The “Kids on the Block” after-school program has served McMinnville School District students for nearly 30 years, providing after-school enrichment at the district’s six elementary schools.
“We’re very committed to after-school and preschool programs,” said Dr. Maryalice Russell, superintendent of McMinnville Schools.
“There’s a growing body of research that shows these programs are critical to giving kids a strong start and keeping them engaged in the learning process,” she said. “Our goal is not only to keep the district’s after-school ‘Success Now!’ program strong, but to keep Kids on the Block strong as well. We will also continue to bolster after-school offerings with grant-funded programs like our new STEAM Ahead initiative.”
District officials led city leaders on a tour of some of the district’s early learning programs and elementary classrooms this week to give them a first-hand look at the children served. Included in the tour was a representative from OregonASK, a statewide after-school network that’s working to assess the program and create a plan for long-term sustainability.
“We want to do everything we can to make after-school programs available to every student who wants and needs them,” said Russell.
10/3/2018