KU adds 9th Afterschool site, enrichment returns to KUA
The tradition of afterschool programs returned to Kids Unlimited Academy for the 2025-26 school year as KU added a ninth elementary school to its 27-year-old program.
After a year of enrichment in the morning before school, KUA reinstated its afterschool schedule in response to parent and student preference.
“It was really a decision based on what families expressed worked best for the majority,” said KUA Principal Lindsay Ochs.
The change also coincided with the public charter school starting and ending earlier — at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. respectively. This schedule facilitates 90 minutes of afterschool enrichment for approximately 220 students that offers arts and crafts, board games and trivia and sports, including the perennially popular Ms. Annie’s dance and martial arts with the Roarty Brothers.
A similar format, coupled with homework assistance, has defined KU Afterschool since its 1998 inception. Just three Medford elementary schools had a high-poverty student body when the program started at Oak Grove Elementary.
But KU’s adoption this year of Griffin Creek Elementary indicates that just four of Medford’s 13 elementary schools are not federally designated as low-income, said KU Executive Director Tom Cole. About 470 students are enrolled in Afterschool between KU’s nine program sites. In addition to providing a safe place for kids when parents work or are unavailable, KU provides freshly prepared dinners at its Afterschool sites.
The monthly fees for KU Afterschool and KUA enrichment are $250, plus a $20 annual registration fee. Making a donation supports scholarships for KU’s high-poverty families.
Dates to remember
Oct. 27: KU Academy
Jog-a-Thon, 8:15-11 a.m.
Oct. 28: KUA School Board meeting, 7:30 a.m.,
Carrico Center
Oct. 31: KUA Trunk-or-Treat – parent engagement event
Nov. 14: Royal Kids Theatre performance
Nov. 18: KUA School Board meeting, 7:30 a.m.,
Carrico Center
Kids Unlimited’s mission goes beyond education to provide children’s basic needs. Whether it’s food, clothes, toiletries, school supplies or other necessities, kids receive small items that make a big impact every day at KU. And your donations make all the difference!
A gift of just $25 provides a student’s uniform for Kids Unlimited Academy, fills a desk with school supplies or purchases an entire week of school lunches.
Donate $250 to sponsor a class field trip, build theater sets or fire our ceramics kiln. Contributions of $2,500 support our sports leagues and boost our scholarship fund for graduating high school seniors.
Make it a recurring donation, and you help make the Unlimited possible!
KU Media Team
Designer: Kevin Williams
Writer/Editor: Sarah Lemon
Photos: Alondra Magana
‘Spaghetti Western’ showcases KU Academy student talent, KU’s fresh pasta
Artisan pasta shares a bill with Old West melodrama at Kids Unlimited Academy’s fall dinner theater.
“Spaghetti Western: Or Mission Im-Pasta-ble” will host KUA families, supporters and the community for a delectable comedy Nov. 14. A three-course meal featuring KU’s Pastabilities Unlimited freshly prepared pasta is included in the $20 ticket price.
Audiences will savor this story of Grannie Smith and her charming but clumsy granddaughter, Petunia Pearl, who run the Hoot ‘n’ Holler Hotel. More than 20 KUA students in grades 3-5 will play Smith, Pearl, Sheriff Kirk Ketchum, Deputy Hal Holdem, villain Duke Dreadful and other characters.
The plot unfolds as Grannie and Petunia are behind on their mortgage and under threat from Duke, who will stop at nothing to buy up their beloved hotel. They cook up an idea to save the Hoot ‘n’ Holler — holding a spaghetti sauce contest with enough prize money to pay off the bank. But Duke enlists the help of Saucy Sally to cheat his way to victory.
Will Sheriff Ketchum save the Hoot ‘n’ Holler — and win the heart of his true love? Or will their efforts be “mission im-pasta-ble”?
Spoofing popular “spaghetti westerns” of the 1960s and ’70s, the play elicits sound effects from the audience, as they boo the villain and cheer the hero. An emcee presides over the script written by Tracy Wells, who has published more than 50 plays, produced across the country and internationally.
The show starts at 7 p.m., and doors open at 6:30. Show-only tickets are available for $10. Purchase tickets at kuaoregon.org/tickets
Pastabilities Unlimited is KU’s next youth entrepreneurial project with a culinary focus. The three-course dinner is prepared by KU’s Food Program, which serves free breakfast and lunch to KUA students and dinner to participants at KU’s 10 Afterschool program sites.
