Most of these kids need to go to school longer. I really believe that. Unsupervised middle-schoolers are far more likely to get in trouble with the law or experiment with drugs, tobacco and other risky behaviors, studies show. Furgal says she's found a solution in the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program funded by the Department of Education. In November, we'll open our after-school program, which will include both education and recreation activities.
Children unusually express high levels of fear and boredom.
It will operate Monday through Friday directly after school for two hours. Participants can do homework and we'll provide academic tutoring and instruction. Every child will receive a nutritional snack and the district will provide free bus service to those children who need a ride home. We want the program to be a physically and emotionally safe environment for our students. In the next year, Miller and her committee will sit down and write another grant application for more funding to expand the program to three hours.