KU Afterschool marks 29 years of stability for youth
A battered dictionary was Beto Vargas’ afterschool companion before an innovative program changed the course of his education.
As Kids Unlimited enters its 29th year of Afterschool programming, Vargas can’t help but reflect on his struggles as a second grader to learn English, looking up the Spanish definition of every word in a sentence to understand a school assignment. Then he joined KU’s 1998 pilot program at Oak Grove Elementary School, where he completed his schoolwork in a fraction of the time it took at home.
“I think we’ve definitely come a long way from the Afterschool programming where they didn’t offer any bilingual services,” said Vargas, who now holds a doctorate degree and is KU’s director of educational services.
KU Afterschool, with its Spanish-speaking staff and mentors, was the first program locally to offer bilingual academic support and a place of belonging for local Latino youth. Today, the program serves high-poverty students — approximately 500 each year — of all backgrounds within the Medford school district. KU Academy public charter school enrolls an additional 220 students for Afterschool.
Locally, income demographics have undergone a dramatic transformation in the past three decades. KU in 1998 served just three Medford elementary schools identified for their high-poverty student body. Nearly 30 years later, KU’s adoption 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.
Along with Griffin Creek and Oak Grove, KU holds Afterschool programming each school day from the last bell until 5:30 p.m. at Howard, Jackson, Jefferson, Kennedy, Roosevelt and Wilson elementaries. Washington elementary schools ride Medford school district buses to Jefferson for KU Afterschool.
In addition to providing a safe place for kids when parents work or are unavailable, KU provides freshly prepared dinners at its Afterschool sites. Enrichment activities include arts and crafts, STEAM, social-emotional learning, games, sports and the perennially popular Ms. Annie’s dance and martial arts with the Roarty Brothers.
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
Sept. 4: KU Academy Open House and Community Fair, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 7: No school/afterschool in observance of Labor Day
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
Sept. 22: KUA school board meeting, 7:30 a.m., Carrico building
Sept 28 – Oct. 2: KUA off for Fall Break; Fall Break Camp
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
Students enrolled in KU Academy
489
Students enrolled in KU Afterschool
745
Children in KU summer and school break camps
270
KU Food Program meals each month
40,000
Salad bar stars in KU Academy’s
‘Student Choice’ meal program
Students have more choices every day during breakfast and lunch in the Kids Unlimited Academy cafeteria.
New for the 2026-27 school year, KU’s Food Program is offering versus serving. That means students can select between two daily breakfast items and two lunch items. Some days, the two lunch choices utilize similar ingredients, such as tacos and nachos. Other days, the choices can be as diverse as fettuccine with meat Bolognese or an egg salad slider.
Check out monthly Student Choice menus on the KUA website.
Vegetables, fruits, grains, meat and meat alternatives, plus milk will be available at every KUA meal. Students are no longer required to take milk, however, in order for KU to receive government reimbursement for their meal.
A wider variety of fruits and vegetables are provided daily, supported by KUA’s new salad bar. For grades K-2, salad bar items are pre-portioned to ensure students take the required amounts. Students in grade 3-5 serve themselves using portion-control serving utensils.
“The goal of bringing in a salad bar is really about supporting student health by giving them access to fresh fruits and vegetables while also allowing them some autonomy to build their own meals,” said Charrene Cole, KU’s Food Program manager. “It also helps students become more familiar with different fruits and vegetables they may not have exposure to at home.
“My hope … with a salad bar is to increase the use of local produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables when available,” said Cole.
Students must take at least 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable and at least two additional meal components. This is a significant change from last school year, when students were required to take all five meal components for KUA to receive a government reimbursement. Food Program staff are encouraging students this year to only take what they know they will eat.
An official government model for school food service, “offer versus serve” empowers students to select more foods they want to eat while reducing the program’s food waste and food costs. All KUA students are still eligible for free breakfast, lunch and dinner — cooked from scratch using fresh ingredients in our on-site kitchen. KU is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
KU’s nationally recognized, award-winning Food Program is unique in the Medford school district and provides the majority of most students’ daily nutrition. Also providing hot dinners to its Afterschool programs at nine Medford elementary schools, KU prepares and serves approximately 40,000 meals per month.
