5 Questions: Kaide Dodson, LHS After-School Program Coordinator
How long has Libby High School had an after-school program and what kinds of programs are offered?
“Libby High School has had an after-school program, which runs every Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5:50, since 2006. The after-school homework helper and tutoring program is a great opportunity for students to get extra help on completing homework, subject tutoring, studying for tests, collaborating with peers, organizing notes, and/or make-up missed assignments.
“The program has highly-qualified teachers available to assist student’s needs. The after-school program also offers enrichment opportunities, parents and student resource information, and credit recovery. The high school program is by drop-in basis, so students do not need to sign-up to attend.”
How are enrichment opportunities introduced to LHS’s after-school program?
“Enrichment opportunities begin by student interest. The program offers a range of opportunities from disc golf, geocaching, robotics, guitar lessons, culinary classes and STEP to college night, science club and career development opportunities.
“Students may show interest in enrichment opportunities or the after-school program may offer opportunities to students to see if there is an interest in certain areas. If it appears students will benefit or participate in a program, then we try to offer it through the after-school program. Unfortunately, enrichment opportunities are the first to suffer during budget crunches. So, we are always looking for support of any kind for our enrichment programs.”
Are volunteers from the community welcome to contribute?
“Absolutely! We have volunteers who help with tutoring, and teachers who volunteer time for projects such as STEP, GIS/GPS program, book club, etc. We also have students from the community college who volunteer to help support our program.
“The after-school program has started to work hand-in-hand with the family centers in order to provide and enhance our programs. The Libby High School Family Center Coordinator Kathleen Sheffield is always looking for volunteers and parents to participate in the schools. Both the family centers and the after-school program run community projects such culinary classes, career days and community sack sales so we can always use help from the community.”
Does the program receive funding to cover the cost of materials, teachers’ time, etc.?
“Yes to all of the above. The after-school program originally was primarily funded through the 21st CCLC grant, but this past year the grant was decreased by half of the amount. So, the after-school program continually searches for grants, donations and volunteers to help continue our after-school program.
“For example, this year we did not have the funding to support the STEP team uniforms, so the Libby Care Center made a donation to purchase the outfits for the students. Also, by partnering with other organizations such as the sheriff's department, Kootenai Job Service, Forest Service, and Family Centers, the after-school program is able to provide more opportunities for students.
“We are in the process of grant writing for the upcoming school year, so we will know in a couple of months what kind of programs we will be able to offer students next school year.”
What do you think is the most unique or impressive aspect of the after-school program at LHS?
“I think all the after-school programs are unique in the amount of interest from students and families to participate in our program. Our enrollment is maxed at program capacity in the elementary and middle school programs, and I think it is impressive how many students at the high school level participate in our academic support and enrichment opportunities on a daily basis.
“I am also impressed with the growing support the program is receiving. I think the word is out that the after-school program strives to help students academically and is committed to helping students graduate and have a successful school experience, so the support is increasing along with participation in our events and programs.”
(Kaide Dodson is the Libby High School after-school program coordinator and dropout prevention and enrichment coordinator for all Libby after-school programs. She can be contacted at 293-8813, ext. 33. For volunteer opportunities, call Dodson or Sheffield at 293-8802.)