AG 2001 09 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST FOR FUNDS The focus of the 4-H SOS Goldminers in 2001-2002 will be to extend and expand the afterschool care for students attending Concord Middle School. The youth served will be sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who would be "latchkey" youth during the cdtical after school hours and for those who need assistance in academic and social skills. Pdor to beginning this program, a parent's needs assessment was distributed to 1,348 students. Parents who responded reported that 320 youth were going home alone and 180 were caring for younger siblings. The percentage of children in Cabarrus County below the poverty level is 9.73%. At Concord Middle School, the percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunch is 36%. Families under financial stress often cannot provide resources for higher academic success. Our experience and research has shown that well-planned afterschool programs can help fill this void. The Cabarrus County Department of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention reports that in the year 1999-2000, there were 42 county youth who were determined to be Undisciplined. Most of those arrested were for infractions committed between the hours of 2-8 p.m. 544 youth were determined to be Delinquent, while 50 were placed in Secure Detention for at least 5 days. National research has shown there is an impact of afterschool programs that provide a safe, nurturing but structured environment on juvenile crime statistics. In February 2001, Concord Middle School had 60 students with English as their second language. The afferschool hours can provide further opportunities for these students to practice their language skills and receive the guidance they may not receive at home with their homework. These groups can also participate in enrichment activities dudng the afterschool program that allow them to expand their interests, skills, and knowledge beyond what is normally available to them. Students report to 4-H SOS Goldminers directly after school dismissal. After a nutritious snack and social/sharing time, they attend enrichment activities from 3:00-4:00 p.m. These can include music, arts, science, math, social studies, career awareness, communication skills, character education, computer skill building, and social skill development as well as hobbies or interests. Afterward, an hour of homework help and tutodng is provided followed by an hour of physical recreation. 4-H SOS Goldminers provides a warm and exciting place to come and also receive academic help. Since positive adult role models are also important at this age, the program is designed to serve an enrollment of 50-60 students with a daily adult to child ratio, especially during homework help, of 1:12. Our past experiences have determined that although volunteer staffs are excellent, it is difficult for most people to commit on a regular or long-term basis. Therefore, the pdmary use of the funds will go to hiring persons with training, knowledge and the love of children at this unique age. Other funds will allow for field trips within the community and provide supplies for school projects, snacks and enrichment. Good communication is an integral part of the program; therefore, postage and telephone expenses are incurred.