After-school Program Nixed In Wicomico County - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

WICOMICO, CO., Md. - Wicomico County School officials are shutting down the STARS I (Students Targeting Achievement & Reading Success) after-school program. They say the grant used to fund the program for the past nine years was not renewed from the Maryland State Department of Education. The $1.14 million dollar grant would have been used over three years to serve about 340 students in eight schools.

Officials call the move a "huge loss in many ways." They say the program has provided a safe place for homework and academic enrichment for students. Plus they say throughout the nine years of the program's existence, 15 percent more STARS students become proficient in reading than non-participating students. Schools that will no longer have a STARS program in 2012-2012 include: Beaver Run Elementary, Charles H. Chipman Elementary, Delmar Elementary and West Salisbury Elementary.

Funding from other grants will continue to provide after-school programming for 480 students in the STARS II and STARS MAST (Math, Arts, Science and Technology). Programs will continue at the following schools: East Salisbury Elementary, Glen Avenue Elementary, Pemberton Elementary, Salisbury Middle and Wicomico Middle. However officials say they will be serving fewer total students.

Wicomico County School officials say the schools with programs that will not be affecting by the STARS funding changes include: North Salisbury Elementary, Northwestern Elementary, Pinehurst Elementary, Prince Street Elementary and Bennett Middle.

STARS families in affected schools may be able to find after-school care at the school through the Kids Klub program offered by Wicomico County Department of Recreation & Parks, or through after-school programs in the community. Parents with questions or concerns should contact the STARS office at 410-677-4398.