Staff Spotlight
Dr. Beto Vargas
Dr. Beto Vargas
Kids Unlimited
Director of Educational Services
As Kids Unlimited’s new director of educational services, my journey with the organization has come full circle.
It began when I attended Oak Grove Elementary School and one of KU’s first afterschool cohorts. Joining me was my sister, Lupita, who has taken another leadership role with KU. We both excelled in academics and KU Pass to Play basketball. Those experiences were formative to our future success.
I received my Ph.D. in Education Leadership from University of San Diego in 2025 after my master’s studies at Arizona State University, and undergraduate studies at Maine’s Bowdoin College. The highly competitive Gates Millennium Scholarship, awarded in 2010, funded my education since I graduated from South Medford High School.
While I lived and worked as an educator in France and in the Southwest, I also valued coming home to Medford to teach migrant education at KU summer camp and Kids Unlimited Academy summer school. As the son of agricultural workers, I wanted to pay forward what I gained from KU to the next generation of students.
My role with KU will focus on student achievement, belief in oneself and social-emotional learning, in addition to recruiting more students, particularly bilingual, English language learners and those who receive migrant education services. Parents this year are likely to see more creativity in KU programming and an emphasis on our charter school’s standards. These will be visible across social media, including YouTube, TikTok and other platforms.
Serving my community has renewed my sense of educational purpose. At the head of KUA, KU Afterschool, summer camps, enrichment and sports, I aim to integrate the best of all these programs and, using my background in research, elevate KU’s impact and empower our students with new opportunities.
Thank you for welcoming me back to the organization that has made such a difference for so many kids!
KU Academy sparks a new student’s ‘passion’
Camila Perez’s newfound relationship with Kids Unlimited Academy began with a “heart-to-heart” talk.
An incoming fourth grader, Camila worried about the new year at the Medford elementary school she’d attended since kindergarten. Camila’s concerns caused the family to consider alternatives to their neighborhood school.
“She didn’t know where she fit in,” recalled her dad, Ryan Bock. “There was a lot of drama.”
Camila attended KU Afterschool during third grade, but during the school day, she felt isolated and struggled in interactions with a group of girls whose behavior was getting the wrong kind of attention, said Ryan. Friends of the family recommended transferring Camila to KUA public charter school.
“They kept telling us everybody has a place at Kids Unlimited,” said Ryan.
Enrolled for the 2026-27 school year in Mrs. Flora’s class, Camila has reconnected with kids she met at KU camps and explored activities, including theater and music, that weren’t offered at her former school. Afterschool enrichment provides more time with her friends, although the family’s work schedule would allow Camila to come home when the regular school day is finished.
“Every day, she’s talking to us about a new friend she made,” said Camila’s mom, Alexis Perez. “You can see the school culture really shining out of her.”
Alexis recalls that KU founder Tom Cole, who had coached Camila during several basketball camps, greeted the fourth grader on her first day and re-introduced other girls who had played alongside her. Camilia tried out for the fall Royal Kids Theatre production. Regular music classes have inspired her to pick up her ukulele, xylophone and keyboard, which had sat silent, covered in dust, said Alexis.
Although Camila’s former school offered some exposure to music, it wasn’t nearly as in-depth or engaging as KUA’s, her mother added. KUA, Camila told her parents, has “real instruments.” Within the first week of school, Camila learned to play “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus.
“A passion has gotten sparked again because of this school,” said Alexis. “I love that she really wants to feed her mind here.”
Camila’s passion extends to KUA’s food, which she talks about at home “all the time,” her parents said. A particular eater, Camila loves KUA’s pozole and is excited to experience more of her Latin heritage, said Alexis, who grew up speaking Spanish.
Because Camila’s previous school lacked diversity, she didn’t think it was relevant to practice Spanish with her mom, said Alexis. Learning the family’s native language became more difficult for Camila when they moved from Florida to Southern Oregon, where they didn’t have as many family connections, added Alexis. But now that her friends at KUA are Spanish speakers, Camila wants to make sure she can understand them and pronounce words correctly.
