A transfer request at the Smackover-Norphlet School District has led to a new after-school program for children in elementary school.
During last week’s school board meeting at the Smackover-Norphlet School District, Linda Fields, guardian over her granddaughter, requested an interdistrict transfer to El Dorado.
At the meeting, she talked about working in El Dorado and being concerned about having her granddaughter home alone before she could get home from work.
Board President Joe Bates asked if she had looked into the district’s after-school program before being reminded by members of the administration that there isn’t a program in place for elementary-age students.
This conversation, which ultimately led to the transfer being denied, did spark a conversation about an apparent need for an after-school program, said Curriculum Director Jennifer Lee.
The day after the school board meeting, a survey was sent out through the school blog asking parents whether an after-school program would be beneficial. Lee said 32 parents have responded to the survey with over 40 students accounted for. Surveys were also given out at open house, which haven’t been returned yet.
“The very next day, Mr. (Superintendent John) Gross received several phone calls from school board members individually who were saddened from that situation,” Lee said. “I know that several administrators from the central office worked with Mr. Gross. It’s just like ‘what can we do?’ because there really is a need.”
The new program will start Aug. 27 and will take place on the Smackover Elementary School campus. Participating students from the Norphlet Elementary School will be transported to the other campus.
Parents will be charged $7 a day for students attending five days a week, or $9 a day for students who come on a drop-in basis. The program starts after school gets out and pick-up will be at 5:30 p.m. on school days. It will not be open on days when school is on holiday, including days when school is dismissed early for weather issues.
Parents will be able to pay using a portal through the program Sandbox. Lee is currently working on getting the back end organized for parents to more easily make payments and look at when their student has attended. Initial paperwork is due by Wednesday to get the first set of students registered, but open enrollment will be held throughout the year.
While in session, at least two adults will be with the students. Certified teacher Judy Doherty, and two paraprofessionals with the school have signed up to be with the students. Lee said there will probably be others who come in as substitutes, but those will be the main three. During the after-school program, students will receive homework help, a snack and physical activity.
When the Smackover and Norphlet school districts combined, both had an after-school program. However, Lee said both have been discontinued since the merger. Lee said this is basically combining the two programs into one.
The program isn’t on a trial basis as Lee said they feel confident that there’s enough interest for it to last at least through the year. If the program isn’t paying for itself at some point, Lee said the district will consider either raising prices or discontinuing the program.
However, in the moment, Lee said they’ve seen a definitive need.
“The goal is really to provide a service,” Lee said. “For working parents, sometimes they need help with picking up students after school or taking care of children until they get off work. So our goal is to provide a safe and warm and nurturing environment for students.”
Michael Shine may be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook @MichaelAZShine for updates on Union County school news.