Peabody after-school program in trouble

PEABODY-The fee-based after school program For Kids Only Afterschool is currently operating at a loss, which could mean canceling its services at some elementary schools if things don?t pick up.The organization?s founder and executive director, Deborah Kneeland of Winthrop, met with School Committee members Wednesday night to highlight the program?s offerings, as well as promote its use among residents.For Kids Only first came to the Burke School in 2006 and was such a success that Superintendent Milt Burnett and his staff worked to implement the program at the other elementary schools, as well. It is now currently offered at the Burke, McCarthy, Brown, and Welch Schools.The privately run program offers enrichment activities, tutoring, healthy snacks, and activities focused on art, science, sports and fitness for students at a cost of $21 per day. They also except vouchers and offer tuition scholarships for families in need.?It provides an after school program for kids that would potentially go home to an empty house,” Burnett said earlier in the school year. “It?s an instructional environment with homework help, recreational activities, and peer-to-peer friend-building.”Burnett emphasized that For Kids Only Afterschool will hire its own staff and run its own program separate from those organized through the city?s school system. Peabody Schools will simply rent out the classroom space to the organization for a mere cost of $1.50 per day for each child enrolled.?The rental fees will cover our utility costs,” Burnett said, estimating a total of $4,000-$5,000 in revenue – just enough to offset the heat and electricity bills.Each program will be staffed with licensed professionals at a 1:13 teacher/child ratio. Participating students would remain at their elementary schools until 6 p.m. when parents are expected to pick them up.Currently, 70 Peabody children are enrolled in the program. The vast majority of those students – 30 – attend at the Burke School, whereas only eight students are enrolled at the McCarthy School. Twelve students participate at the Brown School and 20 participate at the Welch School.Kneeland said that at least 18 students must participate at each school in order to break even. Given the programs have only been in place for the last two months, she remains hopeful that more students and families will sign up.?This is a wonderful service to provide for working families,” said School Committee member Brandi Carpenter.Burnett agreed.?This really is a first class operation,” he said.In order to get more students involved, Kneeland has organized a For Kids Only fundraising event for Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Springhill Suites Marriott in Peabody. Carrabba?s Italian Grill has offered to provide the dinner, and Samuel Adams will provide a variety of their Boston beers. Tickets cost $25 and all proceeds will go towards scholarships specifically for Peabody students.For more information on the program and/or its fundraiser, call 978-740-5437.