MAY 2008—On Friday, May 16, Middletown students and their families enrolled in the district’s after-school program came out for the first annual after-school celebration “Family Fun Night” held at Maple Hill Elementary School.

“This was a very positive night,” said Christine Brinckerhoff, Assistant Superintendent of the Middletown Recreation & Parks Department. “Kids got to showcase their talents and teach others.”

With over 400 in attendance, students and parents got a wealth of knowledge about programs and services being offered throughout our district. About 20 community agencies were on hand for the event to talk to parents about their services in addition to our efforts.  

This year the district’s after-school program, in conjunction with the Middletown Recreation & Parks Department, served over 600 elementary students and middle school students made possible through funding from 21^st Century, Extended Day/School Violence Prevention, and Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) grants.  The EDI program provided students with additional instruction and support prior to the New York State English Language Arts (ELA) exams (grades 3-8) and the New York State math exams (grades 3-8).  Academic mentoring services, group homework sessions, and extra-curricular activities such as arts and crafts, sports, and table games were also offered to students.

The after-school program, run at Maple Hill and Mechanicstown Elementary Schools and at the Middletown Parks and Recreation Department’s Academy Avenue site, is set to start up again at the beginning of the 2008 school year.  Approximately 40 Middletown High School students helped to run the after-school program this year— all students were employees of the Middletown Parks and Recreation Department.