A Warren County School District after-school program will begin next week offering tutoring and more.
The 21st Century Community Learning Center program begins Wednesday and will benefit students in grades three through five.
The program is offered free of charge at Sheffield Elementary School, Sugar Grove Elementary School, Youngsville Elementary Middle School, Warren Area Elementary Center (WAEC), and Tidioute Community Charter School and will run from 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
Students at Russell Elementary are eligible to attend at Sugar Grove and students at St. Joseph Catholic School may attend at WAEC.
"This program is important for students because it provides them with opportunities to build and strengthen knowledge and skills in reading and math, which are essential skills for children in grades three through five," Project Manager Lori Trisket said. "In addition, the tutors will help students with homework and build on the knowledge and concepts learned during the school day."
"Our students love the program because they don't have to struggle and get frustrated with challenging homework concepts. Our program tutors are there to help," Trisket said.
Tutoring in core classes is only part of the program.
Students "also enjoy the computer-based math and reading programs that are educational, interactive and fun and provide tutors with ways to track student achievements and progress," Trisket said. "The physical activities help to build healthy lifestyles and help with team building and socializing. Enrichment activities provide opportunities for the students to take part in a variety of activities they may have not experienced before. Examples of enrichment activities include cooking, singing, painting, playing music instruments, performing arts (theatre), photography, dancing, various arts and crafts."
"Parents love the program because they know their children are getting help from experienced educators in a safe, fun atmosphere," she said. "Several parents have commented that they know their children are doing better in school and getting better grades on homework, thanks to the extra help the after-school program provides, and their children love to go to the program because the activities are so much fun."
A healthy snack is provided, but transportation home is not.
"Parents must pick up their children by 6 p.m.," Trisket said.
Fridays are not included in the program schedule because those in charge of the program encourage students to attend as often as possible. "Few students were able to attend on Fridays due to family plans and other commitments," Trisket said.
Students are encouraged to attend regularly, but organizers understand that expecting students to be there for the full three hours every day is not reasonable.
"The program is funded through a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education," Trisket said. "Community partners include Family Services of Warren County and Warren YMCA."
Enrollment forms are available at each elementary school.
Trisket may be reached via email at trisketl@wcsdpa.org or by phone at 723-6903 ext. 2126.