AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

More than 400 children in first through sixth grades took part in the Kids on Campus Afterschool Program during the 2006-2007 school year, most of whom qualified for free or reduced-price lunches. The program operates at six schools: Alexander Elementary in Albany; Amesville, Chauncey and Coolville elementaries in those communities; Trimble Elementary in Jacksonville; and West Elementary in Athens.

The Afterschool Program began in 1998 but underwent a two-year hiatus from 2001 to 2003 due to a funding loss. The majority of its funding is from federal 21st Century Community Learning Center Grants administered through the Ohio Department of Education. Programming takes place in gyms, libraries, cafeterias, playgrounds and classrooms at each school. Each school’s program has a coordinator and 20-30 part-time tutors and program assistants who range in age from university students to retirees.

The Afterschool Program’s core mission is providing tutoring and homework assistance, and each school devoted at least 45 minutes a day in this area. Each school’s program also included enrichment activities and healthy snacks.

Fitness and nutrition are emphasized on the playground and in the classroom. All snacks provided in the program follow USDA guidelines and include choices from at least two food groups. Program coordinators also emphasize the importance of good behavior, and each school has its own rules regarding conflict management and consequences.

Each program site pursues a different schedule that reflects differing timetables and needs within its community. The afterschool activities provide children with a variety of enrichment experiences including art, science, multicultural activities, cooking, dancing, yoga, physical exercise, public service and numerous recreational opportunities.

The program was created to help children who, despite the diligent efforts of their families and schools, need additional assistance and activities to meet state mandatory testing requirements and become proficient readers, writers and problem-solvers. These students work best in the small-group learning environments that Kids on Campus operates at its member schools for 30 weeks of the school year.