City, Schools Team Up To Offer Unique After School Program

This winter, Dearborn Public Schools Adult and Community Education and Dearborn Recreation Departments have worked together to develop a one of a kind after school tutoring and recreational program that will benefit middle school students. The vision of this cooperative project is to provide students with accessibility to every resource possible to help them reach academic goals and at the same time offer opportunities for physical fitness and recreational activities.

"This is an excellent opportunity for all middle school students and is one of many examples of how city and school resources can come together to benefit the children in our community," commented Brian Whiston, Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools.

The five-week program, that meets once a week, will start January 24, 2011, at O. L. Smith and January 25, 2011, at Lowrey. The fun and learning will continue for a second five-week session starting on March 7 at Smith and March 8 at Lowrey. For a nominal fee of $25, a student will get 45 minutes of tutoring/homework assistance, 45 minutes of recreation and 30 minutes of group activities. Some of the group activities will include guest speakers presenting on such topics as the importance of nutrition, community service, peer pressure and anti-bullying.

"We look forward to seeing a lot of students take advantage of this fun and helpful new program," added Whiston.

The Community Education Department will be handling the registration for both sessions of the program beginning January 3, 2011. Interested parents can select one of two ways to sign their child up for the program, either by going on-line at www.dearbornceonline.org, or by calling (313) 827-1959.

Future plans include soliciting donations from local businesses to help sponsor a child to attend one of these outstanding after school sessions. If you and/or your business are interested in helping sponsor a child, please call Ioanna Garrisi, Community Education Supervisor, at (313) 827-1910.