South San Francisco, CA March 18, 2015 Submitted by Michael Hornsby
Preface: The outreach for this program started a year ago by concerned parents as they worked diligently with the School District to bring this to reality. The new session is set to begin with an additional program set up at Westborough Middle School in addition to the current Alta Loma Middle School location. The program needs 30 students per site to be realized this year with the sign up deadline April 17th. Please share this opportunity with other parents in our city and help make this program successful again this year. More information on how the parents worked to create this can be found on our website HERE.
DOES YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILD NEED A PLACE TO GO AFTER SCHOOL?
ONSITE AFTER CARE FOR SSF MIDDLE SCHOOLS
How was this started?
As a community, many parents have expressed the desire to have an aftercare program onsite for their middle school aged children. SSFUSD has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club to pilot a very successful program at Alta Loma Middle School for the 2014-2015 year. SSFUSD and Boys and Girls club are excited to continue the Alta Loma program and expand to Westborough Middle School with an on site program. Currently, Boys and Girls Club offers a 2 day a week program at Parkway Middle School and is considering an expansion of this program.
What’s next?
- See the attachments to learn more about the program
- Preregister your child by April 17,2015 for the 2015-2016 year through online registration or visit the Boys & Girls Club to sign up. http://www.theclubs.org, or call (650) 589-7090
- Enrollment of 30 students is required at your school for the program to be available, so please register by the deadline.
- A non refundable deposit of $100 is needed to secure your child’s place in the program, the deposit will be applied to the first month fee
- Tuition for the program is $290/month
What can my child and I expect?
For those of us that have had children in after care programs, there are some similarities with homework time, outdoor recreation, art projects, etc. The difference is that these programs are geared toward the middle school age group and more similar to a club, than traditional after care. Your child has more independence helping to choose some of the themes or activities they participate in (e.g., movie making, d.j. skills, and community service), they can help cook healthy snacks with the group in the afternoon and can attend after school activities at their school if they choose (tutor time with a teacher, school clubs and events). This type of experience helps them make new friends, develop strong relationships and help build their confidence during their middle school years. For a quick view of the Alta Loma Middle School program, visit the student run blog at www.bgc- altaloma.tumblr.com
Please see the attached handouts from the Boys & Girls Club regarding registration and general program information. If you have any questions, or would like to visit the Alta Loma Middle School site, please contact Brendan Walsh at [email protected] or at 415-572-5604.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Boys & Girls Club all about?
The Boys & Girls Club of North San Mateo County provides a positive, healthy learning environment designed to support academic success, physical and emotional health. Our program is designed to foster the career ambitions of our youth, preparing them to graduate high school and become productive citizens. The Club currently operates 6 sites in South San Francisco and Pacifica, serving ages 6 to 18. We currently offer one onsite pilot program for middle school students at Alta Loma Middle School. For more information, please visit Alta Loma’s Blog: www.bgc-‐altaloma.tumblr.com; or visit our website: www.theclubs.org
Our vision is that:
- Every youth will have a positive sense of self
- Every youth will be physically active every day
- Every youth will achieve academic success
What programs and activities are offered at an onsite middle-‐school program?
We offer a variety of enrichment activities throughout the year including urban and cultural art, recreational games, sports and fitness, cooking projects, photography, music production workshops, along with service learning opportunities within our community. There is daily quiet time for homework, with teen and adult volunteers available to provide assistance upon request. Healthy snacks are provided daily at no additional cost.
What is the status of the Boys & Girls Clubs Program at SSF Middle Schools?
We are currently offering a pilot program at Alta Loma Middle School for the 2014-‐2015 school year. This program was established with the help of SSF Unified School District and the Out of School Time Committee, based on the needs expressed by families in our community.
At Boys and Girls Clubs, we seek to address this need throughout our community by offering our programming at all middle school sites. However, we are only able to sustain an onsite program if we are assured—in advance—that we will have a sufficient number of members at that given site.
Will the Boys & Girls Program be available to students from Westborough and Parkway Middle schools?
If we have 30 registered students for the 2015-‐16 school year by April 17, 2015, we will be able to offer this program. This is why it’s so important for you to register by April 17th.
What are the hours of the program?
The program will open immediately after school (early on early release and minimum days) until 6:30 p.m.
Who are the staff?
Onsite programs are staffed by Boys & Girls Club employees. All staff have experience working with youth, all pass an extensive background check and are certified in CPR and First Aid. In addition, we regularly engage volunteers, who work with our members on homework as well as other enrichment activities. All volunteers must also pass a comprehensive background check.
What is the cost?
The full cost is $290 per month ($130 for the month of August only). There is a 20% discount for siblings in the program (so for 2 sibs the cost would be $464).
Is financial assistance available?
The Child Care Coordinating Council (4Cs) provides financial assistance to families who meet income and eligibility requirements set by the California Department of Education, Child Development Division. Contact 4Cs at (650) 517-‐1400, or www.sanmateo4cs.org.
