Unpacking the Impact
A CCS monthly publication of ESSER endeavors
A CCS Monthly Publication of ESSER Endeavors Volume 2, Edition 4
February/ March 2024
REGION 3 EXTRACURRICULAR EXTENDED LEARNING LEAGUE (REELL)
REELL Basketball Game
Families and community members cheering on the players
Is it even a basketball game without cheerleaders?!
It started with an idea. An extracurricular and academic after school program that would reach the most vulnerable from the COVID-19 Pandemic. . . funded by the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. Thanks to PBIS Coordinator, Dr. Amber Hill, Cedarwood Principal, Rodney Johnson and Eastgate PEAK Teacher (Retired), Paul Jackson, the Region 3 Extracurricular Extended Learning League (REELL) was created and received funding through ESSER. In addition to the academic and sportsmanship aspect of REELL, Family Ambassador Marquita Curry made sure community partners and resources were available to all who participated and attended REELL. Because of these individuals, REELL was organized and designed to close achievement gaps, increase student and family support, and increase whole child supports including mental health and create a physically safe space for Region 3 students. This innovative thinking has impacted Region 3 in numerous ways.
Region 3 Area Superintendent Dr. Sandy Womack, Jr. and his team, implemented REELL for students in grades 4, 5 & 6 attending Region 3 schools. Make no mistake about it-- this learning league is more than just a Saturday basketball league. As with most schools across the nation, Columbus City Schools has dealt with chronic absenteeism since returning from the COVID-19 closure. In Region 3, the pandemic closure led to learning loss and even increased mental health needs for students. The ESSER funds for REELL specifically focused on low-income students, minority students, students with disabilities, English Language Learners, students experiencing homelessness and/or foster care, and providing mental health supports for students across the Region.
According to Dr. Womack, ESSER funds were used to purchase supplemental reading and math materials and supplies aligned to the district's Tier I adopted curriculum. After school study tables were used to extend learning opportunities. On January and February Saturdays, grades 4, 5 & 6 students were able to participate in inter-region basketball games to learn team building strategies, have a safe place to spend their time and provide a free activity for all families to enjoy. Additionally, community members from all over Columbus were able to set up tables to recruit, advertise and discuss various opportunities for community service, family support and student resources.
Harmony, a grade 5 cheerleader said she likes REELL because it makes her do better in her class. She also likes seeing her teacher at the games cheering for the players. Harmony said REELL gives her a warm place to go and she isn't bored.
The Academic Impact of REELL
Click the link above to view a video on the impact of REELL.
Data drives the measuring stick for success. REEL utilizes iReady reading and math diagnostic data to measure academic success. Using the diagnostic data immediately after returning to full in person teaching and learning showed student learning gaps resulting from the disruptions in the education services as a result of the COVID-19 school closure. REELL uses the iReady data to compare REELL student athletes to those students in Region 3 that chose not to participate in REELL. Behavior and attendance data is also collected each week to compare the two groups of students. Parent engagement data is collected at each game based upon sign in sheets and engagement with community partners who have tables set up in the cafeteria.
The impact of REELL cannot be underestimated. Below are the 2022-2023 data, the latest data set available for all REELL student athletes:
- Over 1,000 families have attended the games
- Increased school attendance for REELL student athletes
- Decrease in overall behavior incidents for REELL student athletes
- Increased student achievement for REELL student athletes
- Over a 2.25% decrease in number of students failing for the school year (REELL participants vs. non REELL participants)
As one father of an Eastgate student athlete said, "This program has given me time with my son. I can encourage him and see him excel in a sport he loves. As for the the rest of the kids, I think this is great. This gives all the kids somewhere besides the streets to go. It's safe. It's fun. I hope this stays in our schools."
The Community Impact of REELL
Another impact of REELL most people are unaware is that each Saturday there is a collection of items to be donated to shelters and food banks. During the 2023-2024 school year collection themes have included:
- canned goods
- hygiene products
- socks
Socks is one of the most requested items in shelters. For women especially, feminine hygiene products are a priority. REELL has been able to donate other products such as toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner and hand and body lotion to shelters throughout Columbus.
Scores are kept
Students receive in-the-moment direction
Excitement is contagious
It's not too late to see REELL student athletes in action. Grade 6 games are played at Buckeye Middle School while Grades 4 & 5 play their games at Champion Middle School. The Championship Game played by the top 2 teams from each division will be played at East High School on March 9, 2024. Doors open at 9:00 AM and the Trophy Ceremony commences prior to the 10:00 AM Championship Game.
The data is clear. REELL is making a REAL difference in Region 3. In order to sustain this program, more community partnerships are needed. If you or someone you know is interested in partnering with Region 3 to keep REELL for the 2024-2025 school year, you are asked to reach out to Region 3 Area Superintendent Dr. Sandy Womack, Jr or Region 3 Principal Coach Dr. Edmund Baker.
3700 S. High Street
Office of Transformation & Leadership
Data Support Coordinator
thelmbrecht6433@columbus.k12.oh.us
380.997.0787