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After the Bell Program

2011-12 “After the Bell” Program to Start October 3rd

Many young people find themselves without supervision on weekdays between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. In 2009, the Afterschool Alliance conducted a national survey to learn how many school age children are in afterschool programs and how many spend their time unsupervised. In Wisconsin, one third of children are responsible for themselves after school, and they spend an average of seven after-school hours per week unsupervised.

High-quality afterschool programs provide safe physical and emotional environments, support positive relationships with adults, promote youth voice in decision-making and encourage learning. After-school programs keep youth out of trouble by providing safe and structured time during critical afternoon hours. Overall, the research shows that children who are supervised and engaged in structured activities are less likely to participate in high risk activities. For middle school students, being supervised after-school reduces by half the risk that they will smoke, drink, or abuse drugs.

This is why the “After the Bell” program was created and has been provided for over 390 different youth to go during the after school hours for the past seven years. Many of the youth who have participated have come to the program for all three years they are in the middle school. Past participants have indicated that the “After the Bell” program provides them with a safe place to go after school where they felt a sense of belonging, provided them with opportunities to learn new skills, develop more independence, and allowed them to participate in service opportunities. Youth indicate they have fun while learning new things to do.

For the 2011-12 school year, the “After the Bell” program will begin on Monday, October 3, 2011. This program is available for all middle school students whether they attend public or parochial school from 3:05 – 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday in Room 117 (new location for 2011-12) (enter the school through Door 14) at the Prairie River Middle School on regular school days. The program offers participants a safe, easily accessible place to go after school where they have the opportunity to participate in positive enrichment activities. Participants are supervised by an adult supervisor(s) with assistance from community volunteers and/or high school students. Students do not need to attend the program every day but can choose which days they wish to attend. If students are interested in participating, they can pick up a information and required forms in the Prairie River Middle School office, T.B. Scott Library, the UW-Extension office or the first day they attend the program. The information is also available by clicking below. Completed forms must be turned in the second time you attend the program.

To keep the cost of the program free to participants, the program relies on the generosity and support of the local community to fund the program expenses. Funds are needed for supplies and paying staff who provide daily supervision of the program. Recently, we received donations from Eagles Aerie 584, River Valley Bank, Kiwanis Club of Greater Merrill, Park City Credit Union, Marshfield Merrill Clinic, Reindl Printing, Inc., Laureate Alpha Alpha, and the Lincoln County Safe and Stable Families grant. In addition, Dave’s County Market has agreed to donate food for snacks throughout the year and Hugo’s has agreed to donate food for special holiday parties. In order for us to offer the program for the entire school year, we need additional funding. A complete funding proposal is available below.

In trying to keep our budget low, we are seeking volunteers to help supervise or lead enrichment activities for participants, whether a one-time or a regular basis. If you are interested in volunteering or in making a donation to the “After the Bell” 2011-2012 school year program, please contact Holly Westberg, Program Coordinator at (715) 218-7384 or via e-mail at hollymwestberg@yahoo.com or Debbie Moellendorf at the Lincoln County UW-Extension office at (715) 539-1077 or via e-mail at deborah.moellendorf@ces.uwex.edu.

2011-12 ATB Cover Letter

2011-12 ATB Permission form

2011-12 ATB Youth Health form

Revised 2011-12 ATB Funding Proposal

Thank you to the following individuals, businesses and organizations who have donated and are making the 2011-12 program possible: