Our students have their homework out, their thinking caps on and pencils poised for our best school term ever. The KidWorks’ afterschool programs are now in full swing for grades kindergarten through high school at all four centers. Here’s a look at what’s new and improved:
Kindergarten through fifth grade: “What’s most remarkable as we start the new school year is that KidWorks anticipates serving more kindergarten through fifth grade students than ever before,” says Jacky Hernandez, Program Leader at our Dan Donahue Center. “We are in the process of enrolling 412 new and returning students,” she says. That includes 260 at the Dan Donahue Center, 55 at the Townsend Center, 52 at the Bishop Manor Center and 45 at the Cedar Evergreen Center. “We’re excited to welcome back all of our returning families and to forge relationships with our new families,” Jacky says. “Our wonderful afterschool volunteer tutors are already helping out in the classroom each day, improving reading, writing, math and other academic skills.”
Youth (middle school through high school): This fall, KidWorks is serving 170 youth in middle and high school. “We are engaging with our youth more strongly than ever before, and in new ways,” says Frank Bejarano, Youth & Family Engagement Director. “Of special emphasis going forward is developing the leadership skills in our youth so that they are equipped with the skills and commitment to contribute in the strongest ways possible to their communities and society as a whole. We’ve revamped our youth-oriented program schedules to deepen engagement between our students, staff and volunteers. For volunteers, we invite these valued partners to become involved in a variety of ways, including the Youth Empowerment Network (YEN), outdoor sports, KidWorks University, silent study and our full range of enrichment classes.”
New Dan Donahue Center Outdoor Sports Court: “Good nutrition, healthy choices and physical fitness are areas we strongly emphasize in additional to the academic, spiritual and leadership development aspects of our programs,” says David Benavides. “That’s why we’re so excited that the Dan Donahue Center now has a fully refurbished and expanded outdoor sports and recreational area. This new space was ready in time for the start of the new school term and features basketball courts, soccer goal sets, volleyball court, picnic tables and a community garden all covered by an outdoor shade so that students can keep cool while playing outside. We’re grateful to those who supported this project, including Cory Alder and Nexus Development, Vineyards Development and the Ogulnick Family, and Largo Concrete.”
A big KidWorks “Thank you!” to all the many donors, volunteers and supporters who are getting our students off to a solid academic start once again this school term