Huntsville City Schools and Appleton Become Lab Partners
Starting February 3rd, afterschool programs at nineteen different Huntsville City schools (K-8) are getting an extreme makeover and it’s one we think both children and parents are likely to agree has some serious STEAM.
Afterschool Labs is a combined effort between Appleton Learning and Huntsville City Schools to update and improve on the Extended Day program. The mission, according to their website, Â is to “provide the perfect mix of play, homework help, and exploratory curriculum.” Appleton spokesperson Kaki Morrow explains that this new program is a multi-faceted approach to afterschool care. Rather than simply watching children, Afterschool Labs offers:
- Hands-on activities (your child won’t realize that he/she is learning!). Visit https://www.huntsvilleafterschool.com/hands-on-modules/ for more info on modules and click on the Creativity, Design Thinking, Game Theory, and Space Science modules to download real lesson plans!
- Free play, guided play, and coming soon will be access to extracurricular activities.
- Homework help
- Snack time
This new program exposes kids to concepts in science, technology, engineering, math, and arts (“STEAM” curriculum). The kids will love it because they won’t feel like they’re in school, but they will be learning; parents will love it because it allows them to know that their child is engaged in fun activities until they get off of work.
Working parents are also sure to be excited about another possibility for this new program. If there is enough parent interest/demand, Afterschool Labs will also be offered at times when school is not in session (e.g. Spring Break & Summer.) For even more information about this exciting new program , be sure to explore the websites and links below.
DETAILS
When: Every school day until 5:45PM. No additional charge on days school lets out early.
Where:Â 19 different HCS locations. If your child’s school isn’t one of them and you’d like it to be, email info@HuntsvilleAfterschool.com for information on how to get it added to this program.
How Much: $35/week or $10 per day (SAME price as before!)
Launch:Â TODAY (Tuesday, 1/21) @ Blossomwood and Monday, 2/3 at the other 18 sites)
Ages/Grades:Â Kindergarten – 8th grade
Website:Â HuntsvilleAfterschools.com
Facebook:Â Afterschool Labs
Rocket City Mom is a website about raising children in and around Huntsville, Alabama. Started in late 2010 by a local mom and newcomer to Huntsville, Rocket City Mom has grown into a thriving community of local parents and now boasts a staff of four, thirteen regular contributors, and tens of thousands of Tennessee Valley readers making it the #1 Parenting Resource in North Alabama.