Studies show that after-school programs are beneficial to young students and this has proved true at Bucyrus Elementary School. Through the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, the Bucyrus City School District provides the program, known as the Building Excellent Students Together (B.E.S.T.) After School Program, at no cost to students and their families.
The B.E.S.T. Program is focused towards children who are at a socioeconomic disadvantage or need improvement in the areas of math and reading. Students are recommended for the program through school personnel and families. The program meets Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 7:05-8:05 a.m. and 3:20-5:50 p.m., and Wednesday 7:05-8:05 a.m. and 2:20-5:50 p.m. On Wednesdays, a guest speaker comes and talks about youth development and engages students in reading and math related activities. Monthly, the B.E.S.T. Program offers Family Engagement Nights.
Weekly, students focus on the program performance objectives, or PPO’s, of reading and math achievement, youth development and family engagement. Students participate in snack time, homework assistance, computer labs, gym, enrichment activities crafts and supper.
This program is extremely important because it fulfills the need of after school care for school age children and allows students with at-risk behaviors or students that need additional assistance to receive the help needed to achieve. The Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Bucyrus City Schools Matthew Henderson believes that “the BES After School program represents how much the Bucyrus Schools cares about your students and families. Under the leadership of Robin Showers, Beth Constantine and Becky Prenger, this program has grown into a purposeful initiative that serves the well-being of students both academically and emotionally. I give all the credit in the world to the staff who works in this program.”
Currently, all the spots for third grade students are filled. However, fourth and fifth grade spaces are still available. Parents who would like to become volunteers are welcomed. A background check is required before starting. For more information on the program, contact 21st Century Grant Director Matthew Henderson at 419-562-4045 or mhenderson@bucyrusschools.org with any questions regarding the programs. Thank you to BES PTO, Sodexo, American Red Cross, Bucyrus Public Library, The Parks District, Soil and Water Conservation, Rotary Club of Bucyrus, Bucyrus Area United Methodist Church, Marion Crawford Prevention and Bucyrus City Schools Athletic Department for your continued partnership with our program.