Learning, Creating, and Growing at CLAS
Where creativity and mentorship come together after school
Over the past few weeks, students in the Chiloquin Learns After School (CLAS) program have been busy learning, creating, and helping one another grow.
One afternoon was dedicated to pottery sculpting. Students worked with their hands to shape and design their own clay creations. The room was full of focus and imagination as each child brought their ideas to life. This week, those same projects will be painted, adding color and personality to the pieces they carefully formed. Activities like this help students build fine motor skills, patience, and confidence, while having a lot of fun along the way.
CLAS is also a place where leadership shines. In one recent moment, a fourth-grade student sat alongside several first graders, helping them with their homework. It was a simple act, but a powerful one. When older students step up to support younger ones, it builds responsibility, kindness, and a stronger sense of community. That kind of peer mentorship is something we intentionally encourage. Learning doesn’t only come from adults—it often comes from each other.
Creativity continues in many forms. Liz from the Klamath County Museum recently led a hands-on activity teaching students how to make origami fortune tellers. With careful folds and plenty of laughter, students followed step-by-step instructions and proudly shared their finished creations. Beyond being fun, activities like origami strengthen listening skills, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
CLAS is about more than filling time after school. It is about providing a safe, supportive environment where students can complete homework, explore new skills, build friendships, and grow in confidence. Whether working with clay, folding paper, or helping a younger student succeed, our kids are developing skills that will serve them well far beyond the classroom.
We are proud of the creativity, leadership, and teamwork we see every day at CLAS, and we look forward to sharing more highlights in the months ahead.
