Maple Street School's Community School Program Ready to Start

Maple Street School is beginning its 2012 community school initiative on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the school.

Organizers have defined a community school as "a place where the school and community resources come together with a focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement that leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities."

Friday's kickoff event will feature pizza, free raffle prizes, entertainment (karate, dance, rap, and poetry demonstrations), booths describing programs and services, and performances by some former and current Maple Street School students.

Maple Street School Principal Lois Possell, will speak about the future goals of the community school project at 5:45 p.m. in the gymnasium.

Beginning in the fall, Maple Street School will be open after school Monday
through Friday with services and programs provided in six key areas:
• Health.
• Mental Health.
• Youth Development/Out-of-School Opportunities.
• Life-Long Learning.
• ParentEnrichment/Engagement.
• Community Engagement.

Beginning on April 24, the school will be open on Tuesday and Thursday
afternoons/evenings offering several programs and services. The programs include:

• A girls group sponsored by the Girl Scouts.
• Counseling and family support.
• A “Good News Club,” sponsored by Union Church.
• Homework assistance.
• Karate.
• Dance, and piano lessons.
• A baseball clinic.
• Yoga.
• A Positive rapping classes.
• A drama club.
• A walking club.

All of the programs and services are being offered free of charge. Maple Street School staff and volunteers from the community are volunteering their time to run the initiative.

Fore more information, call the school at 860-870-6175.