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Middle School After-School Program

Fairfax County Public Schools offers comprehensive, high-quality after-school activities that provide opportunities for middle school youth to: feel safe, improve academic development and performance, improve social, emotional, and physical well-being, improve school and community connectedness, reduce the potential for risk-taking behaviors, and reduce interest in gang involvement or delinquent activities.  After-school activities are being implemented so that youth have greater opportunities for success in developing the attitudes, skills, knowledge, and abilities to live healthy lives, become productive adults, and to thrive in the workplaces and communities of the 21st century. 

Availability

All middle schools currently have a regularly scheduled after-school program for five days a week.  Late bus transportation is provided three days per week, generally on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Parents/Guardians must provide for transportation on Tuesday and Friday.  The after-school program is free.

Impact

The after-school environment allows youth to interact among themselves and with adults in a more relaxed atmosphere. Research shows that youth with the opportunity to build positive peer and adult relationships have better school and community connectedness, better school attendance, increased social competence, and less substance abuse and behavioral issues including gang involvement. School attendance and school connectedness are the single most important protective factors identified with reducing risky behaviors including substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana), acting out in class, fighting, bullying, and emotional distress. Research also indicates that after-school programs can markedly increase engagement in learning, improve academic achievement, and reduce behavioral issues.

Activities

Particular program offerings vary by school but all middle school after-school programs offer activities that address four key strategies:

Academic Support and Enrichment

• Homework Assistance
• Tutoring
• Math, Literary, and Science Programs
• Clubs and Associations
• Technology
• Fine andPerforming Arts
• Board Games
• More Info

Social Skill and Youth Development

• Mentoring
• Service Learning
• Leadership
• Prevention Programs
• Peer Mediation
• Character Education
• Career Preparedness: College Readiness
• More Info

Physical, Health, and Recreational

• Recreation Activity
• Intramurals
• Sports Opportunities
• Exercise Activities
• Team Building
• Health and Wellness Activities
• More Info

Family and Community Involvement

• Partnership Building
• Volunteer Recruitment
• Parent Education
• Family Engagement
• Community Outreach, Service Learning