HomeMy WebLinkAboutAfter School Pilot Program
Memo
To:
Cc:
From:
Date:
Re:
Meridian Parks & Recreauon
Mayor I City Council
Will Berg ./
LeAnna Thomas ';f~
Doug Strong /{)J,
March 16, 2007
Funding for Proposed After School Pilot Program
The Parks and Recreation Staff is requesting funding to implement a pilot program to
offer recreational activities in an after school setting at Meridian Middle School. The
pilot program would be implemented in April 2007 and end June 1, 2007. The
funding request is $11,800. This pilot program is proposed as a non-fee based
program. Listed below are important points of explanation:
);> In return for implementing this pilot program the department will have
access to Meridian Middle School as a facility to conduct other revenue-
generating recreation programs and dasses.
);> While the After School Program requires an investment with no direct
financial return the option to offer revenue-generating programs is
expected to offset the cost of the program
);> Having access to Meridian Middle School as a base for recreation
programs establishes a distinct location for such. It also allows for
recreation program services to the community on a broader base.
Staff is requesting that this item go before the City Council under a department report
for discussion at your March 20, 2007 meeting.
Program Proposal for After School Program
Pilot Program at Meridian Middle School
(Anticipated implementation April-June 2007)
Program Overview
A recreation-based after school program at Meridian Middle School will serve students in 6th
through 8th grade. The program will be staffed and funded by the City of Meridian through the
Parks and Recreation Department. The Recreation Superintendent oversees the program and
meets with school district staff to coordinate facility use.
Staff has met with the school principal and other school staff as well as other community youth
leaders regarding the need for such a program. Currently there is no documentation verifying a
need for after school programs in Meridian. However, the proposed pilot program would allow the
opportunity to conduc't a needs assessment as well as measure possible impacts.
The After School program will serve multiple purposes. By partnering with the school and making
available the needed resources an after school program will have direct impact in that it will
· Provide a fun and safe place for middle school students during after
school hours
· Provide positive interaction with caring adult role models
· Encourage and develop life skills, respect, and positive social interaction
· Introduce and engage youth in positive, potentiallife-long recreational
pursuits
· Provide homework help and study skills development with school staff
Indirectly, the implementation of the program is expected to
. Potentially decrease juvenile crime
· Provide a balanced lifestyle for youth participants
· Effectively increase health, wellness and fitness for youth
· Support an active learning environment in the school
. Build and nurture a strong community partnership between the City,
School District and other youth service organizations
Activities
Program activities will be planned on a monthly calendar and be theme-based. Activities would
include a variety of recreation options such as:
· Outdoor Skills & Environmental Education
. Fitness & Exercise
. Sports
· Field Games
. Dance & Music
. Arts, Crafts & Cooking
· Theater
· Leadership Development & Community Service
. Special Guests
. Field Trips
Recreation leaders will present activities, provide equipment and supplies, and instruct or lead
activities. Participation is not mandatory but strongly encouraged. Students will have
opportunities to provide input and help plan field trips
As appropriate and when available outside experts would be ineluded in program activities to
introduce areas of expertise, lead discussion or activity groups or provide tours.
Activity Schedule
Schedules and calendars will be available the last week of each month for the upcoming month.
Students are encouraged to offer suggestions and help plan activities. A monthly newsletter will
provide program updates.
Emergency & First Aid
Parents will need to keep "Emergency Information" and "Medical Release for Treatment" forms up
to date. If parents would like program staff to administer medication as needed an "Authorization
to Administer Medication" form is required. Each of these documents is kept on site for staff to
refer to in the event medical attention is required. If medical attention is needed staff make every
effort to contact parents. All program staff is First Aid and CPR certified.
Ea.rth.quake~ Fire & Emergency Evacuation
Program staff will follow the evacuation guidelines as outlined by the Meridian School District and
the specific plan for each school site.
Phone Use
Phones will be available for student use on a restricted basis. Parents may contact the program staff
or the school site.
