Laconia afterschool programs will serve over 300 students this year

LACONIA — The middle school gym turned into an inflatable wonderland for the evening on Sept. 18, with bounce houses, obstacle courses, and games for students of all ages to enjoy, all donated by Vertical Entertainment.

The event, Bounce into Afterschool, was put on by Laconia School District’s Office of Extended Learning, celebrating the beginning of afterschool programs for students in kindergarten through 12th. 

The Office of Extended Learning supports Woodland Heights Elementary, Pleasant Street, Elm Street, Laconia Middle, and Laconia High schools with afterschool programs and experiences. Federal grant funds awarded to the school district from Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center makes these programs possible for students at no cost.

“I think one of the things that, being an outsider coming in, that I'm noticing is the number of available opportunities for kids,” said Joseph Baeta, the city's new superintendent of schools. “Making sure that there is something going on, especially Monday through Friday, but even on weekends, there's stuff going on, and it's not something that you find in every community, especially at minimal to no charge.”

Afterschool programs are in full swing Monday through Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Sept. 21-June 4, with Project EXTRA at the elementary schools, the REAL Initiative at the middle school, and afterschool clubs available for high school students.

Kerri Howe, program administrator for extended learning, said they also offer extended learning opportunities for high school students out into the community, earning school credit through internships or job shadowing. Career speakers and discussions about rent and car insurance are also available for high school students enrolled in afterschool clubs.

Howe said they had over 300 students apply, and each of the five schools takes about 65 kids into the program. They currently have a waitlist, but Howe said they are trying to accommodate as many students as they can.

Site coordinators were ready Friday night to answer questions from parents about their afterschool programs.

“Most parents love it. They find it's a safe, engaged place to be after school,” Howe said. “It is academic based, so it's a little bit different than just an afterschool daycare. It's really focused on extending what the kids are doing during the day, but doing it in a fun, and engaging, way.”

Afterschool programs offer a variety of activities and experiences including in STEM, fun and fit groups, creative corner, social and emotional learning through friendship clubs, and math literacy groups.

Howe said at Pleasant Street School, they have a cardboard club, where students build cardboard designs with saw-like machines.

The Office of Extended Learning is partnered with Club Piklbal, Vale Tudo, Belknap Mill Historical Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH, Sachem Health, Girl Scouts, Lakes Region Community College, and Jump N Joy.

These partnerships allow for students to take part in out-of-school experiences as well, through afterschool programs.

“It's just really fun for them to be able to connect with each other, and get to do something fun after school," Stephanie Milne, site coordinator for afterschool programs at Woodland Heights, said.

Milne said over the summer, the three elementary schools were a part of the five-week summer program at Pleasant Street School, concluding with a summer exhibition where students from each grade level showcased what they learned to their peers and parents.

Milne said they are planning how the three elementary schools can “intermingle” throughout this school year’s programs and events.

“Having the Office of Extended Learning supporting all these programs, and making sure that we're doing our best, allows families to allow their kids to have something to do after school on a Friday at 4 p.m.,” Baeta said. “I think it's great for the public school system, and for the community at large.”