Boys & Girls Club does not have scholarships available at this time. However, we are seeking support for a scholarship program and hope to have scholarships available soon. Please check with us if you are interested.
How Can I Pay?
We accept payment with cash, VISA, MC or personal check (with a valid CA drivers license). We are currently establishing an online payment system that will enable online payments. This function will be available soon.
Can I reserve a space for my child today?
Yes. We can reserve a space for your child as soon as we receive a completed registration form along with a $100 deposit. The deposit is non-‐refundable and will applied to the first month’s payment.
If my child is part of a club sports team or meets with a teacher for tutoring; can they still attend the program?
Yes, we ask that students let us know where on the school campus they will be during this time.
Can my child participate in other Club programs?
Yes. There is a $30 B&GC annual membership fee—which is included in August fee. If your child signs up for an athletics league or summer camp, for instance, this fee would cover the membership cost (additional fees apply for league participation and camps).
Are you open on school holidays and in the summer?
We are closed on days that school is closed. Day camps will be available at the Orange Avenue site for some school closure dates, but not for legal holidays. We are not currently planning to be open during summer. Summer camp is available at our Orange Avenue clubhouse.
For additional information, please contact Brendan Walsh, ALMS Site Director, [email protected], (415) 572-5604 (cell); or visit our website: www.theclubs.org.
ALTA LOMA AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Boys & Girls Club all about?
The Boys & Girls Clubs of North San Mateo County provides a positive, healthy learning environment designed to support academic success, physical and emotional health. Our program is designed to foster the career ambitions of our youth, preparing them to graduate high school and become productive citizens. The Club currently operates 6 sites in South San Francisco and Pacifica, serving ages 6 to 18. We currently offer one onsite pilot program for middle school students at Alta Loma Middle School. For more information, please visit Alta Loma’s blog: www.bgc-‐altaloma.tumblr.com; or visit our website: www.theclubs.org.
Our vision is that:
- Every youth will have a positive sense of self
- Every youth will be physically active every day
- Every youth will achieve academic success
What programs and activities will be offered?
We offer a variety of enrichment activities throughout the year including urban and cultural art, recreational games, sports and fitness, cooking projects, photography, music production workshops, along with service learning opportunities within our community. There is daily quiet time for homework, with teen and adult volunteers available to provide assistance upon request. Healthy snacks are provided daily, at no additional cost.
What are the hours of the program?
The program will open immediately after school (early on early release and minimum days) until 6:30 p.m. At this time, we are not able to offer care before school starts.
Who are the staff?
- Site Director: Brendan Walsh is a full-‐time Boys & Girls Club employee with more than a decade of experience managing middle school after school programs
- Program Leader: Brittany Burgo grew up in the Club and has been working with the organization for the past four years
- All staff are adults, have experience working with youth, and have passed background checks. At least one person on site will trained and certified in CPR and First
- Volunteers—may be teens or adults and will also have passed background
What is the cost?
The cost is $290 per month ($130 for the month of August). There is a 20% discount for siblings in the program (e.g., for two siblings the monthly cost would be $464).
Is financial assistance available?
The Child Care Coordinating Council (4Cs) provides financial assistance to families who meet income and eligibility requirements set by the California Department of Education, Child Development Division. Contact 4Cs at (650) 517-‐1400, or www.sanmateo4cs.org.
Boys & Girls Club does not have scholarships available at this time. We are seeking support and hope to have scholarships available soon, so please check with our staff, if you are interested.
How Can I Pay?
We accept payment with cash, VISA, MC or personal check (with a valid CA drivers license). We are currently establishing an online payment system that will enable online payments. This function will be available soon.
Can I reserve a space for my child today?
Yes. We can reserve a space for your child as soon as we receive a completed registration form along with a $100 deposit. The deposit is non-‐refundable and will applied to the first month’s payment.
Will transportation be available to the Orange Avenue Club?
Transportation from Alta Loma is not available at this time. There is transportation available from Westborough and Parkway middle schools, as well as Buri Buri and Ponderosa elementary schools.
If my child is part of a club sports team or meets with a teacher for tutoring; can they still attend the program?
Yes, we ask that students let us know where on the school campus they will be during this time.
Can my child participate in other Club programs?
Yes. There is a $30 B&GC annual membership fee—which is included in August fee. If your child signs up for an athletics league or summer camp, for instance, this fee would cover the membership cost (additional fees apply for league participation and camps).
Are you open on school holidays and in the summer?
We are closed on days that school is closed. Day camps will be available at the Orange Avenue site for some school closure dates, but not for legal holidays. We are not currently planning to be open during summer. Summer camp is available at our Orange Avenue clubhouse.
For additional information, please contact Brendan Walsh, Site Director and check out or Program blog at www.bgc-‐altaloma.tumblr.com
[email protected] (415) 572-‐5604 (cell)