21st Century Celebrates Another Great Year

By Ellen R. Delisio

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program wrapped up another engaging year at Keigwin and Woodrow Wilson Middle Schools (WWMS) in May, filled with creativity, technology, fun and personal growth.

“As our year comes to a close, it's amazing how many kids miss the program still,” said Linda Wall, WWMS site coordinator. “That shows that it and we really do make a difference. It starts out that they hate it! Their parents are making them go! But in the end, the majority of kids appreciate the program.”

Some of the highlights for 2018-19 were the variety of activities available to participants and the relationships students built with one another and staff members, said Any Desrosier, Keigwin’s site coordinator. “It was hard to say goodbye.”

Among the myriad of offerings were board games, knitting, crocheting, crafts, coloring and drawing, Minecraft, Krossfit, Tech-Rec, scooters, LEGOs, Rubik’s Cube, acting, Pet Partners, dance, drones, Invention Convention, Career Showcase preparation and Keigwin Reporters.

Students also benefited from numerous guest presenters for programs including Cooking Matters, Babysitting 101, Horizon Wings Owls, cartooning, Food Group Smoothies, dance and ice-cream making.

In addition to continuing existing collaborations, organizers developed new partnerships with Middlesex Community College, Connecticut Humanities, and the Middletown Agricultural Science and Technology program at Middletown High School, noted program director Patricia Jepson.

The program continues to be a hit with parents as well. “Parents were very thankful for the program and excited to have a fun and caring place for their children” Desrosier said.

Goals for next year include incorporating more STEM opportunities and additional student-driven clubs into the offerings along with a structured social-emotional learning aspect, said Desrosier. Beth Kilian, 21st Century coordinator, added that she would like to see a 21st Century student advisory board and increased involvement with Middletown High School’s clubs and organizations as well as have the high school’s Pet Partners program come to WWMS.

“Twenty-first Century is a win-win program,” added Mary Monarca-Webb, a WWMS guidance counselor and co-chairperson of the Career Showcase. “The students flourish with both academic and enrichment programs. I also look forward to 21st Century days and engaging with the students after school. It is wonderful working with the students and amazing to see their progress.”