“She wants to be included here,” said Alexis. “She feels like she has found her place.”
Alumni Achievement
Katherine Mejia, who attended Kids Unlimited Academy from fifth through eighth grades, was one of three KUA alumni from her class who attended Medford’s St. Mary’s School on a full four-year scholarship. She also received scholarship funds from KU’s Charlie’s Angels fund. Here’s what Mejia had to say about her college journey:
“I have been living and studying in New York City at Fordham University. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international studies on the pre-law track. Being in such a big city has shown me the possibilities outside of the Rogue Valley and immersed me with people of many different backgrounds and walks of life. Yet, one of the things I really appreciate about Kids Unlimited is the community.
“Kids Unlimited was made to serve students like me — students of underrepresented backgrounds — and show them the support they deserve. I had a community at Kids Unlimited because my classmates and teachers had similar circumstances and understood the situation personally. I loved the close-knit family and the connections I made.
“I encourage all of the students at Kids Unlimited to take full advantage of the opportunities given to them. Education is one of the most vital tools someone can have to continue to enhance their life and take them to further places.”
Read more about KUA’s partnership with St. Mary’s in our summer 2026 edition.
Katherine Mejia
Latino culture, history, contributions
on full display this month
From popular music, dance, art and food — Hispanic Heritage is woven into the fabric of American culture. Official acknowledgement from the U.S. government only came centuries after Latin influence helped to write the country’s origin story.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated at Kids Unlimited Academy and KU Afterschool from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Students, parents, staff and the broader community can look forward to special events, projects, art displays and an increased awareness of Latino culture and history.
“Latinos have been part of this country from the beginning — when half of the United States was part of Mexico,” said Dr. Beto Vargas, KU’s director of educational services.
Popular activities include KUA’s flag day, when students parade the banners of various Latin American countries through the school’s gymnasium. The official start date of Hispanic Heritage Month honors the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Lotería, a Mexican game similar to American Bingo, is another beloved KUA tradition, scheduled for the charter school’s Oct. 13 family night. In classrooms, KUA students likely will listen to more Latin music, read more books inspired by Latin culture and research Latin American countries. Hands-on projects inspired by Latin American folk art may include straw weaving or whimsical wool and fabric “worry dolls.” Educational resources are provided by KUA’s English language development team.
With more than 67% of its student population identifying as Latino, KUA continues to focus services on English language learners, students qualifying for migrant education services and those recently arrived in the United States. To reach its Spanish-speaking audience, KUA leadership plans some new initiatives beginning this month on social media, including YouTube, said Vargas. He acknowledged KU’s bilingual/bicultural staff — approximately 45% of the organization’s total — for ensuring families feel seen, heard and celebrated.
“At KUA you are celebrated for who you are and the gifts you provide,” said Vargas. “That empowers you with opportunity.
“There is space for you here.”
KUA will continue its celebration through the end of October by recognizing Día de los Muertos, a traditional holiday that invites students, staff and families to reflect on deeper themes of respect and personal relationships upheld at KUA. Building multicultural awareness for all students, regardless of culture or background is embedded in the Oregon State Educational Standards.
“You’re trying to create a global citizen, right?” asks Vargas, who lived and taught English in Europe. “The more exposure you have the better you can navigate that space.”
Latino culture, history, contributions
on full display this month
From popular music, dance, art and food — Hispanic Heritage is woven into the fabric of American culture. Official acknowledgement from the U.S. government only came centuries after Latin influence helped to write the country’s origin story.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated at Kids Unlimited Academy and KU Afterschool from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Students, parents, staff and the broader community can look forward to special events, projects, art displays and an increased awareness of Latino culture and history.
“Latinos have been part of this country from the beginning — when half of the United States was part of Mexico,” said Dr. Beto Vargas, KU’s director of educational services.
