Back to Afterschool

As the trips to the beach, family cookouts, and sounds of summer camp end, we’re now preparing for the new school year ahead. Heading back to school means a fresh start for many students. Operation Shoestring’s Project Rise kids have more than the new and exciting things waiting to be discovered in their classrooms. They have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of entering a brand-new year of afterschool.

With the limited number of high-quality afterschool options in our area, we’ve observed that parents are happy to find a program as robust and engaging as Shoestring’s Project Rise. Finding the right afterschool program is essential to the holistic education of the child. To help those looking for an afterschool program, here are a few things to look for in your search.

Does the program offer a safe environment where kids can properly grow and develop?

According to Afterschool Alliance, a staggering 11.3 million American kids are left alone afterschool. So, it’s a no-brainer for safety to be at the top of every parent’s list. It’s also important to find a program with an inviting environment equipped with what it takes for kids to grow and thrive.

Is there a sufficient number of qualified, well-trained staff?

As we hear from our parents all the time, our programs are successful in large part because of caring and effective staff and volunteers. Our team’s daily objective is to create and build an ecosystem of high-quality learners. Seeing kids succeed beyond their own expectations drives all of us to work creatively, collaboratively and cohesively.

Does the program engage the interests of the children and provide opportunities for social learning?

The world of education is discovering more and more the need for social-emotional learning. Learning life-skills can carry children into adulthood and lead to the growth of productive individuals. Adding these skills to formal academic lessons results in a comprehensive educational experience.

Does the program use community resources?

You know the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” These words ring true, especially in an afterschool program. Without committed community partners, it can seem virtually impossible to provide a fully formed program. Community partners bring resources and opportunities to the programs they support that allow kids to enjoy experiences they’d otherwise miss.

While this is by no means an exhaustive list of the components of an effective afterschool program, it’s a good place to start. Here at Operation Shoestring, we’re also looking forward to our kids returning soon to afterschool full of excitement for another fruitful school year.  And we know it’s thanks to our supporters—like you— that help makes our program a success each year. Your investment of time and resources builds confidence, opens doors, and offers infinite possibilities for the kids in central Jackson. And that’s good for all of us.