Program has matching grant opportunity

The Sisters Park & Recreation District Community Schools initiative, which provides after-school care at Sisters Elementary School (SES), has a matching grant opportunity. The local program has an opportunity through the Ford Family Foundation (via the Oregon Community Foundation) to match up to $10,000 to support this enrichment program.

The Community Schools Program provides free supervised homework help, snack time, and enrichment opportunities for grades kindergarten through fourth. Over 90 students, which represents just under 30% of the student population at SES, take part in the program throughout the school year. Enrichment opportunities are provided (for an additional fee) after the homework time. Additional activities include rocket class, Lego® build days, arts and crafts, and library days.

Students sit by grade so they can try to help each other. Often times the older students read to the younger students. Some of the SES teachers stop in and help some of the students occasionally as well.

The Sisters Community Schools Initiative is in its sixth year. This school year marks the last year in a three-year commitment by the Ford Family Foundation of up to $10,000 for the Sisters program. All new donor contributions that are received prior to June 30, 2016 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.

"We are excited to be able to announce this matching grant opportunity," says Rob Meeter, director of the Community Schools Program at Sisters Park & Recreation District. "This program affords parents and caregivers some additional time where they know their child is well-cared for while they finish their work day."

In addition to the main program hosted at Sisters Elementary School there are also periodic classes at Sisters Middle School. Those classes have included cooking, archery, enrichment time, 'biz kids' and more. Each of the middle school classes host eight to 10 students.

"I love working with the kids in homework club," says staffer Imogen Rex. "The students benefit from some structured time with their classmates to work on homework. The parents who work feel happy knowing their children are safe, fed, having fun and getting some work done!"

The Sisters Park & Recreation District welcomes contributions to support the Community Schools Initiative which may be made by cash, check, or charge at the district office located at 1750 W. McKinney Butte or by phone at 541-549-2091. Volunteers are always needed to assist with homework time throughout the week. All volunteers are subject to a background check and should call Meeter for more information at 541-549-2091.