Teen After-School Program Is Considered by Princeton

Candace Braun

The Princeton Regional Board of Education is considering partnering with the Princeton YMCA to implement an after-school program for students at John Witherspoon Middle School, to begin in the fall of 2005.

The program, which would run weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m., would cost $590 per student per semester; however, some students would be funded through a $15,000 scholarship from the Princeton YMCA. The YMCA agreed to give this amount to the district, in exchange for free use of the space.

The idea to implement the program at the middle school follows the state's denial to fund "NJ After 3" at Princeton, an after-school program that was initiated last year by then Gov. James McGreevey. Still wanting to provide this service for students, the district and the YMCA are looking to offer the program at cost.

"For parents who aren't home every day for their kids, this is something many would be willing to pay for," said Charlotte Bialek at the School Board's program committee meeting on Monday. Superintendent Judith Wilson disagreed, saying that some parents might decide to let their children stay home alone if they are unable to pay for the program.

Board member Jeffrey Spear also voiced concern, saying that by having a $15,000 scholarship, the district is saying that only 20-25 children deserve to attend for free.

"As usual, these programs go to people who can pay ... it's hard to get around," he said, adding that if the program is approved by the Board, the district should look into ways to increase funding so it can be offered to a wider range of students.

Some aspects may include 12-student classes, offering sports, visual arts, science exploration, computer, environmental, and local government activities. The program could also include enrichment classes such as ceramics, sculpture, tap dance, fashion, culinary arts, biking, and crew. Holiday field trips would also be offered on days when class is not in session.

Some members of the program committee voiced concern as to the safety hazards that could be involved with classes such as ceramics. Ms. Bialek suggested creating a partnership with the Arts Council of Princeton, and asking them if the arts classes could be held at their facility.

The committee agreed to move forward with investigating the possibility of implementing the program, and will begin discussions with the YMCA on how the two entities should proceed.