Humor
is key to success of after-school program at Lynch Middle School
 The
staff who work at the 21st Century After-School Program
at Lynch Middle School in Amsterdam know how much
academic stress their students can be under. So they try
to "keep it light," making humor a key ingredient in
their program that features academic support, fun
activities and snacks.
They find their light touch helps students feel a little
more free spirited, as well, crediting laughter for
being the "best medicine" to ease whatever has happened
during the day for both students and staff.
Swimming is a favorite activity for participants in the
program, made possible by having a top-rated pool in the
middle school, and the caring efforts of pool director
Joan Libby who makes the after-school program a top
priority and always schedules consistent dates for
students to use the pool.
Another important feature of the Amsterdam program is the
Latino Literacy Club, which allows students to learn
more about Spanish language and culture. The program,
run by professors and students from the University at
Albany, focuses on reading in a bilingual setting.
Participants read books such as Julio and Romiet, a
modern-day Latino adaptation of Shakespeare's classic
Romeo and Juliet. Students also published their own book
filled with student biographies, short stories and
poems. They work with computer projects and slide shows
that focus on reading and culture.
Family Nights have always been a big hit at the Amsterdam
site, bringing lots of different families together in
shared experiences that allow lots of interaction
between all participants.
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