On the home page of Fresno Unified’s Elizabeth Terronez Middle School, you may find this prominent posting:

"After School Program Band: Third World Democracy (This is a large file, so wait about 90 seconds, but it’s worth the wait! Click the blue arrow.)"

Make no mistake, the enthusiasm for the Terronez afterschool program is front and center. It’s no wonder. Located in a low socioeconomic region of southeast Fresno, the school’s API scores rose 32 points after the first year of the program. They have been advancing students from low to basic to proficient levels ever since.

The active support of the school’s founding principal, David Gonzalez, gave the new program an outstanding start. Some of the activities that contributed to increased school engagement, academic improvement and English language learning included:

• Homework tutorial club called “Countdown,” representing the countdown to the enrichment “Blast Off” classes afterwards.
• Freestyle Friday afterschool rallies
• Game show activity themes
• Lunchtime graffiti wall about afterschool
• Class suggestions on “stars” lined up before the exit gate and subsequent delivery of requested classes

Today, site coordinator Alejo Delgado is excited about building on the teachings each semester to increase student skills.  Now classes include stomp, digital graphics, film, mural art, clay sculpting, webpage design, salsa dancing, hip hop beats, and many others. Two of the most popular classes are “R.C. Punch Out” and “3^rd World Democracy” or “3WD.”

R.C. Punch Out is a boxing fundamentals and training class taught by Roman Cano, an amateur boxer and passionate instructor. This class includes male and female students. 3WD (pronounced 3-dub-d) is a rock band class that includes electric and acoustic guitars, keyboard, bass, drum kit, piano, timbales, congas, and various horns. Currently taught by Marissa Rodriguez, the rotating bands within the class consist of experienced and inexperienced students working together. Now there is a breakout girls band getting ready to make their debut!

Alejo is quick to assert that a key objective for the program is to close the gap between the regular school day and afterschool, working together with teachers and administrators to serve students as a whole. He understands that all the fun the students are having afterschool can yield excellent outcomes like students more engaged in school, improved grades, increased physical activity, and life skills development. The Terronez afterschool program is always willing to share ideas by contacting Alejo Delgado at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it