Food
Daily snacks will be provided, however students should not expect a full meall Some snacks may be
part of cooking and nutrition activities.
Hours of Operation & Daily Schedule
The After School Program will follow the Meridian School District calendar, with operating hours
Monday through Friday, 2:45-6:00 p.m. The program will be dosed on holidays, school break and
vacations and allnon-contract school days. The program is open on early-release days, adjusting
hours to open at the time school is dismissed. Staff is NOT responsible for student supervision
after 6:00 p.m.
Program Schedule:
2:45-3: lOpm Sign in/snacks/leisure activities
3: 10-5: 15pm Planned activities
5:30-5:45pm Participant sign out
5:45-6:00pm Staff dean up
Facility
Program activities generally take place on site at the school. Activity areas may include the home
economics room, cafeteria, gymnasium and other classrooms as available. Outdoor activities will
take place on school play fields.
Transportation
Biking and walking by neighborhood students is encouraged. Parent pick-up must take place no
later than 6:00 p.m. There will be no staff supervision after that time. Staff is prohibited from
transporting participants in private vehicles. School activity busses may be provided depending on
school availability.
E~onmrnt&Affrndanre~wremrn~
Because of the drop-in nature of the program students are not "required" to attend. Daily sign in
and sign out is required. If parents would like students to have the option to sign out and leave the
program before 6:00 p.m written permission to do so is mandatory. A "Child Pick Up/Release"
form is required for any person other than the immediate parents/guardians to pick students up.
Once students sign out they will NOT be readmitted to the program for the day. Staff to student
ratio is maintained at a ratio between 1:12 and 1:15 depending on the activities as well as student
needs.
Program participants are expected to adhere to the rules in force during the school day. This
includes any rules regarding attire or dress codes, language, respect for authority, and being in the
appropriate area of the school facility.
StaRing
Recreation leaders in the after school program are employees of the City of Meridian Parks and
Recreation Department. A Site Supervisor and one to three Recreation Leaders will be at each
school. The Site Supervisors interact daily with school administrators, custodial staff, and student
participants. Their primary role is to plan the activities and maintain a cooperative program
atmosphere. At times, this may include addressing behavioral issues and resolving concerns. They
are happy to meet with parents to discuss issues or accept suggestions.
The Recreation Leader's primary responsibility is to present fun recreational activities. They
provide basic instruction and lead participants in games, art or craft projects, fitness activities,
outdoor skill activities, dance and music and field trips. These individuals maintain constant
interaction with participants.
Fees
The daily drop in is free of charge. Special field trips, such as bowling or roller-skating, will be
charged a minimal fee. Students interested in field trips are required to submit a Field Trip
Registration form. These will be made available prior to each field trip.
Antidpatrd Program Costs
Program costs will include staffing and program supplies. For the pilot program staffing needs
include one Recreation Specialist. The responsibilities and employment requirements of this
position fits within Grade Level "E". The median rate of pay for this grade level is $15.21 hourly.
This position would need to be at the program during program hours (15 hours per week) as well as
provide set up and dean up and be available for meetings with school staff when needed. This
position will be part time at 19.5 hours per week but would be increased on weeks with early-release
dates.
Additional staffing needs include Recreation Leaders. This position plans, leads and instructs
program participants and directly interacts with them. The responsibilities and employment
requirements of this position fits within Grade Level "C". The median rate of pay for this position
is $12.57 hourly. This position will need to be on site during program hours as well as assist with
some set up and clean up. This position will be part time at 19.5 hours per week or less. During
weeks with early-release dates hours will be increased.
Based upon the established staff to participant ratio of 1: 12 or 1: 15 it is expected that each program
site have one Recreation Specialist and up to three Recreation Leaders..
Program supplies will include snacks and other items needed to successfully complete projects.
Cost Breakdown: (Pilot program period of April-June)
. Staffing (1 Recreation Specialist & 3 Recreation Leaders)
. Program supplies (snacks, art supplies, sports equipment, etc.)
TOTAL
= $ 9,300
2.500
$11,800