The first CES After School Program opened at Palmer Middle School twenty years ago. Today, Palmer is one of only a handful of sites in Massachusetts designated as a Demonstration level site, excelling in multiple areas of programming. CES currently runs thirteen After School Programs in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties, including 11 programs funded by 21st Century Learning Grants, and two fee for service programs.
Chris Taggart, Director of the CES After School program, notes that the CES After School Programs have grown and changed over the years. “Our site coordinators meet every 4-5 weeks as a group to discuss practices and share ideas.” In addition, Taggart said that it is common practice for the CES After School programs to “cross-pollinate” – coordinators visit other sites at least twice a year, and senior coordinators mentor those who are more junior.
Recent updates to After School Programs include the CES fee for service after school program at East Meadow Elementary School, Granby adding a ‘Math Club’. The activity utilizes a curriculum provided by Bedtimemath.org. This club boosted Friday’s total enrollment from 13 students up to 27 students. The Greenfield High School 21st CCLC program, the ‘Green Room’ was recently awarded DESE’s SPED 245 grant to enhance services for students on IEPs.
This year, CES After School was notified by DESE that it had been awarded a new 21st CCLC site at the Ware Middle School. Four CES After School Programs received the 21st CCLC Exemplary award in FY19 – Easthampton High School; Greenfield High School’s Green Room; Philip G. Coburn Elementary School and Memorial Elementary School. Exemplary status ensures that these After School programs will run for at least another 3 years.
To learn more about the CES After School Programs, click here
