Conference moira::parenting

    Joanne,
    
    Frank worked with the PTO based enrichment program two years ago
    teaching guitar.  there were also courses in math tutoring, reading
    asisstance, hair stuff, and other thingies.  The program fizzled in our
    school for a lack of adult volunteers in our school who could either
    get off work or get someone to watch their other kids while helping in
    the program.  Our school does better with smaller short-term projects,
    like building the playground and replacing the elmtrees.    Another
    friend is teaching karate in another enrichment program at another
    school.  
    
    Now, the teachers do a few volunteer things.  Carrie is in after school
    choir, sponsored by the music teacher, aftershool sports which the gym
    teacher runs 5 days/week on his own time, and an afterschool math
    group which works on tutoring or learning multiplication tables and
    division tricks.  
    
    I would like more enrichment programs, but being unable to guarantee I
    can make it to a class everyweek (rotating shifts), means I can't
    expect another parent to do what I can't/won't.
    
    meg

    The Hopkinton PTA sponsors a great enrichment program after school.
    The kids pay a nominal charge for each program.  Right now my 
    daughter is taking "Focus on Drama."  Last session she took a
    science class, before that "board games."  By asking the kids
    to pay, we can bring in some special programs -- there's a wild
    animal program brought to us by the science museum for instance.
    We also offer French and Spanish and skiing!
    
    I don't have the name of our coordinator off the top of my
    head, but I can get it if you contact me off line.
    
    Diana Campbell
    

    
    In our town of North Andover, the Community Program (based in the 
    high school) has a wonderful after school enrichment program which
    they call Excel. The program is funded by user fee. Off the top
    of my head, I can name the following activities: 6 week ski program,
    basketball, floor hockey, golf, tennis, swimming, horsebacking riding,
    computers for parents, arts and crafts, nature drawing, cooking,
    foreign language, music instructions from Berklee, etc, as well
    as afterschool daycare. The Community Program aslo have things
    during summer vacation. The Program is run by one full time staff
    and the activities are held in the local YMCA, tennis club, riding
    club, country club and school grounds.
    
    You can contact me offline and I can give you the coordinator's
    name and number.
    
    
    Eva
                                          

Some of these programs sound great. How is transportation arranged 
when the program is not in the school building ?

    In Hopkinton, most of the programs are set up in the school.
    Many of the programs are only a half hour long and a "late" bus
    takes the kids to the primary school and they go home with the younger
    kids.  Programs that are longer require that a parent arrange
    transportation.
    
    Only one program, skiing, is off-site and a bus fee is included in
    the program fee.
    
    Diana

    
    In North Andover, except for the ski program which busing is provided
    and charged, the parents are reponsible for transportation.  
                                                                
    
    Actaully, now that I think about it, the middle school has it own
    afterschool activities which include math club, outdoor adventure,
    field hockey, manicure!, crafts, etc,. The middle school program
    is funded by grants and fundraisers, ie. no user fee. The kids are
    bused home afterwards.
    
    Eva

    
    Our school in Dracut, MA has a very active program.  The teachers
    receive a small stipend which is paid for by the PTO.  A small fee is
    also collected from students (my son paid $7 for an 8 session course).
    I'm not sure what all the course options are - I think my son had 8
    choices, he is taking gynmastics.
    
    I believe the coordinator is an unpaid parent volunteer.  They also
    just hired someone to be there each day after school.  This is to 
    assist the principal with attendance/transportation issues.
    
    As far as I know, the biggest problems have been keeping track of all
    the kids that participate.  Such as if a kid is not at enrichment, were
    they at school that day.
    
    All classes are at the school (except skiing).  A late bus home is
    available but they really recommend parent pickup.  (I think parent
    pickup is required for 1st,2nd grade)
    
    So far my son enjoys the program.
    
    
    Elizabeth