Popular activities include KUA’s flag day, when students parade the banners of various Latin American countries through the school’s gymnasium. The official start date of Hispanic Heritage Month honors the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Lotería, a Mexican game similar to American Bingo, is another beloved KUA tradition, scheduled for the charter school’s Oct. 13 family night. In classrooms, KUA students likely will listen to more Latin music, read more books inspired by Latin culture and research Latin American countries. Hands-on projects inspired by Latin American folk art may include straw weaving or whimsical wool and fabric “worry dolls.” Educational resources are provided by KUA’s English language development team.
With more than 67% of its student population identifying as Latino, KUA continues to focus services on English language learners, students qualifying for migrant education services and those recently arrived in the United States. To reach its Spanish-speaking audience, KUA leadership plans some new initiatives beginning this month on social media, including YouTube, said Vargas. He acknowledged KU’s bilingual/bicultural staff — approximately 45% of the organization’s total — for ensuring families feel seen, heard and celebrated.
“At KUA you are celebrated for who you are and the gifts you provide,” said Vargas. “That empowers you with opportunity.
“There is space for you here.”
KUA will continue its celebration through the end of October by recognizing Día de los Muertos, a traditional holiday that invites students, staff and families to reflect on deeper themes of respect and personal relationships upheld at KUA. Building multicultural awareness for all students, regardless of culture or background is embedded in the Oregon State Educational Standards.
“You’re trying to create a global citizen, right?” asks Vargas, who lived and taught English in Europe. “The more exposure you have the better you can navigate that space.”
Annual report available online
Kids Unlimited catalyzed change in 2025 while grounding its work in organizational success and longevity. Read more in the 2025 annual report about the planned launch of KU’s most transformative initiative to date with its focus on youth development, parent engagement, nutrition services and social entrepreneurism.
Read or download the report here.
KU Academy launches writing elective, student news
More hands-on practice in everyday, creative and journalistic writing will characterize the 2026-27 school year at Kids Unlimited Academy.
A new elective led by longtime Southern Oregon journalist Sarah Lemon will guide a group of KUA fifth graders through developing story ideas, generating sources, conducting interviews, researching, writing and editing with the goal of creating a student-led newsletter. Students will learn how to read and write critically, gather relevant information, evaluate sources of information for credibility and peer-review the group’s assignments.
Lemon was affiliated for more than 20 years with the Mail Tribune newspaper, where she worked as reporter, copy editor, columnist and section editor. She now produces newsletters, blog posts, social media content and marketing materials for Kids Unlimited, also acting as the organization’s on-staff grant writer.
Schoolwide, KUA students in grades 3-5 will practice both writing by hand and typing to build skills in advance of state ELA testing in spring 2027. Lemon will assist KUA leadership and instructional coaches in their work to build student skills and amplify student voice.
Summer camp
A tradition for 28 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 Jackson Elementary School and KU Academy public charter school in Medford through Aug. 7.
Field trips took students to the Storytelling Guild Children’s Festival, Kids Club Northwest, Britt Festivals, Wildlife Images, Lava Lanes, Tinseltown, Rogue X, local splash pads and city and county parks in summer 2026. Participants also explored games, obstacle courses, construction and engineering projects, science experiments, culinary activities, arts and crafts and more embedded into each weekly theme
KU Summer Camp served about 270 students in kindergarten through fifth grades from Phoenix, Talent, Medford, Ashland, Central Point, Eagle Point and Grants Pass, 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 $250 per week, and donations to KU support scholarships for participants.
Summer camp
A tradition for 28 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 Jackson Elementary School and KU Academy public charter school in Medford through Aug. 7.
Field trips took students to the Storytelling Guild Children’s Festival, Kids Club Northwest, Britt Festivals, Wildlife Images, Lava Lanes, Tinseltown, Rogue X, local splash pads and city and county parks in summer 2026. Participants also explored games, obstacle courses, construction and engineering projects, science experiments, culinary activities, arts and crafts and more embedded into each weekly theme
KU Summer Camp served about 270 students in kindergarten through fifth grades from Phoenix, Talent, Medford, Ashland, Central Point, Eagle Point and Grants Pass, 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 $250 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 that took hold in 1998 at a low-income elementary school in Medford. Our organization upholds education and opportunity as the keys to overcoming barriers of language, culture and poverty.
KU’s values, 28 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.
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;
- 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.
