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4-H after-school program honored 1:49 p.m., March 21, 2005--UD’s Cooperative Extension Clark’s Corner 4-H After-School Program is a partner of the Lake Forest School District’s Spartan Success Program, which was named a Superstar in Education for 2005 by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. The awards will be presented at a banquet, Monday, May 2, at Bank One Center on Wilmington’s Riverfront. Approximately 30 children, ages 5-12, who are from low-income families, are enrolled in the Clark’s Corner Community Center after-school 4-H program, which offers tutoring, computer labs, programs in social development and other activities, such as woodworking, according to Joy Sparks, extension specialist II, who is in charge of 4-H in the state. One of the measures of success of the program, she said, is that last year the students who were enrolled all passed their grade levels without remediation. “We are pleased to have the Clark’s Corner 4-H program recognized as part of the Lake Forest School District’s Superstar in Education award,” Sparks said. Heather Gooden, extension specialist I, directs the program at Clark’s Corner. “The program started three years ago. A tutor comes in and works with the different age groups or with individuals when needed,” Gooden said. “We also have educational computer programs that are fun, as well as educational, for the children to use. We are in constant communication with teachers so we know what the children need and how they are doing in school.” Gooden also runs the summer program for the children. “With grant money, we planned field trips that gave the children experiences they might not otherwise have,” she said. Bowling, miniature golf, a Blue Rocks baseball game, the Cape May ferry, the Philadelphia Zoo, overnight camping and participating in the Delaware State Fair were among the special activities for the children. “We want them to experience and learn about the world around them,” Gooden said. “For instance, at Halloween, we cut open a pumpkin, which was a first for many of them, and they were able to hollow it out and roast the seeds. We had a beekeeper visit with a small hive, and they learned about bees and tasted honey--another new experience for some of the children.” Some of the children have participated in 4-H activities, such as the Favorite Foods competition, and were division winners, Gooden said. Participants had to create a table setting based on the food they prepared. One creative cook made mashed potato pie and decorated his table with potato people in twig rocking chairs. Another made colorful, decorated shortbread cookies, dubbed Gloria’s Flowering Garden, and planted some of the cookies in actual flowerpots as her centerpiece. “We are excited that the Clark’s Corner program has been included in the superstar award, and that we are able to offer 4-H experiences to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate,” Gooden said. The program has received funding from a United States Department of Agriculture’s New Communities grant and a 21st Century Community Schools grant to Lake Forest. Article by Sue Moncure To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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