David Thygeson
Assistant Principal, Kids Unlimited Academy
Care and compassion shine through staff-student interactions at Kids Unlimited Academy. That’s the outlook of KUA Assistant Principal David Thygeson.
“We really try to make our students feel seen and valued,” said Thygeson. “Our kids are far more than a number on a sheet or a test score.”
New in the AP’s role for the 2025-26 school year, Thygeson is a familiar face at the public charter school, where he taught fourth and fifth grades and served as English language arts instructional coach and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support coordinator. Completing his principal/school administration certification from Southern Oregon University in 2024, Thygeson has a bachelor’s degree in history from University of Oregon and a master’s degree in teaching from Portland’s Concordia University.
Among the best parts of Thygeson’s job are helping kids from a variety of backgrounds, bringing in families and making them feel seen and heard. The staff’s goal, he said, is to know students’ names — and use them — before students know theirs.
I love the community at KUA,” he said. “The attendance at community events and family nights is always amazing to me.”
Setting KUA apart from other charter schools locally and statewide is its dedicated behavioral response team, said Thygeson. This “proactive model” aims to prevent issues, not act as a “vehicle for discipline,” he said. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support is KUA’s formula for fostering good school citizenship alongside academics.
Off campus, Thygeson’s favorite way to enjoy leisure time is with his wife and son, often walking their dog. An Oregon Ducks fan, he also enjoys playing fantasy football, golfing, camping and going to concerts and restaurants.
KU Academy launches Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
More Kids Unlimited Academy students are getting more exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables under a new grant agreement.
This month launches KUA’s participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Twice each week, all KUA students in all grades will have the chance to try new fruits and veggies and enjoy more of their favorites during physical education classes and library times. Locally grown apples and pears, alongside grapes, will be among the fresh produce featured in October.
“Bite-sized” nutrition lessons complement each fresh fruit and veggie sampling. KUA families can receive additional educational resources in monthly newsletters and on KUA’s social media.
FFVP encourages children to try new foods, learn about seasonal produce and develop healthy eating habits to last a lifetime. A USDA study found that FFVP students eat more fruits and vegetables than students who do not participate in the program.
The program also encourages participating schools to work with partners at the local and state levels. These can include local growers, farmers markets, independent grocery stores and other distributors of seasonal, fresh foods. KUA has fostered community connections that will acquaint students with more of their local food sources through FFVP. The government’s grant funding pays for the school’s produce purchases.
KUA also promotes physical health with its annual Jog-a-Thon fundraiser, set for Monday, Oct. 27. Help students gather pledges for the number of laps they can run. Or make a flat donation in any amount!
Money raised supports school field trips, events and other activities. Students at 2024’s Jog-a-Thon raised $14,000!
Alumni Achievement
Angelo Sanchez knows how to roll with the punches — literally and figuratively.
The high school junior at St. Mary’s School trains at Medford’s Spartan Boxing Club and hopes to be ready for the Olympic trials in 2028. Attending Kids Unlimited Academy from kindergarten through eighth grade, Sanchez also plays varsity soccer for St. Mary’s and helped the boys volleyball team to a state title last season. Sanchez’s work ethic — inside and outside the classroom — defined his first year at St. Mary’s on a full scholarship.
“Some of my toughest educational challenges came during freshman year, when I transitioned from KUA to St. Mary’s. It wasn’t easy starting out with demanding classes like physics, especially since my science background wasn’t as strong as some of my peers.”
Despite insecurities, Sanchez said he chose to reach out to teachers and friends for extra help and committed to extra hours of studying.
“Even when I didn’t feel like spending lunch hours on equations and homework, I chose to push through — and that persistence made all the difference.”
When Sanchez was selected among KUA graduating eighth graders to attend St. Mary’s on a full scholarship, he knew he couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Nearly three years later, Sanchez said he’s proud to call St. Mary’s home and feels supported by his new community while crediting KUA with the framework that shaped his future. Difficult classes aside, he’s growing and excelling in all his endeavors.
“I believe everything happens for a reason, and challenges are meant to make us stronger. I’ve seen people let go of scholarships, sports, activities or even classes they once loved,” said Sanchez.
“The truth is: It’s not all going to be easy, but giving up is never the answer.”
