Staying after school just became cool thanks to 21st Century Learning Center Grants that provide after-school activities for middle and elementary students.

"The number one goal of the after-school programs is to increase student achievement," said Aline Phillips, Elementary 21st Century Grant Coordinator. Airport, Bermuda, Cool Valley, Holman, Johnson-Wabash and Walnut Grove elementary schools are participating in the grant.

"There will be a heavy focus at the elementary level to increase MAP scores, decrease retention and provide assistance for students reading below grade level," she said.
This marks the first year for the $2.5 million elementary program. The $1.7 million middle school program started last year. The 21st Century Grant program was created in the late 1990's out of a growing concern for students who were home alone after school. The grant provides resources for schools to offer safe, enriching programs after school, on weekends and during the summer.

"We want to make sure students are safe after school," said Larry Larrew, middle school coordinator. "These are fun, structured after-school activities with appropriate supervision. Most importantly, they allow students to explore opportunities they might not otherwise have. We really have seen some great attitude changes in students."
The three-year grants provide funding for coordinators at each site who develop the after-school activities, provide staffing and maintain reports on activities, attendance, student achievement and suspension rates.

The programs are developed in the schools after an Advisory Board consisting of staff, parents, and students help identify activities that will attract students and meet the requirements of the program. After-school programs got off to a strong start in middle schools last year with a wide variety of activities including gardening, dance, yoga, sewing, cooking and sports.

A Berkeley Middle School tennis team organized by Erma Owens competed in the USA Team Tennis Regional Champ-ionships in Kansas City, and their golf team played the Triple A course in Forest Park. Other sports programs at Ferguson Middle and Cross Keys Middle involved students in snorkeling, swimming, judo and soccer.

"The sports programs are instructional too," Mrs. Phillips said. "There is a lot of team building that is taken beyond the field or court. Students learn healthy competition and social skills, in addition to exposure to a variety of recreational activities."

A tutoring program targets student achievement. "We hope to help struggling students with the tutoring program," Mr. Larrew said. "It's important to have tutoring available so parents can direct their children back to school for needed assistance. Anything directed toward achievement or keeping students from failing is paramount to the program."

Berkeley Middle sponsored a career fair where local business people stressed the importance of academics while teaching students how to be successful in the working world. A Saturday afternoon male mentoring program at Cross Keys attracted 50 students.

On October 11, each of the participating elementary schools and middle schools held a "Lights On" night to educate parents on 21st Century activities. Ferguson Middle hosted a carnival; a storyteller entertained Berkeley Middle families; and faculty and students went head to head in a Cross Keys Middle basketball game.

"We want our parents to become involved in these programs. We believe we can help meet some of their needs too. The more parents are involved, the more we can see how to meet family needs," Mr. Larrew said.

The 21st Century activities create an opportunity for teachers, parents and volunteers to share their interests and hobbies with students.

"We are looking for teachers or volunteers willing and interested in offering learning opportunities to students," Mr. Larrew said. "The activities do not have to be tied to academic areas. We want the students to have fun, too, making a stronger connection with their school whenever possible."