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In its sixth year, the school's program provides a variety of social, academic and physical activities for students in the building. The grant money is intended to specifically target math and reading skills.
"It keeps them involved in learning after school," said Sharon Toellner, the district's curriculum director.
State grants were given to schools that had at least 40 percent of the enrolled students identified as coming from low-income households, according to the DPI. Mead Elementary has a high percentage of students who receive free or reduced-price lunch because of their parents' income status.
The school currently partners with the Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area, and organizers hope to include Renaissance Learning, Mid-State Technical College and other organizations in the future.
"The news that they received the funding is tremendous because it puts stability into the program," said Bruce Trimble, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club.
With many of the students' parents working, the services and programs provided by Club Mead are vital to ensuring the safety of the children after school, those involved say.
"The core function is to provide a positive atmosphere and keep kids away from risky behavior," Trimble said. "That includes anything from violations of the law to personal harm."
Both Toellner and Mead Elementary Principal Margie Dorshorst said research has proven learning after school increases student achievement in the classroom.
"Their attendance is better when they are here (at Club Mead); they are motivated, and they know there is someone else looking out for them," Dorshorst said.
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