Angelo Sanchez
Evoto
Social-Emotional Learning creates meaningful opportunities
From reading books and discussing the themes to utilizing computerized curriculum, social-emotional learning is a key focus for Kids Unlimited and KU Academy.
Popular children’s picture books are the basis for SEL in KU’s nine Afterschool program sites. Each weekly lesson focuses on one of eight topics: self-regulation, emotional awareness, growth mindset, respect and manners, friendship, self-esteem, kindness, and empathy.
Guided “book chat” discussions before, during and after readings address SEL-specific questions. Writing prompts, creative exercises, crafts, games and social interaction then help students to put the lessons into practice individually, with partners or in small groups.
“This curriculum transforms read-aloud time into meaningful opportunities to help students develop critical social-emotional skills while enhancing their comprehension and self-expression,” said KU Afterschool Program Director Judy Patterson.
More SEL instruction at KUA public charter school likely is a major factor in students saying they felt a greater sense of belonging during the 2024-25 academic year, said Principal Lindsay Ochs. KUA staff and administrators also observed greater empathy, fewer behavior referrals and happier kids who engage with their community in uplifted, meaningful ways, said Ochs.
Accelerating this trend in the current school year is KUA’s new SEL curriculum Ripple Effects, purchased with grant assistance from several sources. This computerized, adaptive program meets and engages students where they are, building on their strengths and encouraging them to drive their own learning experience.
Evidence-based, Ripple Effects is shown to raise students’ grades and sense of empathy while reducing suspensions, tardies, drop-out rates and depression diagnoses. The new curriculum is applied across all KUA student cohorts, said Ochs, not just kids referred for behavior and discipline.
“This approach levels the playing field and builds equity among all KUA students,” she said, adding that students overwhelmingly say they love Ripple Effects.
Social-Emotional Learning creates meaningful opportunities
From reading books and discussing the themes to utilizing computerized curriculum, social-emotional learning is a key focus for Kids Unlimited and KU Academy.
Popular children’s picture books are the basis for SEL in KU’s nine Afterschool program sites. Each weekly lesson focuses on one of eight topics: self-regulation, emotional awareness, growth mindset, respect and manners, friendship, self-esteem, kindness, and empathy.
Guided “book chat” discussions before, during and after readings address SEL-specific questions. Writing prompts, creative exercises, crafts, games and social interaction then help students to put the lessons into practice individually, with partners or in small groups.
“This curriculum transforms read-aloud time into meaningful opportunities to help students develop critical social-emotional skills while enhancing their comprehension and self-expression,” said KU Afterschool Program Director Judy Patterson.
More SEL instruction at KUA public charter school likely is a major factor in students saying they felt a greater sense of belonging during the 2024-25 academic year, said Principal Lindsay Ochs. KUA staff and administrators also observed greater empathy, fewer behavior referrals and happier kids who engage with their community in uplifted, meaningful ways, said Ochs.
Accelerating this trend in the current school year is KUA’s new SEL curriculum Ripple Effects, purchased with grant assistance from several sources. This computerized, adaptive program meets and engages students where they are, building on their strengths and encouraging them to drive their own learning experience.
Evidence-based, Ripple Effects is shown to raise students’ grades and sense of empathy while reducing suspensions, tardies, drop-out rates and depression diagnoses. The new curriculum is applied across all KUA student cohorts, said Ochs, not just kids referred for behavior and discipline.
“This approach levels the playing field and builds equity among all KUA students,” she said, adding that students overwhelmingly say they love Ripple Effects.
Annual report available online
Kids Unlimited rededicated its mission in 2024 to developing new ways to engage kids and families. Read more in our 2024 annual report about efforts to expand enrichment opportunities — with life-changing outcomes — for Southern Oregon’s underserved youth while bringing the region’s highest quality public education to kids who need it most.
Read or download the report here.
High school entrepreneur donates school supplies to KU Academy
Alex Diaz may be operating a small, local business. But the South Medford High School senior is making a big impression on younger students.
Diaz donated a variety of school supplies to Kids Unlimited Academy in late August utilizing funds from his snack cart, El Vaso Loko. “Crazy” fruit cups with Mexican candies and aguas frescas are the specialty of Diaz’s mobile food unit launched a year ago. Diaz said he hopes to inspire other kids to be the next wave of entrepreneurs.
“I just wanted to give something back,” said Diaz, who plays football for the South Medford Panthers.
