SIDNEY — At Fairlawn Local Schools, there is an extra-curricular activity called The Learning Center, 21st Century After School Program.
“The goals of this program are to provide physical activity, tutoring, time to study, collaboration, online enrichment, and hands on workforce skill training experiences to the students of Fairlawn Local Schools,” High School Principal Rebekka Egbert said.
The 21st Century After School Program was created with part of a 21st Century grant given to the Fairlawn Local School District from the state of Ohio. The program is available to students grades six through 12, but next year, if a new grant is awarded, it will be open for students in grades three through five.
“I think most students attend to try and improve academically,” said John Stekli, kindergarten to eighth-grade principal.
The 21st Century After School Program also offers students hands-on activities like working on projects with Nathan Sailor, vo-ag teacher, and the vinyl cutter, laser engraver and also the 3D printer located in the Ag Shop. Students will get instruction from Sailor on using the equipment.
“For me it means extended opportunities for students to utilize school staff and facilities they do not get on a regular basis,” Sailor said when asked about what the program means to him. Sailor wants to give students a sense of pride and accomplishment in the 21st Century After School Program. Sailor would also like to let everyone know this is a place to get homework done, receive one-on-one attention and learn new information that they may never be exposed to in the future.
The 21st Century After School Program is also involving parents by using feedback from the program to see in what direction the parents would like the program to go. The feedback will also suggest additional activities that everyone is interested in that could be added to the program.
Anyone interested in participating in this program, should join the staff and students involved already. See Mr. Stekli or Egbert to sign-up for the program.
The program is in its fifth year at Fairlawn. The Midwest Regional Educational Service Center oversees the grant.
