21st Century Community Learning Center

     The 21st Century Community Learning Center at Fort Plain Central School is an after-school program for students in grades 5-8. The purpose of the program is to provide a safe, nurturing environment beyond the school day where children can participate in activities that enhance their academic achievement and provide for their social and emotional growth and development.
     The program begins when the school day ends and continues until 5:30 p.m. For the first hour, students are provided with a snack in the cafeteria followed by academic programs. These include help with homework, academic enrichment, individual tutoring, or counseling.
     The activity time which follows may include games, arts, various sports, computer and library use and presentations by community service agencies. The latter may include presentations by local community service agencies on topics such as nutrition and drug, alcohol, and tobacco awareness.
     Periodic family nights are held to encourage parents to participate in events with their children, and field trips are held to enhance cultural opportunities.
     While the program has specific goals to meet the needs of children who are at risk of educational failure, any student in grades 5-8 is eligible. Registration packets may be obtained at either school office. For more information, contact Fort Plain CCLC Program Director Christine Evenson at 993-4000, ext. 3563.
     The CCLC is underwritten by a federal grant and is operated as a partnership between HFM BOCES; the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Council of Hamilton, Fulton & Montgomery Counties; and Catholic Charities of Montgomery County working together with local school districts.

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After school program to continue despite funding loss

       The  district will continue its afterschool program for students in grades 5-8 despite loss of government funding for the program. School district officials learned recently that $116,897 in federal funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Center will not be available for the 2008-09 school year. The program had been grant-funded for eight years.
        “Unfortunately, this will mean the program will be reduced somewhat from what it has been,” Superintendent of Schools Douglas Burton said. “We’ll attempt to do as much as we can but it’s difficult to absorb that much of a funding loss.” Cutbacks will likely include staff, field trips, and guest speakers, Burton said.
            Burton said the school board recognizes the importance of the afterschool program to students. In 2005, for example, a delay in funding resulted in a shortened afterschool program. “We saw a definite negative effect on students in terms of their academic and social progress,” Burton said. “That is why the school board has allocated funding for the program to continue in the coming school year.”


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