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Show Vernal Exnress Wednesday, February 9, 2005 D7 The mission of the Connections Program is: To provide safe, supervised, violence and drug-free centers for children, older youth, adults and families during out-of-school-time hours. To provide academic support including a focus on literacy and math skills and homework assistance. To provide purposeful enrichment activities. To improve the quality of life for the people who live in our communities. j a .1 s 3 t ' it r :M . , , 5V s s lMI eJ' p MIL Director: Bill Caldwell 781-3100 Ext. 1050 Secretary: Mary Gardner 781-3100 Ext. 1038 Davis Elementary 781-3155 Principal: Deena Millecam Facilitator: Jamie Whiting Lapoint Elementary 247-2637 Principal: Carol Parrish Facilitator: JameeHartle Maeser Elementary 781-3160 Principal: Dennis Atkin Facilitator: Nanette McCurdy Myton Elementary 722-2721 Principal: Bud Stone Facilitator: Russell Nielsen Todd Elementary 722-2247 Principal: Robert Stearmer Facilitator: Pamela Yama Vernal Middle School 781-3140 Principal: Ed Johnson Facilitator: West Junior High 722-4563 Principal: Bart Stevens Facilitator: Stephanie LeBeau Funded by 21st Century Community Learning - Centers' Grants Uintah School District Ute Tribe Uintah County Uintah Recreation District Flyers courtesy of Ashley Vallye Medical Center Department of Workforce Services TriCounty Health Department Wells Fargo Bank Davis Jubilee ZionsBank Connections Program Activities Include: Academic Enrichment ZIONS BANK www.ziorubank.com TriCounty Health Department H7 EM MM Mm UT MM! (Ml) NVMTt Homework Assistance Art 8 Crafts $ Music O 5ports Recreation Computers Drama Dance O 5ewing Science Cooking O Culture IPLISHMENTS; v December 2004, Connections programs served 661 students and 808 adults and family members. A recent survey of Connections participants' day school teachers showed that 81 Improved in turning in hisher homework on time. 90 Improved in attending class regularly. 84 Improved in behaving well in class. 81 Improved in coming to school readyprepared to learn, 84 Improved in getting along well with other students. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING "I am happy to have Connections again because I don't have to go home." Student "I first enrolled my children in Connections so that they would be able to continue learning throughout the summer and have a structured place to go on early-out Wednesdays. As a working mother, I feel it is important that my children are not home alone after school. The Connections program has filled that need, but is providing my children so much more than just a place to go. As a variety of classes have been offered on different days, my children beg me to enroll them in classes on other days that they like. Some of their favorite classes and activities have been Spanish, crocheting, performing chorus, golf lessons, swim team, and field trips. I would like to thank the many people who have made the Connections program a success. Our kids have enjoyed the program, and as a parent, I feel the teachers and staff of Connections do an excellent job of providing an enjoyable and learning environment." Parent "I am happy to have Connections again. I like computers, P.E., cooking and having this lady named Lori (I think that's her name) and Mandy but my favorite thing in Connections is computers." Student i "I was not at all excited when they told us that the Connections program was moving into our building. I thought it would be a major interruption in my planning time and would disturb the atmosphere in our school. They have proven me wrong. The children involved move quietly and in a positive manner from class to class. They are supervised and are engaged in activities that are controlled and managed in a way that they have not caused any disturbances in our building. The staff has been easy to work with and they have been a positive influence on the children. They demand respect and responsibility. They are organized and maintain a positive atmosphere in our building. The classes are disciplined and the children are given high expectations. I am pleased with the Connections program and the staff that coordinates the activities and classes taught. It has helped so many children that need that extra attention at the end of the day." Teacher "I am a huge believer in the Connections program and the positive outcome for the children and families involved. I am a "stay-at-home mom" so my children have the option of going to Connections or coming home. My heart goes out to working parents and the children who would be going home alone. The peace of mind the Connections program offers these parents is great. I think the program is one of the best funded projects we have as a community to ensure the safety and success of our children. I believe the positive outcome of this program will be seen in the future as these children grow into adults." Parent Funded by 21st Century Community Learning Centers' Grants and by Uintah School District, Ute Tribe, Uintah County and Uintah Recreation District |