Attending an after school program has a positive result on student attendance and education the Abbotsford Board of Education heard in a report on the ‘Around School’ program.
In November 2011 the Board approved funding for after school programs for students in vulnerable neighbourhoods. Ten elementary and two middle schools were selected and have completed the two-year pilot program, the goal of which was to improve student achievement in the areas of literacy and numeracy.
Assistant Super-intendent
Mary Anne Smirle and the Dis-
trict’s Community Developer Andrea
Senft reported that over 771 students have
participated in the programs offered over
the two years. Although still in its early
stage, the program has demonstrated a
significant impact with marked improve-
ments in student attendance at school, and
in numeracy skills. Among recommenda-
tions for the Around School program are:
that the district continue the program fund-
ing to solidify the programming at the
original 12 pilot schools; increase the
number of morning programs to support
children being at school on time; work
with community partners to support fami-
lies with significant attendance issues; and
add parent engagement and outreach com-
ponents to the existing schools