Peabody school partnership with Boys and Girls Club renewed

PEABODY – The collaborative after school program between the Salem Boys and Girls Club and the Higgins Middle School saw positive results last year, which is why program directors have decided to bring it back again and expand its offerings for 2008-2009.”The program was a success,” said Social Studies teacher Greg Passeri. “And we hope to continue working together.”Last year, three 12-week sessions were organized as a way to offer creative, cost-efficient, meaningful intervention in an effort to improve the school’s failing MCAS scores, as well as meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards set by the Massachusetts Department of Education.Over 125 at-risk students attended, 30 who went to all three sessions. Each session featured “Power Hour,” a period dedicated to homework and study skills practice; “Smart Moves,” resistance training to help students make healthy life choices; and “Triple Play,” which promotes physical activity.Thirty-five percent of those students who attended two or three sessions saw a significant decrease in failing grades. Fifty-five percent showed an overall improvement in school attendance.Passeri said that some students, who had failing grades the year before, improved as much as to make honor roll for the first time. Some students were even named “Scholars of the Month.”This year’s program will follow a similar format, although implement more athletic activities. The sessions will run from September to December, January to February, and March to May, beginning this Monday, Sept. 22. Unlike last year, all students in grades 6-8 will be able to participate, not just those chosen by teachers and staff for extra help.Passeri said more frequent field trips to the Salem Boys and Girls Club will be offered, preferably every two weeks, and a new drug resistance segment will also be added to the mix. Also new this year are dance, music and art programs, the “Torch Club,” a leadership and service club, “Gym Council,” which is made up of students who’ll oversee gym use and intramural sports, “Passport to Manhood,” to promote responsibility and reinforces positive behavior for boys, and “Smart Girls,” a health, prevention, and self-esteem program for females.A $10 membership fee is required that allows complete access to the program’s offerings and the Salem Boys and Girls Club. Registration is ongoing throughout the school year.