We are now licensed to serve 49 students, ages 5-14 (to age 16 for our special needs students). We served 46 children during the school year and 49 during the summer, lower than our after school capacity because, unfortunately, many interested parents are simply unable to afford the tuition cost. During the 2005-2006 school year, the children’s ethnic backgrounds consisted of Jamaican, Antiguan, African-American, Barbadian, Honduran, Hispanic American, and Cape Verdean. Of these, 5% are actual Greenwood congregants. 4 % of our students paid our full fee $75 per week. 22% have vouchers from Child Care Choices of Boston. The remaining students (76%) are on full or partial scholarship.
As testament to the popularity of the Greenwood/Shalom program with both the youth and their parents/caregivers, eighteen (58%) of the children have been attending for two or more years, and ten (32%) for three or more years. Only 1 % of the students are members of Greenwood Church.
Unlike some after-school programs, Greenwood Shalom moves well beyond simply homework assistance. Program participants are instructed in literacy and math skills based on Massachusetts' curriculum frameworks. Tutors teach components of the Children's Defense Fund's curriculum Freedom Schools. Further, they engage in "Harambee" gatherings, where community members entertain and inspire them. Monthly field trips are also important components to the children's after-school experience. To ensure the success of the program, Greenwood Shalom offers Parent Empowerment Seminars, advocates for children and their parents and teaches parents how to become more involved in their child's education. Recognizing the significance of studies on teacher-student ratios, Greenwood Shalom boasts a one-to-five staff-student ratio. This is accomplished through the use of high students as assistant tutors, volunteers from Sudbury United Methodist Church and Hearts for Boston. Greenwood's cultural sensitivity and our specialized work with children with special needs are a few of the key areas that set our after-school program apart from most others. For the 2005-6 school year, 30% of the children have disabilities. We expect this number to stay the same or increase slightly next year. These children require a one-to-three (and sometimes one-to-one) staff-student ratio.
Program Outcomes:
1. By working with an educational specialist, we plan to ensure at least 90% of participating students are promoted to the next grade.
2. By obtaining updated, culturally relevant curriculum materials and student supplies, and offering a series of talks by guest speakers from different cultural backgrounds on their experiences immigrating to the United States, we hope to enhance our students' multi-cultural sensitivity and understanding.