A carload of crayons, gluesticks, erasers, notebooks, folders and backpacks recently accompanied Diaz and his mother, Yoli Diaz, to KUA. Diaz said he intended to supply an entire classroom at the public charter school with educational necessities. KU also received a monetary donation from Rogue Credit Union for school supplies in 2025-26.
The Diazes’ connection to KUA is decades in the making. Yoli said she has known KU founder Tom Cole since she and her husband attended Phoenix High School. Cole began his work in youth development locally at a Boys & Girls Club in Phoenix. The family also has connections to Lady Panthers basketball, the state title-winning program that Cole has coached for 17 seasons.
El Vaso Loko pops up at Southern Oregon’s special events, including Medford’s Pear Blossom Festival. Follow the business on Instagram @_elvasoloko
Summer camp
A tradition for 27 years, KU Summer Camp has impacted thousands of Southern Oregon families.
Water play, field trips, outdoor games and creative projects were Summer Camp highlights. Designed to meet working families’ schedules from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., KU camps were based at Medford’s Howard, Wilson and Jackson elementary schools through Aug. 8.
Field trips took students to Wildlife Images, Crater Rock Museum, Lava Lanes, Rogue X, Medford parks and local movie theaters in summer 2025. Participants also explored such STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities as painting and origami to making mosaics and building Lego Eiffel Towers.
KU Summer Camp served about 235 students in kindergarten through fifth grades from Phoenix, Talent, Medford and Central Point, said Program Director Judy Patterson. Registration starts in the spring, and there’s often a waiting list, with many families who rely upon camp returning year after year, she said. Camp costs $200 per week, and donations to KU support scholarships for participants.
Summer camp
A tradition for 27 years, KU Summer Camp has impacted thousands of Southern Oregon families.
Water play, field trips, outdoor games and creative projects were Summer Camp highlights. Designed to meet working families’ schedules from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., KU camps were based at Medford’s Howard, Wilson and Jackson elementary schools through Aug. 8.
Field trips took students to Wildlife Images, Crater Rock Museum, Lava Lanes, Rogue X, Medford parks and local movie theaters in summer 2025. Participants also explored such STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities as painting and origami to making mosaics and building Lego Eiffel Towers.
KU Summer Camp served about 235 students in kindergarten through fifth grades from Phoenix, Talent, Medford and Central Point, said Program Director Judy Patterson. Registration starts in the spring, and there’s often a waiting list, with many families who rely upon camp returning year after year, she said. Camp costs $200 per week, and donations to KU support scholarships for participants.
Who we are
We believe educational opportunities are for everyone — regardless of economics, background, race, gender or zip code.
This belief shaped Kids Unlimited, a grassroots program founded in 1998 at a low-income elementary school in Medford. KU founder Tom Cole upheld education and opportunity as the keys to overcoming barriers of language, culture and poverty.
KU’s values, more than 25 years later, have become a community norm. We know the community cares about its children, but we are challenged every day to serve kids whose needs surpass available resources.
- Poverty, hunger and family instability are widespread among KU participants.
- Kids’ adverse experiences and social-emotional delays require mental health treatment.
- KU families need wrap-around support, including job, housing and health care referrals.
- Nearly 70% of KU Academy families are Latino, about half of those non-English speaking.
- Nearly one-third of students attending KUA are designated migrant.
What we do
A nonprofit organization, Kids Unlimited relies on government and foundation grants, private donations, business sponsorships, community partnerships and fees for service. We also need you! Our community’s generosity ensures KU can provide these educational opportunities and social supports:
- Afterschool programs at nine of the highest poverty elementary schools in our region;
- Math and reading assistance that supplements students’ regular school day with 20% more instruction;
- Enrichment activities in supervised, safe environments during out-of-school time, including after school, summer, winter and spring breaks;
- A year-round public charter school providing 30% more instructional time than Medford district schools;
- 10-hour structured school days that embed enrichments in arts, music, culinary, sports and other programs often economically out of reach for KU families;
- High-quality preschool and child care for Southern Oregon’s highest poverty families with a focus on kindergarten readiness, social-emotional development and hands-on, active learning;
- Highly qualified, diverse teaching staff, many bilingual, who offer culturally competent programming;
- Thousands of meals each day, all cooked from scratch, often incorporating locally sourced produce and proteins;
- “Free” services to remove participants’ economic and cultural barriers and ensure their access and equity.
