Welcome to Kilmer MS After School program

Greetings!

 

WHAT IS THE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM?  My name is Kimberly Kardelis, and I am the After-School Program Specialist at Kilmer Middle School. The purpose of the Afterschool Program is to provide quality programming in the areas of academic support and enrichment, social skills and youth development, physical health and wellness, and family and community engagement.  We offer a diverse range of clubs and activities including Art, MathCounts, Yearbook, Drama, Quiz Bowl, Flag Football, Volleyball, Soccer and more. Students must complete the required Afterschool Registration Form to participate. A schedule and detailed club descriptions will be available to students and families on Schoology, the Kilmer website, E-Notify, and posted in the cafeteria and halls in the coming weeks.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM?  We have found that students who are active participants in our Afterschool programming often demonstrate increased engagement, coursework completion and academic growth, improved behavior, meaningful school connections, social-emotional supports, in addition to improved attendance and attitude towards school.  Plus, it’s a great way for students to try new activities and foster new friendships! Activities offered reflect current student interest, sponsor availability, and resources.

 

CAN STUDENTS GET ACADEMIC SUPPORT AFTER SCHOOL?  Absolutely, yes!  Have a big test coming up and want help reviewing?  Just need a little extra support mastering a new algebraic equation?  Teachers are available during first block to provide academic support.  Students should communicate directly with their teachers to confirm schedules and availability prior to staying.

 

WHEN DO THINGS START?  On Monday, September 12th, students may begin staying after for academic support with teachers and accessing late bus transportation. There are two sessions, 2:30 – 3:30PM and 3:35 – 4:45PM following the 2:15-2:30PM Afterschool Transition/Attendance/Snack in the Cafeteria.  Students may stay for first or both sessions. *Note that bus transportation is only available after second block at approx. 4:45PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Kilmer Community Night & Afterschool Open House will take place on Wednesday, September 21st from 4:00-6:00PM for students and families to learn about clubs and meet sponsors. This is also an opportunity for families to see the various networks, services and youth programs are available to them within the Kilmer Community. Afterschool clubs and activities begin on Tuesday, September 27th, operating weekly from 2:15-4:45PM, Monday – Thursday. 

 

HOW DO STUDENTS SIGN UP?  Most activities are drop in (no-commitment) and your child’s participation may vary, depending upon activity capacities and sponsorship. Students will have the weekend to pre-register for the upcoming week’s offerings. Students are encouraged to try multiple programs and activities.  Students must be in attendance during the regular school day and may not return after leaving to participate in activities or access Late Bus transportation. Any student remaining in the building after 2:15PM must sign in with the Afterschool Attendance Confirmation form, remaining in supervised activities and locations. All FCPS rules and regulations apply during the after-school program.  Students who do not abide by such rules and regulations will be disciplined accordingly, including the possibility of losing after-school privileges. The after-school program being operated at this site is exempt from licensure as per §22.1-289.030 of the Code of Virginia and has no direct oversight by the Virginia Department of Education.

 

HOW DO STUDENTS GET HOME?  Transportation will be available to students staying after school Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, departing at approx.4:45PM. On Mondays and Fridays, there are no late buses.  Parents must pre-arrange plans for pick-up or walking home by 4:45PM. The Late Bus schedule is posted in the cafeteria and Schoology. Please be aware that after school late bus numbers and routes may differ from the regular day.

In the event of an early closing due all after-school activities will be cancelled, and students will be sent home on their regular buses. 

 

MORE QUESTIONS? Please contact me at kckardelis@fcps.edu or 703.846.8820 should you have questions or concerns. I look forward to working with students and having an amazing school year!

 

Sincerely,

Kimberly Kardelis

After-School Program Specialist