The Springs School and the John M. Marshall Elementary School have Project Most for supervised after-school activities and homework help. The Sag Harbor School District has partnered up with HUGS Inc. for a similar program. Now, the Bridgehampton School District has joined those neighboring schools in offering an enriching experience after the last bell rings.
Thanks to a five-year, $2.25 million 21st Century Learning Communities grant from the New York State Education Department in May, the district this week launched a fresh take on what used to be called Aspire.
“This is year one of implementation,” Mary Kelly, the district superintendent, said recently. “We have some wonderful partners that are working with us on the East End, so it’s very exciting, and it’s a very robust program.”
The program runs from 2:45 to 5:45 p.m., five days a week, and is open to all students in prekindergarten through 12th grade.
According to Youth.gov, a child-centered website published by the U.S. government, “after-school programs can support social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe and supportive environment for children and youth.” Every dollar invested in after-school programs is said to lead to a $3 return on investment when school performance, lower juvenile delinquency rates, and other factors are considered.
The new Bridgehampton program is also expected to be a boon to working parents, with busing available for children who need transportation home.
“It really extends the time where the children are with us, and they’re well supervised,” Ms. Kelly said. “Certainly for families who need that, it’s an added benefit.”
Michael Miller, the school’s principal, said the new offerings include science, technology, drama, and art on top of an after-school program that had already included homework help, literacy support, and other activities. “There are more opportunities for students to get involved after school,” he said.
The grant was a competitive process. Other Long Island recipients were Eastern Suffolk BOCES, Nassau Community College, and five additional public school districts on Long Island, Freeport, South Huntington, Little Flower, Hempstead, and West Hempstead.
“We’re really excited that we were chosen,” Ms. Kelly said. “It will be a tremendous benefit for our kids.”