Ortonville- The M & M Club isn’t about candy, but it may be a treat for students looking for homework help and physical fitness after school.
The M & M Club is the nickname of the new Mind and Motion After School Club, which will begin Oct. 3 at Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School, 300 South St., for fifth and sixth graders.
The program has been in the works for several weeks (‘Program takes aim at library issues,? The Citizen, Sept. 5), but an official name and starting date were given at the Brandon school board meeting Sept. 12.
‘The intent is to provide fitness and academics,? said Brandon Superintendent Tom Miller. ‘Kids struggle academically moving from elementary to intermediate school and from intermediate to middle school… This is a great way to get support.?
The program will run from 2:50- 5 p.m. every day after school and will feature activities such as recreational gym time, art, computers, crafts, games, homework help and unstructured time to relax with friends or read. Because of the need for supervision, supplies and a snack that will be offered, there is a cost. The fee is $35 per week and must be paid monthly. The total cost of the program for the month of October will be $140, for example, but less for November and December because of holiday breaks. A one-time fee of $5 is due when parents register their child. A 10-percent discount is offered if paying for an entire semester.
‘We’re excited to offer this new opportunity,? said June Wuopio, Brandon Community Education director. ‘It’s a great program.?
Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School Principal Don Patrick is also excited about the program.
‘We’re hoping the kids will be interested and want to stay after school in our building,? he said. ‘We’re going to try and feature special attractions throughout the month, seasonal crafts and special presenters who will bring things of interest to children.?
Patrick is also hoping to get many children to join who are currently going to the Brandon Township Library after school.
The library, located at 304 South St., is adjacent to the school and as many as 150 students have been in the library between 2:30-5 p.m. on school days. The library’s restrooms and furniture have been vandalized and adult patronage has dropped during these hours. About 60 community officials and concerned citizens and parents attended a forum in May at the library to discuss the problem and solutions. The Community After-School Taskforce was created as a result of the discussions.. The next meeting of the taskforce is 7 p.m., Sept. 20 at the library, 304 South St.
For more information on the Mind and Motion After-School Club, call (248)-627-1870.
For more information on the Community After-School Taskforce, email taskforce chairman Nancy Rossi at nrossi@earthkids.org.