Growing, Learning, and Having Fun at CLAS

At Chiloquin Learns After School (CLAS), learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends — it just looks a little different. Recently, our students participated in hands-on activities that blended science, creativity, and a lot of fun.

One of our latest lessons focused on botany and plant care. Students learned how plants grow, how they help clean the air, and the importance of proper care to ensure they thrive. They were introduced to the concept of propagation and then put that knowledge into practice by planting their own spiderette plants.

Each student planted their spiderette in a clear pot, allowing them to watch the roots grow over time — a simple but powerful way to make science visible and exciting. Many of the spiderettes came from a plant at home, and thanks to the generosity of Carla Baker at the Chiloquin Post Office, additional clippings were shared so every student could participate.

The kids truly embraced the activity. Some even named their plants, making science personal. One standout was a spiderette named “Patricia,” proudly named by Jonah — a reminder that learning sticks best when it’s joyful.

These moments capture what CLAS is all about: hands-on learning, strong community partnerships, and creating a safe, engaging space where kids can explore, grow, and be themselves.

Thank you to everyone who helps make these experiences possible. It truly takes a village — and we’re proud of ours.