The Franklin Central Schools embarked, this fall, on exciting after school endeavors with the Open Doors Project. In January 2003, the Franklin Central Supervisory Union received the 21 st Century Grant to establish the Open Doors Project’s out-of-school time programs for 5 th-8 th graders. The goals of this project encompass those found in federal government’s No Child Left Behind Act. Both intend to improve academic achievement, parental involvement, self-esteem, creativity and leadership skills. As after school programs began with a six-week session of classes at all three schools, students, parents and community members jumped on board to experience After School.
A variety of programs were offered in the district. Open Doors Project Director Cathy Ainsworth says, “Students want to try new things. By collaborating with school staff and community organizations we are really reaching them.” Students went horseback riding, took tae kwon do, solved mysteries, learned about migration, went cross-country running, took aerobics and enjoyed various other experiences. Ainsworth hopes that students will “find things to do that will spark their interests and support them as they live through the turbulent 'tween years.”
Students seem excited about the Open Doors Project as well. Although the project’s programs are new to the district, 1,373 student hours were spent in programs during its first session. St. Albans Town Educational Center site leader Karen Garrett explains, “students are lining up to get involved.” Students also have a lot to say about the Open Doors After School Program. A district 7 th grade student said, “It relieved a lot of stress and I had a good time.” From a 5 th grader we heard, “I made new friends and I can’t wait to do knitting again!” A 6 th grade student said that her favorite part of the program was that “there were nice people there.”
The Open Doors Project seems to be settling right into this community. Administrators, school staff and community members are very supportive of the program. The site leader of St. Albans City School, Alisha Sawyer, believes, “a measure of our success is how we are viewed by the schools and everybody in this school sees it as viable program.” Advisory board member and program instructor Rene DeLaricheliere, owner of Dukes Fitness, says that there are 3 things that make a program successful, “word of mouth, strong program leadership, and enthusiasm with the kids.” He believes that the Open Doors Project has all three. Franklin County is ready for this program and its future is looking bright.
