Area parents can still sign up students for PS 207’s after school program. Photo by Michael V. Cusenza
One of the pillars of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s first year in office has been afterschool programming for middle-school students. And according to the head of PS 207’s own afterschool program, area parents of children in grades 6 through 8 can still take advantage of de Blasio’s initiative at the Howard Beach school.
“We just want to make people aware that they should enroll soon,” said Michael Taylor, director of the afterschool program at PS 207, “because we’re going to fill up fast.”
The plan is free and runs from 2:20 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is open to any 6th, 7th or 8th grade student who lives in the area, regardless of the school they attend.
Taylor said the program, known as School’s Out New York City and run by the Sports and Arts in School Foundation, is not solely sports driven, but also relies on the cornerstones of enrichment—literacy; science, technology, engineering and math lessons—leadership and community service, which can include activities such as food and coat drives, walk for a cause and a mentoring program.
“We want to get them involved in being good citizens,” Taylor noted. “The nice thing about the design of the afterschool program is the flexibility and the ability to customize the program to the interests of the students in this area.”
Taylor said that 10 to 15 staff members are responsible for the students, who usually engage in one-hour blocks of activity, with at least four activities running concurrently.
“It’s all about how do we get kids excited about school without using traditional avenues?” Taylor said.
Taylor also pointed out that the administration’s unprecedented stake in afterschool programming is driving the popularity of the local outposts. According to the mayor’s office, as part of a $145 million investment—which will jump to $190 million in fiscal year 2015—to increase educational and recreational opportunities for city students ages 11-13, SONYC programs will be available in 562 schools, including 60 in District 75, a 143 percent increase over the previous 231. The total number of available middle-school seats will nearly double this year to 78,903, and to over 85,000 in fiscal year 2016. Enhancements, according to the administration, include programs being open five days per week for 36 weeks during the school year, and a higher price per participant to cover the additional hours, to enable providers to hire and retain qualified staff and provide high-quality programming.
Parents interested in signing up their children for PS 207’s program can visit nyc.gov/afterschool, or call (718) 848-2700.
By Michael V. Cusenza
