Ten elementary schools and two middle schools in Abbotsford have been designated to receive a total of $300,000 for after-school programs.
The announcement was made at the board of education meeting on Monday night.
The schools were selected based on criteria related to student vulnerability. The funding is from a $6 million surplus that the school district recorded in its 2010-11 budget.
The money will cover two years of programming that each school will develop based on its own needs. Some will expand current programs while others will create new ones.
These include areas such as recreation, life skills, fine arts, and academic support. In some schools, learning opportunities for parents will be offered.
“Sustained participation in after-school programming is one of the most important factors in ensuring improved academic success,” stated Kevin Godden, school district superintendent, in a report presented to the board of education.
Under the guidelines set by the district, each school will identify students who are not meeting expectations in reading and/or math, and provide a minimum of one hour of support at least three times a week. An estimated 450 students will receive support through this programming, Godden said.
Two middle schools – Abbotsford and Howe – were selected for the funding, as were 10 elementaries: Alexander, Centennial, Dormick Park, Godson, Jackson, John Maclure, Margaret Stenersen, Ross, Ten-Broeck and Terry Fox.