From the Superintendent
We are very fortunate to be the recipient of a competitive grant-funded program that supports providing after-school enrichment programs for students in grades K-8. The success of this program, officially called Eastford CARES, is due in large part to the commitment of time and creative thought of the Program Coordinator, Candice Mead.
The following was written by Ms. Mead:
The Eastford CARES (Caring Adults Reaching Every Student) Program at Eastford Elementary School is in its third year of operation. With ongoing evolution, the program is now a partnership between the school, the Eastford Congregational Church, the Mystic Seaport Museum, and the Hale YMCA. Funded by a grant from the State Department of Education, the Eastford CARES program provides healthy opportunities for children to connect with adults in academic, social, athletic, and recreational ways.
Volunteers from the Eastford Congregational Church provide monthly opportunities for children in kindergarten through third grade to stay after school to play board games with church members and with each other. The children are developing their social skills and communication skills while learning sportsmanship and patience with adults whom they might otherwise never have met.
The teaching staff at EES is sharing their own outside interests and passions with students, too. For example, academic support is offered once weekly for all students in Grade 2 and up with Mrs. Mead. Children can join the ongoing Art Club with Mrs. Weinland. There is a Creative Movement and Dance Club for the youngest students offered by Ms. Garvie, and a Volleyball Club for the oldest offered by Mr. Cody. New additions that started in March include a Crochet Club offered by Ms. Ferrell-Denke, and a Friday Feature Movie Club hosted by Mrs. Mead, Mrs. Barlow and Mrs. Hull.
By subscribing to learning opportunities provided by well-established public educational organizations, the Eastford Explorers Club, made up of students in Grade 2 through Grade 6, interacts weekly with staff from Ragged Hill Woods, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Connecticut River Museum, and the Mystic Seaport Museum.
The partnership with the Hale YMCA in Putnam provides the Wellness component of the CARES Program daily after school until 5:30 p.m. with themed lessons and activities each week. Families are eligible for reduced rates thanks to the grant partnership. Families are invited to reach out to the YMCA office at (860) 315-9622 for more information about participating in the Wellness After School Program.
Students are not the only audience for the Eastford CARES Program, as it also provides opportunities for entire families to grow and learn together. So far this year, family engagement programs have been presented by Mystic Seaport and Roots to Fly Wellness. A Penguin Encounter presented by Mystic Aquarium happened on March 26, and a Family Fun and Feud Game Night is scheduled for May 20. In addition, there will be a Parent Workshop focusing on fostering resilience in our children on April 23. It’s never too late to join any of the ongoing clubs or activities.
