What is BLAST?
BLAST is the Chico Unified School District grant funding After School Program.
BLAST creates a physically and emotionally safe environment, conducive to learning while improving reading, writing, verbal, math, and social and communication skills. At the elementary level programs are funded to serve approximately 90 students per school day. The junior high and high school programs serve approximately 110-150 per day. BLAST provides a wide variety of opportunities for participating students. BLAST program leaders and staff are fully trained in the program they deliver to students. The BLAST staff is comprised of a diverse team of talented individuals; many are certificated teachers or college students. Classroom teachers, CARD staff, and community partners round out the team that enjoy making a positive impact on our students.
ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS
BLAST offers 60 to 90 minutes of academic support to promote enthusiasm for learning and building skills in the areas of reading, math, writing, and science. School day staff work closely with program leaders and staff to ensure academic support and activities complement the regular school day curriculum.
Physical Education
Physical Education
Physical Education
TK-5 GRADE - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Elementary students participate in a 40-minute physical activity lesson daily, known as Recreation. BLAST strives to help students reach the recommended 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity. Leaders are trained in SPARK, an after school physical education curriculum. All staff are encouraged to attend 12 hours of SPARK training each year, facilitated by the CUSD SPARK Trainer.
SIXTH GRADE - JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Junior high students are given 2-3 physical activity options in BLAST daily. BLAST strives to help students reach the recommended 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity. Activities include but are not limited to flag football, basketball, dodgeball, floor hockey, kickball, Tennis Racket Baseball, softball, and volleyball. Students have the opportunity to participate in the intramural sports program. The sport of the season changes every 6 weeks with two games where Bidwell, Chico Junior and Marsh compete for the intramural trophy.
Enrichment and Recreation
Enrichment and Recreation
Enrichment and Recreation
Students may participate in a variety of fun activities with their peers including arts and crafts, learning how to play musical instruments, dance, writing and performing plays, athletics and educational games. BLAST provides a safe place in school campuses where students can strengthen academic skills and participate in age-appropriate activities while improving social skills.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Eligibility and Enrollment
Eligibility and Enrollment
Families with children enrolled in Chico Unified School District schools are eligible to apply if their school offers a BLAST program. Currently, Bidwell Jr, Chico Jr, and Marsh Jr High Schools, and Chapman, Citrus, Emma Wilson, Hooker Oak, John McManus, Little Chico Creek, Marigold, Neal Dow, Parkview, Rosedale, Shasta, and Sierra View Elementary Schools offer these programs. BLAST is no cost to all participating families. Families will be contacted when they have been selected for an available opening. Children who apply, but are not enrolled, will be placed on a wait list. To be considered for enrollment, you must complete a BLAST After School Program online application linked above. The links to apply are posted on the BLAST webpage each spring for the following school year's program and will close on December 20th of the current school year.
Paid positions in the BLAST program are available via CARD. Please visit the CARD website for information on paid BLAST positions www.chicorec.gov.
