Fletcher Elementary School fourth graders Nivette Hunter, Sara Randolph and Coleson Barber worked on BrainWare Safari software during the Fletcher Advantage Afterschool Program. The award-winning software helps build 41 cognitive skills in six areas for third through sixth graders: attention, memory, thinking, visual processing, auditory processing and sensory integration in fun games. JPS currently uses BrainWare in fifth and sixth grade classrooms during the school day creating a school to afterschool academic connection. “I love playing the game because it helps me think of different ways to get through a maze and solve a problem and it’s so much fun,” said fourth grader Darius Freeney.

JAMESTOWN – Good news for some after school programming at Jamestown Public Schools.

Jamestown Public Schools was recently awarded a one-year extension to its New York State Education Department Extended School Day Grant. The district has received the grant since 2010. The newest extension will conserve existing after school programs and services through June 2016.

The district receives $342,078 annually to help provide a number of high-priority out-of-school time services, including elementary after school programs at Bush, Fletcher, Love and Ring schools, Chautauqua Striders tutoring, visual and performing arts experiences with Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, educational presentations with Chautauqua Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Council, literacy and family night events, after school robotics program in the middle schools, After School Amigos Family Literacy Program at Love School, and a “Literacy Café” middle school reading program.

“This extension is a welcome reprieve from our anticipated funding dilemma,” said JPS Director of After School Programs Julie Poppleton. “We were advised that the existing Extended School Day grant would definitely sunset this June, and were anxious about our chances of capturing another award in light of growing competition for shrinking dollars. We are constantly working hard to secure funding that supplements modest parent fees so that we can sustain service to our community. We know that after school programs not only keep kids safe, they can also inspire learning, help improve students’ academic performance, school attendance, behavior and health, and support working families.”

Jamestown Public Schools serves over 400 students each day in its after school programming. Jamestown Public Schools, in partnership with Chautauqua Striders, YWCA of Jamestown, The Y, and other community organizations, provides academic support, a wide array of youth development activities that complement the regular school day, and family involvement opportunities at four district elementary, and two middle schools.