Field trips expand learning
opportunities for students in
Johnstown's 21st Century After-School Program
When it comes to learning, students
in the 21st Century After-School Learning Program have
found it pays to leave home.
Field trips are integrated
into many educational opportunities provided through
Johnstown's after-school program at Knox Junior High
School, Students have participated in programs presented
at the Adirondack Center in Ephratah, SPAC's New York
City Ballet in Saratoga, Siena College in Loudonville,
the New York State Museum in Albany, and the HFM BOCES
Career and Technical Center. They have visited the Wells
House and Willing Helpers Home for Women in Johnstown -
and have gone roller-skating at High Rollers in Perth,
bowling at Arterial Lanes in Gloversville, golfing at
Fox Run in Johnstown. They have also attended plays,
concerts and athletic events offered through the Greater
Johnstown School District.
The staff of Johnstown's after-school program place a great deal of emphasis on
character development, highlighting a variety of
positive character traits each week. Students who
demonstrate these positive traits are recognized each
week for their efforts.
Students in Johnstown's programs
have also celebrated major holidays through activities that
are both fun and educational. For example, participants
recently took the initiative to make this year's St.
Patrick's Day a memorable celebration of Irish culture
and heritage. During arts and crafts time the week
preceding the celebration, they made a variety of
decorations, posters and signs. They hung informational
posters in the school cafeteria that explained various
Irish customs, defined common Gaelic words, and touched
on the accomplishments of U.S. presidents with Irish
ancestors. On the day of the celebration, students and
staff were encouraged to wear a touch of green and to
participate in our special events. Prizes and
certificates were awarded to students wearing the best
costumes and to those winning Celtic games. Other
memorable activities included a scavenger hunt and a
search for "gold" coins left around the school by
leprechauns. Prizes were awarded to those who
successfully completed the hunt or who found the coins. Parental participation has become a welcomed and
important part of the after-school program at Knox
Junior High School. "Parent Nights" are held at the
beginning and end of the school year - and sandwiched in
between these open houses are a variety of events
including a seven-week "Strengthening Families" course,
a fashion show, a book fair, field trips, and holiday
observances.
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