Local after school programs gear up for new school year, focus on closing learning gap
SALISBURY, Md.- The chime of a bell at the end of the day means for many students it’s time to go home, but for after school programs like Salisbury Urban Ministries’ Kid’s Cafe and Wor-Wic’s Child Care Development Center the day is just getting started.
“Every family has their own unique reasons of why there’s a need for after school programs. Whether it’s two working parents or communities we work with a lot where there’s language barriers,” Kreutner said.
“You don’t want to inundate them because they’ve been in school for over six hours. We want to give them something to wind down with whether it’s the arts, more computer usage, or more book reading,” Wor-Wic Childcare Development Center Director Sandra March said.
Both programs provide things like homework assistance, one-on-one tutoring, and school supplies.
As these students continue facing challenges caused by COVID-19, Kid’s Cafe Coordinator Kevin Kreutner says their partnership with Wicomico County Public Schools allows them to have all hands-on deck in a student’s academic journey. “Being able to have that helps us a ton to be able to talk to the teachers, find out what’s going on, and also honestly to understand the modalities,” Kreutner said.
Yet, those we spoke with say book knowledge is only part of the focus. “When they come back into the school system it’s about learning the rules of engagement all over again, respecting our friends, and respecting our elders.”
Majority of students in the Kid’s Cafe program come from the growing Haitian population in Salisbury.
Salisbury Urban Ministries Executive Director Debbie Donaway says although their time with these students is limited, their goal is to make it meaningful. “We have a mantra that we do every day which is to believe in yourself and believe that anything is possible. I think as we work with them and build their confidence it helps. Yes, it is difficult. Yes, you are struggling but you can do this. We’re going to make sure you can do this,” Donaway said.
Salisbury Urban Ministries tells us their fortunate enough to not face any financial challenges currently, as they’re supported by United Methodist Churches and other donors. They also receive meals from a local vendor and say they’ll be fully ready for student’s return.
For parents interested in Wor-Wic’s program there is a fee of $90 per week which officials say is being kept low in wake of the current challenging times.
Kid’s Cafe is a free service for East Salisbury and Beaver Run students that even provides them transportation from the bus stop to the program.
