School for many students can be a struggle. We all have the same 24 hours, but sometimes that just is not enough time. Kids have sports, social lives, and other extracurriculars, and the early bedtimes make everyday busy and tiring. On top of all that, school is hard. It is easy to fall behind or fail to engage in new information, but it can be even harder to find help. Although not intentionally, kids can easily fall behind and not realize it, forcing them to play catch-up in an already packed schedule. However, they do not want to make this a habit, so it is important to get them up to date fast but even more important to solidify good learning habits.
Although tutors are an option, they can be expensive. A great place children can instead go to if available are before school and after school enrichment programs. These programs provide children with additional learning opportunities outside of regular school, offering academic support, tutoring, or simply extra homework help. Available for everyone, it is also a great place for students to go to in case of missed classes. Another great benefit is that they are held at school, so no extra driving is required and may actually help parents avoid the school traffic hours since they would be going an hour or so before school or staying for that period after school.
These programs also provide a refuge for academically struggling kids. It can be embarrassing asking your peers for help, and children can be pretty prideful, so being in an environment where they all need some help can be comforting and would help alleviate some of the apprehension of asking for assistance. By doing so, doors to potential friendships open as well. Friendship can be found in shared struggles, and academic struggles are where some of the best friends are made. Besides, it would be heartening to know that the friends your child makes here also grow with your child, and going from struggling and complaining about school work to accepting it and exceling in it is really cool to see and even better to feel.
For parents, these programs can be lifesavers, and not just in terms of finding tutors. Many parents experience long work hours, and having to rush to pick up or drop off your kid is just added stress. With before-school and after-school programs, parents can rest a little easier knowing their child is cared for in a safe and learning conducive environment, and since these programs focus on academic improvement, it can be a life-saver for preserving or growing your relationship with your child. For instance, instead of getting frustrated at having to learn the same material as them and attempting to teach it to them, parents can now spend that time with their child doing the things they like to do together and not misplacing work stress and anger back on them, truly unwinding and actually enjoying quality time together.
Before-school and after-school programs are important for a multitude of reasons which is why Midland Independent School District in Texas is seeking proposals from vendors who can provide a clearly defined and intentional before school/after school enrichment program that allows for homework completion as well as embeds social-emotional learning to support the work of MISD's strategy plan. The program should have a fully developed curriculum that is engaging, interactive, and tied to state standards, with staff that is trained in SEL and trauma-informed care. If interested in this opportunity, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes February 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM CT.
