After-school programs begin
By Donnie A. Lucas
Almost all students needing extra help are now able to attend one of three after-school sessions offered at both Nancy Smith Elementary and the Albany Jr./Sr. High campus.
All students in grades 7-12 can attend Lion Academy on Monday through Thursday this year, while fifth and sixth graders stay after school for Cub Academy.
The local ASPIRE program sponsored by ResourceCare will also begin at the grade school for third and fourth graders beginning Monday, Sept. 20.
“We started Cub Academy last week for the fifth and sixth graders who need extra help with assignments, make-up work or reviewing for tests,” principal John Gallagher said. “Students are welcome to stay from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday to get assistance with anything that makes them more successful.”
The program is provided by one of the four fifth and sixth grade teachers taking a day to provide help, covering the four core academic areas.
Gallagher added that the teachers will double up to have two present each day in the spring in order continue to provide support and prepare for STAAR testing.
Lion Academy
At the secondary level, Lion Academy is helping from 3:45 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and from 3:45 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday.
The sessions are manned by core curriculm teachers to provide assistance from making up missing work, studying for tests or helping for current assignment.
Assignments must be sent to Lion Academy in advance for students to work on in order for them to attend.
Students are required to sign in and out when attending, and once their work is completed, they need to leave the campus.
“We are already seeing more kids this year than last year,” principal Glen Hill said. “We started on Aug. 31, and I think teachers are happy with the way it is going.”
Campus rules prohibiting the use of cell phones or other electronic devices still apply to the after-school hours. Video games and movies are not allowed during the study time.
“Computers will be used for research and assignments only,” Hill said.
Students attending Lion Academy to take tests are required to turn in cell phones, and backpacks must not be accessible while taking any tests.
Water is permitted, but other food and drinks are not allowed in the library where the sessions are held.
Lion Academy is not used for disciplinary purposes, so students should only attend if they are ready to be productive, said Hill.
ASPIRE Begins
The ASPIRE program will begin Monday, with teacher Nickie Leveridge leading instruction for third and fourth graders from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday each week.
Other paraprofessional staff members will also assist with the program as needed.
As with the other two study programs, students can receive help doing homework, making up work, or studying for tests.
Funding for ASPIRE is provided by ResourceCare.
