The Aiken County Public School District is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Family YMCA and Quest Zone that will offer Extended Day Programs at all elementary schools and three middle schools during the 2017-18 school year.
Previously, elementary after school programs in Aiken County operated independently, with students having limited access to classrooms and computer labs after hours. Some elementary schools did not offer an after school program. That will change during the 2017-18 school year as Extended Day Program coordinators with the Family YMCA’s Prime Time program and Quest Zone will now work collaboratively with school staff members to ensure that students not only receive homework assistance, but also individualized instruction to help with problem areas.
The Extended Day Programs continue the District’s mission to cultivate future-ready students to serve our evolving community and world through an innovative, literacy-focused school system while ensuring equity and fidelity across all Aiken County Public Schools as all students have access to, and receive a high-quality educational experience.
“These programs will be a true extension of the school day,” stated Aiken County Public Schools Coordinator for Innovative Programs, Fran Altringer. “There will be a tangible connection between the school itself and the Extended Day Program as students will continue to receive enhanced instruction from our curriculum, while school staff members will also have the opportunity to serve as Extended Day Program instructors. Students will still have time to play and create, but our goal with the Extended Day Programs is to offer the same immersive educational experience at every school in Aiken County, focusing not on cookie-cutter convenience, but rather quality of instruction.”
Each partner organization will operate 10 elementary school programs, while Quest Zone will also operate middle school Extended Day Programs at Paul Knox Middle School, North Augusta Middle School and Kennedy Middle School.
The Family YMCA’s Prime Time program will operate Extended Day Programs at North Augusta Elementary, Busbee-Corbett Elementary, Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Gloverville Elementary, Byrd Elementary, Greendale Elementary, Clearwater Elementary, North Aiken Elementary, and Mossy Creek Elementary.
“The Family YMCA is very excited about the opportunity to expand our services into new Aiken County schools this year, providing more children with a safe place to grow and thrive after school,” says Matt Mullen, District Vice President of the Aiken County Family YMCA. “The Y’s Prime Time program will provide children with opportunities to discover their potential past the typical school day hours with homework help, providing a healthy snack and other fun activities to enrich their lives.”
Meanwhile, Quest Zone will operate Extended Day Programs at Chukker Creek Elementary, East Aiken School of the Arts, J.D. Lever Elementary, Belvedere Elementary, Hammond Hill Elementary, Oakwood-Windsor Elementary, Aiken Elementary, Redcliffe Elementary, Millbrook Elementary, and Warrenville Elementary.
“We are excited for the opportunity to bring our unique programs to elementary and middle schools throughout the county,” said Regional Director Theresa Tobin-Richardson. “We have a 15-year track record of providing an innovative and creative environment for our students while assisting working parents who need a safe, structured, and convenient location for their children after the school day ends.”
Extended Day Program coordinators will work with school staff members on curriculum elements, and endeavor to help each student maximize their time, develop successful fundamental study habits and improve their overall academic performance.
Julie Revelle serves as principal at Redcliffe Elementary School and looks forward to watching her students blossom as high-level readers and achievers with the help of the Extended Day Program.
“We are really excited that our students will be able to take advantage of a true Extended Day Program reinforcing the skills they have learned in class while enriching their experience with added access to technology through our computer labs,” Revelle commented. “Students will continue to hear the same terminology and they will recognize the familiar structure and framework as the material is being delivered.
“Working with our program coordinators hand in hand with the curriculum and utilizing all the same resources is the key. Online learning tools will increase the likelihood of success with each student and the effectiveness of the lessons, and it will be fun. Most importantly, these programs will offer consistency throughout the District, meaning all students will have access to the same level of high-quality instruction in a safe and nurturing environment.”
For more information, visit www.thefamilyy.org and www.thequestzone.com.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2017 PR EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMS