Six Troy Community School District 30-C schools began before- and after-school programs this school year. The programs are offered in each student’s own school.
Troy Cronin Elementary School is one of them. Principal Jill Howard said her school currently has 15 students in the program, and that number is growing.
“It’s great for our students because of their familiarity with the building,” Howard said, “and it’s convenient for parents because it’s their home school. Children don’t need to take a bus to the after-school program. Instead, they just walk down the hall.”
The program Troy uses is Ivy League Kids. Its Senior Director, Kris O’Connor, said students usually work on their homework during the first portion of the after-school program. Staff help the students if they need it and check their homework when it’s complete.
: Troy Cronin Elementary School students get some physical activity in the district’s new before- and after-school program.
The students then have a snack and relax and go outdoors for some physical activity, such as playing kickball, tag or running bases. There are also STEM activities included in the program and character development lessons.
“We’re just really thrilled to be part of the program and to meet the needs of the community of Troy,” O’Connor said. “The Ivy League Before and After School Program offers quality programming that focuses on fitness, recreation and academic enrichment in a healthy safe environment.”
Troy Director of Finance and Operations, Elaine Colombo, said the program is working out well.
“Ivy League Kids is a great partnership with Troy and our working families,” she said. “It provides a safe learning environment, mixed with some play time, for our students whose parents have to drop them off a little earlier or pick them up a little later due to their schedules.”