Children are the future and how that future looks depends on what is put into nurturing it. The After School program at the Roosevelt Elementary School in Dayton, Ohio does just that; through enrichment activities that include Arts and Crafts, STEM activities along with strength and conditioning.
Every afternoon, about 36 first to third graders in the program engage in activities that contribute to their individual successes. At the center is Mr. Newton, whose experience of over 30 years working with children and the community helps navigate the program and the children as it runs its first year. The program has also keeps track of the students’ progress in their respective classes through their teachers & excitement abounds as the first batch of 3rd graders from the program are about to take the State Exam.
Although in its first year, the program has managed to help the community outside of the children’s academics. On Fridays, students are supplied with food through the Backpack program and once a month, Student Resource Saturdays are held. These Saturdays are a leeway for the After School program to include the whole community through providing clothes, food, mental health awareness and support. This happens in conjunction of Girls Emerging Into Maturity- a program that has created a safe community for girls around the area. Outside of this, the program has also lent a helping hand to students having the school uniform and access to tutoring through volunteers.
With the constant support of McKinley United Methodist Church, the Dayton Equity Center, Mr. Anthony, the school and all staff & volunteers, this program is still able to play a part in ensuring that students have a space outside of class where they can continue to learn and grow.
“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.”- Malala Yousafzai.
