Cloverdale elementary applying for an after-school program grant

A recent study shows 57 percent of Cloverdale elementary students leave school and go to an empty home.

Another 20 percent of students head home to be taken care of by older siblings.

“The first time I saw a Playboy magazine was in third grade in fourth grade we had lit some fires,” said a former Cloverdale elementary student who didn’t want to be named.

He says things may have been different if an after-school program was available when he was in school.

“Well we were all thought of as good kids but when the cats away the mice were playing because we didn’t know what else to do we had nothing else to do,” said the former student.

His experiences shed light on District 93’s need for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.

Many parents are working when their kids get out of school which can cause children to miss out on activities.

“Lots of kids don’t get to have dance lessons, lots of kids don’t get to have music lessons, lots of kids don’t get to visit a museum,” said Cloverdale Principal Jeanne Johnson.

That’s why Cloverdale after-school Program Coordinator, Susan Drouin, says the district has a vision of offering students more than their current after school reading program.

“This isn’t a babysitting service; the goal isn’t for them to be babysat the goal is to expose them to many different activities and walks of life,” said Drouin.

The three-hour session, Monday through Friday, would be available for kindergarten through sixth grade students in District 93.

Principal Johnson believes they can’t secure the grant alone.

“We need Idaho Falls to step forward and let us make that happen,” said Johnson.

Cloverdale elementary needs your help by becoming a community partner before Dec. 10th or by sending in a letter of support by Jan. 10th.

If you want to get involved or have any further questions contact Susan Drouin by email at drouins@d93.k12.id.us or by phone at 208-525-4450 .