_____
The Round Two program runs concurrently with the Titusville Area School District academic calendar.
_____
The following components are incorporated each week the Round Two program is in session:
- Quality homework and tutoring each day Monday through Thursday by certified teachers of the Titusville Area School District to effectively meet the educational needs of the children in the program.
- A reading room containing books of all genres, including encyclopedias, to stimulate reading and research skills. Our teachers also direct these activities for the children in the program.
- A hot meal served each day under the Child and Adult Care Food Program for at-risk youth, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This ensures that each child receives a hot nutritional meal to help maintain physical and mental well-being. For many children in the Round Two program, this is the last meal they will receive for the day.
- Social enrichment. One of our ongoing goals is to teach the children how to behave and survive in social environments. Sitting together during mealtime and during the other components serves to promote idea generation, which will promote meaningful discussion. We cover topics including family dynamics, classroom camaraderie, differences of opinion, and esteem building. By exposing the children to this atmosphere, we begin to lay the foundations for both individual and team-building concepts, which are crucial to the success of every individual as he/she enters various paths in life.
- · Cultural enrichment. This is an area that has given us a broad spectrum in which to explore. Some of the projects we have undertaken include:
- A history of the American Indian, utilizing maps, artifacts and videos to give the children a deeper understanding and appreciation of the many contributions the American Indians have given us.
- Participation in both the August 2003 and August 2004 Oil Festival parades. The children worked from start to finish on both years’ floats, following the pre-determined themes. Many hours and materials were used. The creativity of the children was astounding and in 2003, the YMCA Round Two program took second place, receiving a trophy and $75 (the $75 was later used at Christmastime to purchase gifts for the needy. We often stress the importance of sharing with others, even if we do not always have a lot ourselves.)
- A learning discussion through the use of videos covering the history of Western Europe, animal life of Africa and the very timely topic of weather, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and volcanoes. Before each session, a pre-quiz was given comprised of three basic questions that would be covered. This measured what each child already knew. After each session, the same quiz was given again to measure the increase in learning. We had an amazing 67% increase in learning after the children were exposed to these topics.
- Participation in the annual Titusville Christmas parade in December 2003. The children decorated his/her own hat as well as the huge banner that was carried during the parade. The children handed out candy to the crowd as they marched and sang Christmas carols.
- A play presented at the YMCA annual dinner in February of 2004. Through the help and generosity of Heaven’s Loving Hands of Titusville, the children were taught the use of hand puppets and made up their very own play with a sharing theme that they presented to the packed audience at the Titusville Middle School. With music and lively interaction, the children got a chance to be a “star” for the evening.
- Several on-site visits and in house speakers from local agencies such as the Titusville Police Department, who gave presentations on bicycle and at home alone safety; a presentation from the drug control officer with a visit from Kai, the police dog. A walk to the Titusville Fire Department, where the children were given an in-depth presentation on fire prevention and actions to take in a fire. The children also participated in a hands-on drill using a fire hose from a hydrant.
- Team building concepts through construction of a device, built from various materials that the children purchased with play money (money management skills) that could withstand the force of a raw egg dropped into it from various heights. This is a college exercise that we have conducted in the Round Two program for two years in a row. This gives children a preview of team building concepts and competition within a controlled atmosphere.
- Many, many arts and crafts activities that encourage creativity through drawing, painting, construction, etc.
Future projects that are currently underway and planned for the 2004/2005 school year include:
- Researching family history and constructing a family tree, incorporating ethnic diversity to include the children in the program. Additionally, the children can construct a time capsule to hold family memories that each child can bury in his/her own backyard.
- Technical education utilizing computers (we currently are awaiting word on a federal grant in technology that we have applied for.) The children will be taught keyboarding, and as the children progress with these skills, we will begin the transition to typing paragraphs, which will stimulate the children's creativity with their newfound typing skills.
- More in-house speakers and artists to conduct "hands on" activities with the children.
- Site visits to nearby businesses/organizations such as The Titusville Herald, WTIV, The Titusville Dairy, Drake Well Museum, Benson Memorial Library, and others.
- "Make a book." Children would write a small book about any subject that interests them. Pictures can be added. The books will then be bound and laminated as a keepsake.
- Video Biography. Each child will have the opportunity to tell about him/herself via videotape. The other children can also pay tribute to one another on his/her respective videos.
These are a few of the additional projects we plan to explore during the year, time and funding permitting.
_____
Finally, the staff of the Round Two program are extremely enthusiastic about this school year and look forward to making great inroads into the enrichment of the lives of the children we are so very pleased to have contact with each day. Every child needs to be validated. By recognizing each child as an important member of society, we help them realize their potential. Our children are our most precious resource. Investing in their future defines our roles as parents, teachers, and role models.
|
