The South Callaway R-II School District has discussed possibly adding an after school program throughout the academic year. In May, the district should be prepared to present recommendations to the board of education. Superintendent Kevin Hillman said he is confident the program will be available for students this fall.
Hillman said the after school program's purpose would be to provide an opportunity for students to receive extra tutoring and support.
"(It would) help get kids some extra learning and maybe have some fun while we're doing it," Hillman said of the program."When we look at a change in services, our soul purpose is to try to help our kids."
South Callaway currently does not have an after school program. The district, Hillman said, would make the after school program available for grades K-12. However, he added that younger grades typically have a higher participation rate in after school programs.
South Callaway surveyed parents in the fall to help determine if there was a need for an after school program. Hillman said the survey asked open-ended questions and the district received mixed feedback. From that survey feedback, he said parents in the district seemed to think an after school program was a need in the community.
Hillman and administrators have considered implementing an after school program but first wanted to grasp a better idea of the need for such a program in the district. Hillman said the school board has also expressed interest in having a program.
A possible addition of an after school program was a discussion at last month's school board meeting, as well. The district took a look at other districts' programs to compare after school program models and costs.
"It's really all over the board," Hillman told the board at its March meeting.
Some districts have used grant funding to establish after school programs. Hillman said district administration has debated applying for a 21st Century Learner Grant again, with the hopes of using those funds to start a program. But, with the grant, the district would have restrictions and requirements when creating the model for the after school program. Elementary School Principal Corey Pontius told the school board last month that creating a program outside of a grant may be a better way to meet the specific needs of South Callaway.
Hillman said he and district administration should have an after school program model for the board of education at its regular May meeting. At that time, program logistics and potential costs will be discussed. Hillman said the district would likely start with a program model that it could handle. From there, the district could see what worked and improve the program.
In considering the addition of an after school program, Hillman said the district is not looking to take business away from childcare services. He reiterated that the district's motivation behind adding a program is to give students an opportunity to do their best.