PRESS RELEASE—-COLUMBUS AFTERSCHOOL ACADEMY
The Columbus Municipal School District in order to meet the needs for academic support has already begun to implement the CMSD Afterschool Academy at all schools. The academy is designed to support approximately 270 students in grades 3-5, 90 students in grades 6-8, and 53 students in grades 9-12. In addition to this support there is a Credit Recovery Program at Columbus High School that will allow students to obtain credits that will count towards graduation. This will help to directly impact our graduation rates and dropout percentages.
The program began December 2, 2014 at the elementary, middle, and high schools. The elementary schools operate their programs between the hours of 2:45 pm and 4:45 pm. The middle and high school programs operate from 3:45 until 5:45 pm. These academies will run until April 30, 2014 at all sites.
A light meal and transportation are provided for all students at no cost. Funding for teachers and transportation is provided by Title I.
Dr. Philip W. V. Hickman, Superintendent is pleased that the District has been able to recognize the need and develop and implement this academy this academic year. He stated, “The District and our principals are excited about providing our students with the new After School Academy that offers so many educational benefits. Our children are encouraged to learn new skills, receive tutoring and develop positive relationships. This setting afterschool creates a positive atmosphere which works to increase students’ self-confidence, desire to achieve in school, and helps them to take steps to close the achievement gap.”
Ongoing assessment of the program and its students will provide those staffing the project with the information needed to properly evaluate and help CMSD students. The overall goal of the project is to increase student learning outcomes, and increase the District’s accountability rating. Other afterschool and weekend activities to assist students, parents and teachers will be introduced in the spring.