New After-School Enrichment Program to Debut in Port Chester Schools

To better nourish the developing brains of Port Chester students, a new after-school program is set to begin next month.

JFK Magnet, King Street, Park Avenue, and Edison elementary schools will all provide a 21st Century Elementary Program for supplementary academic help outside the classroom. To sweeten the deal, participation for students is free of charge and funded by a grant given to Port Chester's district.

Activities will take place every day from 3 to 5:30 p.m., with pick-up from parents between 5:30 and 6 p.m.

The program will debut on October 1 or earlier.

"Because this is a brand-new grant program, the district needs additional time in September to get it started," said Frank Fanelli, Assistant Superintendent for Grants and Personnel. "We understand this may cause child care issues for some parents and for that reason, we will make every effort to begin the program before the projected October 1 start date."

For those who have participated in the arts and homework assistance program sponsored by the Port Chester Council for the Arts in past years, have no fear—the new program doesn't mean the closing of arts council programs.

Partnering together with 21st Century, Port Chester Council for the Arts offerings will still be made available at the schools where they've previously been offered. For more information, contact your child's school.

To bide time before the newly granted enrichment service starts, the King Street and Park Avenue's PTAs are planning to offer interim after-school programs during this first month of school.

For further inquiries, parents from all elementary schools should contact their school office for 21st Century program details, registration forms, and information about the interim programs offered.