Grant means special help for eligible students

Free after-school care for students needing additional educational help is now available at five of Fallbrook’s elementary district schools. The new program offered at Fallbrook Street, La Paloma, Live Oak, Maie Ellis and William Frazier isn’t “babysitting.” The emphasis is education, says Abe Oliveras, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of North County, and Gordon Stone, director of the San Diego County Fallbrook Community Center. On February 1, began administering a federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers five-year grant that pays for the program. Fallbrook Street, Live Oak, Maie Ellis and William Frazier are under the jurisdiction of the Boys & Girls Club; La Paloma will be administered by the Fallbrook Community Center. Students will be accepted for the program based on recommendation by their teachers.

21st Century Community Learning Centers are part of the Bush administration’s No Child Left Behind Act and offer low-performing students an opportunity to improve core education requirements and learn new skills and abilities after the school day ends. Funding flows from the Federal government to states based on their share of Title I, Part A funds. According to the California Department of Education, “This state-administered, federally funded program provides five-year grant funding to establish or expand before- and after-school programs that provide disadvantaged K-12 students (particularly students who attend schools in need of improvement) with academic enrichment opportunities and supportive services to help the students meet state and local standards in core content areas.” The grant provides for financial aid of $5 per student per day. California’s 2005 share is $137 million.

The Fallbrook Union Elementary School District is the third district in San Diego County to receive funding. “We deserve the funds,” says Mike Choate, district superintendent. “A significant number of our students meet the criteria.” Roughly 10 percent of each school’s student enrollment qualifies. Choate believes the program will take some of the pressure off working parents whose children’s homework crowds out after-school family time. By getting their homework done before they get home, families will have more time to enjoy each other, he says. Many of the students attending are “latchkey” children whose after-school hours are not supervised. Being a part of the program will be a boon to parents not only for its enrichment and educational contributions but also because of its safety.

Students attending will receive two sessions of homework assistance and computer-assisted learning using the educational software Success Maker. “We call it the Power Hour,” says Oliveras. “The grant requirements are specific,” says Stone, who plans to offer enrichment activities such as art, science, creative writing, karate, cooking, dance, guitar and service projects after students complete their homework and computer-aided learning sessions. Oliveras is looking at arts and crafts, photography, music, organized games and fitness activities. “We’re considering soccer, volleyball,” he says, commenting that physical activities at that time of day will be welcomed by most students. Students will also get a light snack.

Enrollment is now at approximately 80 students per school site administered by the Boys & Girls Club. La Paloma’s opening enrollment was 60 students. “We have room for more La Paloma students,” says Gordon Stone. “We added five new staff and can take another 30-40 kids. Enrollment packets are available at the Fallbrook Community Center.” Three to four staff members and a site director are assigned to Fallbrook Street, Live Oak, Maie Ellis and William Frazier schools. They report directly to Lisa Ware, who also oversees the after-hours program at Potter Junior High. Oliveras and Stone believe their programs can expand to 100 students and are ready to meet the demand.

To find out if your child qualifies for the 21st Century Community Learning Center after-school program at La Paloma, call the Fallbrook Community Center, (760) 728-1671. For Fallbrook Street, Live Oak, Maie Ellis and William Frazier call the Boys & Girls Club of North County, (760) 728-5871.