Duane Hicks
Starting next week, the Town of Fort Frances will be providing a new after-school program for local children in Grades 1-8.
Aimed at not only giving kids something to do after school, but to provide an essential component of their healthy development, the program will consist of games, sports, and crafts organized by staff at the Memorial Sports Centre.
“It’s a new program we’re trying to offer for those kids that don’t participate in sports and might be sitting at home,” Megan Ross, the town’s physical education director, said yesterday afternoon.
“We’re trying to get them away from the computer and get them a little active,” she added.
Ross said the idea for the program began with Robert Moore teacher Cynthia Donald, who had done a survey at the school to see if there was a need for it—and if people would participate should one be started.
The survey results indicated there was a need, and Donald approached Ross back in the spring to come up with a program.
The after-school program will start next Tuesday (Oct. 13). Parents/guardians can sign up their children right now at the Memorial Sports Centre.
The program will run four days a week—two days each for two sets of students.
For children in Grades 1-6, it will run Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15-6:15 p.m.
For those in Grades 7-8, it will run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-6:15 p.m.
Each day will include an hour or two of physical activity, followed by an hour of time for a variety of other activities to broaden their skills.
“We’re trying to incorporate physical activity as well as growth development, so we’re probably going to be playing indoor soccer, floor hockey, and dodgeball, as well as having arts and crafts,” noted Ross.
“Time permitting, we’ll maybe spend some time helping the kids out with their homework, as well as use the kitchen to make afternoon snacks and stuff like that,” she added.
The cost is $10 per day ($8 each additional child), $16 per week ($11 each additional child), or $100 for 10 weeks ($95 for each additional child).
The program will run until Dec. 17 (just before the Christmas break).
Ross said that depending on the response, the program may be offered again in the new year.
“We’ve had a few people sign up—a lot more inquiries,” she noted, adding the program is being advertised and she hopes to get a good response prior to Tuesday.
“Maybe even next week, we’ll see more people coming down and registering,” Ross said.
For more information, contact her at 274-4561.
