Submitted by Beverly Shaner (not verified) on August 4, 2006 - 12:29.
Our middle school participated in a federal grant with a community learning center where we did afterschool programs. We had structured "learning" and play time. There MUST be some structure to keep order and insure that the students do learn, learning can be through games, computer work, etc.
When our grant ran out, the school modeled their ESS program after our CLC program and the students are gaining much more because of the structure and fun involved. Kids are wanting to stay after to get help and move ahead. We hire students from the high school to work with the middle school students as tutors/mentors, thus creating a bond where the middle school students aren't as afraid of attending the high school.
I firmly believe that afterschool programs ARE needed, if the schools don't have the kids SOMEONE will. If schools don't want to deal with gangs, drugs, etc. then why not have programs or connections to organizations that offer the programs that will attract the kids and not leave them to mix with the wrong crowd. Kids have too much time on their hands with no supervision, schools are there, why not us them in a different manner that will help in more than one way! The mind set needs to be changed in EVERYONE, the responsibilities the schools take on are more than just education and they are being held accountable in ways that they should not. However, by opening school doors, you can change your community and work together as a team that can create profound results! There are plenty of cities/towns that prove this! It must be a team effort where parents and schools work together. I am reminded of a training I attended and a book that was recommended, maybe we all need to read it - "Building Communities From the Inside Out". The community has to realize there is a problem and want to change in order for change to occur, change will not occur when someone comes in and says here is the problem and solution, this will fix everything! When the money runs out, it will go back to the same old way because the community didn't "buy into" the problem. Remember education is the key!!!
Our middle school
Submitted by Beverly Shaner (not verified) on August 4, 2006 - 12:29.
Our middle school participated in a federal grant with a community learning center where we did afterschool programs. We had structured "learning" and play time. There MUST be some structure to keep order and insure that the students do learn, learning can be through games, computer work, etc.
When our grant ran out, the school modeled their ESS program after our CLC program and the students are gaining much more because of the structure and fun involved. Kids are wanting to stay after to get help and move ahead. We hire students from the high school to work with the middle school students as tutors/mentors, thus creating a bond where the middle school students aren't as afraid of attending the high school.
I firmly believe that afterschool programs ARE needed, if the schools don't have the kids SOMEONE will. If schools don't want to deal with gangs, drugs, etc. then why not have programs or connections to organizations that offer the programs that will attract the kids and not leave them to mix with the wrong crowd. Kids have too much time on their hands with no supervision, schools are there, why not us them in a different manner that will help in more than one way! The mind set needs to be changed in EVERYONE, the responsibilities the schools take on are more than just education and they are being held accountable in ways that they should not. However, by opening school doors, you can change your community and work together as a team that can create profound results! There are plenty of cities/towns that prove this! It must be a team effort where parents and schools work together. I am reminded of a training I attended and a book that was recommended, maybe we all need to read it - "Building Communities From the Inside Out". The community has to realize there is a problem and want to change in order for change to occur, change will not occur when someone comes in and says here is the problem and solution, this will fix everything! When the money runs out, it will go back to the same old way because the community didn't "buy into" the problem. Remember education is the key!!!