake Elementary School District (PLESD) Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), Project Resilience, intentionally creates an emotionally safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where students feel welcomed, valued, and connected. Guided by its mission, Project Resilience innovates and implements mindful enrichment and creative engagement opportunities that nurture the whole child. The program’s vision is to inspire, validate, and nourish students academically, socially, and emotionally in a safe and inclusive environment. Staff prioritize relationship-building, positive behavior supports, and culturally responsive practices to ensure students feel respected, supported, and empowered to express curiosity in their learning and social interactions.

In response to PLESD’s transition to a half-day Transitional Kindergarten (TK) model, Project Resilience expanded to include Project Curiosity, a developmentally aligned enrichment track for TK students. Project Curiosity emphasizes exploration, early literacy, numeracy, and curiosity-driven learning through play-based and hands-on activities. Programming is intentionally designed to support young learners’ emotional regulation, peer interaction, and emerging independence, creating a nurturing environment that builds confidence and joy in learning.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is embedded throughout daily programming and academic support. Opening and closing circles provide structured opportunities for students to reflect, connect with peers and staff, and practice self-regulation skills. Restorative circles are used proactively and responsively to address conflicts, repair relationships, and strengthen community, reinforcing empathy, accountability, and mutual respect. These practices align with the California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Quality Standards and research-based SEL frameworks that emphasize student voice, emotional safety, and positive relationships.