NEWSLETTER - September 2008

This school year started with many returning students in addition to those new to our program. We started with more than 60 students our first day – a record number for our program!

We are excited about the many activities this school year brings: outdoor sports activities, several presentations, cooking, gardening, crafts and banking activities. We started with weeding the courtyard, added plants and applied several more coats of polyurethane to our outdoor furniture (can you ever have too much polyurethane?) Group games, volleyball and softball are favorite outdoor activities.

Adolescence is a difficult time of a youngster’s life. Our program aims to help students thrive and make good choices for themselves. This fall we have scheduled Margaret Clark of HFM Prevention Council. She will present multiple workshops for our 6th grade boys entitled “Boys Only”, while the girls attend “Grow Girls.” These involve a variety of activities to encourage personal trust and growth. Renee Clark of the Mental Health Association will present information regarding “good mental health” to our 7th and 8th graders.

We are fortunate to have returning staff including Mrs. Deb Morin, Family Support, Program Assistants Joan Murray, Tammy Staie, Kristine Dickson, Marcus Marcellino and Program Aides Lisa Stearns, Chauncey McCormick, Kayla Winsman and Kim Bell. Our newest staff members, Melinda Harrington and Lisa Harding both have much experience working with students and we are pleased to have them join us.

"Lights on After-School Programs" is scheduled for October 16t.h Preparations began our first week of program, making invitations and decorations for the celebration. Previous years we held an essay contest. However, this year, we are holding a Poster Contest for students enrolled in the program, with the theme “Promoting After-School Programs.” Program participants, their families and the public are invited to attend, slated for 5 pm at Fonda-Fultonville Middle School.