Local support makes 'After the Bell' program possible

To keep the cost of the "After the Bell" program free to participants, the program has relied on the generosity and support of the local community to fund the program expenses for the past eight years. Funds are needed to cover the cost of snacks, program supplies and paying staff who provide daily supervision of this after school program for middle school age youth.

Donations were recently received from the Kiwanis Club, Eagles Aerie 584, Park City Credit Union, River Valley Bank and Ruth Dietrich for this year's program. In addition, we received a grant earlier this year through the Good Samaritan Health Center Foundation and Lincoln County Safe and Stable Families to assist with supply expenses. Dave's County Market has again agreed to donate food for snacks which helps keep the cost of operating the program lower.

The "After the Bell" program is available for all middle school students whether they attend public or parochial school from 3:05 - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday in Room 111 (new location for 2012-13; enter the school through Door 13) at the Prairie River Middle School on regular school days. The program offers participants a safe, easily accessible place to go after school where they have the opportunity to participate in positive enrichment activities. Participants are supervised by an adult supervisor(s) with assistance from community volunteers and/or high school students. If students are interested in participating, they can pick up information and required forms in the Prairie River Middle School office, T.B. Scott Library, the UW-Extension office or the first day they attend the program. Forms are also available on the Lincoln County UW-Extension website at http://lincoln.uwex.edu/, click on 4-H Youth Development, then After the Bell Program. Completed forms must be turned in the second time you attend the program. Students do not need to attend the program every day but can choose which days they wish to attend.

In addition to financial support, the program is also seeking volunteers to teach projects to the youth, whether a one-time session or a series. If you are interested in volunteering or in making a donation to the "After the Bell" 2012-2013 school year program or have questions about the program, please contact Holly Westberg, Program Coordinator at (715) 218-7384 or via e-mail at hollymwestberg@yahoo.com or Debbie Moellendorf at the Lincoln County UW-Extension office at (715) 539-1077 or via e-mail at deborah.moellendorf@ces.uwex.edu.