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DEL.ICIO.USAny after-school programs for middle school kids in Gwinnett?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I was talking to a co-worker the other day. Her daughter is graduating from Chattahoochee Elementary in about a month, and she will start at Duluth Middle School in August.
“Are you nervous about your daughter going to a new school?,” I asked.
“Of course I worry,” she replied. “I’m a mother. But, my daughter is a good girl. She has good friends, she does well in school, and she’s not dating until she’s 30.”
“Do you worry about her now that she’s getting older?,” I asked.
“Yes, I worry,” she replied. “There is only so much that I as a parent can do. But it’s not so much school that I worry about. It’s the hours between three and six. That’s when children have the best opportunity to get in trouble.
“My daughter goes to an after-school program now. It’s run by a Korean couple, they are very nice. She does educational activities, homework, extra problems, things that exercise her mind. As a single parent, I want to make sure that my daughter has supervision and gives her something productive to do.
“But there isn’t really any kind of program available for kids who are 12, 13, 14 years old. This is the most crucial time of their development, but there really isn’t anything available to them, at least not that I found.
“I suppose when you’re in high school, you have extracurricular activities in which you can get involved. I just think it strange that, when children are the most critical age, there’s nothing available to help them. Fulton County has an after-school program, but there’s nothing like that in Duluth, or in Gwinnett.”
“I suppose it must be difficult to be a single parent,” I said.
“That’s not important,” she replied. “I’m her mother. Every parent should take care of the child. It doesn’t matter if you’re single, or if you’re married. I will do what’s best for my daughter. I would like to find something productive for her to do during those hours that I can’t be there.”
She has a point. Parents who want to do the right thing, would love to find productive alternatives for their children. I don’t have any of my own, so I have to kind of plead ignorance on this. However, it got me to thinking. So, I’m asking you: what kinds of programs are available for children aged 10 to 14 in Gwinnett County?
Permalink | Comments (42) | Categories: Bill Allen
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By Katie
May 7, 2007 6:23 AM | Link to this
I don’t care what type of after school programs there are for 10-14 year olds as long as my tax dollars don’t have to pay for it. Education, fine, but come on now, how long do non-parents have to pay for children we didn’t choose to have? Call me a Grinch, I don’t care, but I am sick of this.
By ann
May 7, 2007 6:28 AM | Link to this
How about you quit your job and stay home with your own kids? How about hiring a high school student to come to your house and sit with your child until you or your spouse gets home?
By ann
May 7, 2007 6:30 AM | Link to this
How about you quit your job and stay home with your own child? How about you hire a high school student to meet your child after school and stay with her until you get home????
By Jennifer
May 7, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this
There are a couple of options: boys and girls club, hiring a high school or college student. Have you checked the YMCA or asked for flex time at work ? Better yet, research through the state pta how you can bring an after school club to your school, I can assure you that there are many other families in the same situation. Good luck, it is not easy.
By Curious
May 7, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
I am trying to figure out why you need someone from 3-6 to watch your child… If you live in Gwinnett county then you child will not be home until about 5pm… School hours are 9:20am to 4:00pm and then it could take 30 plus minutes to get them on the buses so as I said 5:00pm is more realistic…
By Smitty
May 7, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
There is definately a need for structured after school “activities” for this age group. Not every parent gets home at 5:00.
And Katie as a property owner, you will always be paying for OUR kids EDUCATION. My child will be graduating in a year, and I will continue to live in my home, and support the school system. If you don’t like it my suggestion is to move into an apartment and let your landlord worry about things like that. What a shallow mind you have. You are paying to educate kids, whether you have any or not. Remember, these kids may one day be taking care of your bitter butt. So I suggest you continue to pay for those kids’ educations. They are our future, you know?
So as a non-parent why are you even commenting?
By Ms. Jones
May 7, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Dear Ann, what a great idea, I wish someone had told me that earlier. I’ll just quit my job. Yea, that will solve the problem. Actually, as a single parent, if I were to quit my job, you would be paying for ME with your taxes as I lay around on welfare, so my kid will have someone home with them after school!!!!!! Idiot!! What a stupid post.
You don’t have any kids do you?
By Katie
May 7, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Smitty, you’re an idiot. If you read my post you would have read that I said I didn’t mind paying for education. It’s the after school activties I don’t want my tax dollars going to. Education is education. After school activities do not fall under the definition of ‘education’. Why should I have to pay for some kid to go play sports after school? Let the parents pay for after school activities. My tax dollars pay for the children to learn English, Math, Science and History. I don’t mind paying for lunches for under-privledged kids but I draw the line at activities after school hours.
By Greg Rodgers
May 7, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Well Katie.. In some cases, the very tax dollars you spend on these kids may prevent “some” of the children from paying your neighborhood a visit in deviant ways. When kids have something to do it gets them away from trouble. Therefore, the dollars you contribute may be for the greater good of the community. Let’s face it, parents have to work and while we all know its the parents responsiblity to care for their kids we also must realize society plays a hand in raising kids as well.
By Smitty
May 7, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Katie no where in the article was it mentioned that YOU had to pay for after school activities. The question whas “…what kinds of programs are available for children aged 10 to 14 in Gwinnett County”
WHERE are the programs, not who pays for them. Read the article before you post. I don’t see any mention of tax payers dollars or private investments.
By Larry
May 7, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
I agree with Katie. This article may not mention taxpayers paying for it, but if its school sponsored, who do you think will pay for it? The Parents? NO WAY.
Because then, the parents will complain only the “rich” kids get this benefits and after a few school board votes, it WILL be passed onto the taxpayers.
Just because its not specifically mentioned in the article doesn’t mean you can ignore the reality of what would happen.
I have my son taken to daycare on Tuesdays/Thursdays and they take him to a local Tae Kwon Do school. I can just pick him up from there at 5:30 on those days.
By Georgia
May 8, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
I have the best after school care - it’s called CHORES. Two dogs that need to be walked, two cats that need to be fed, unmade beds, last night’s and this morning dishes, weeds in the garden, lawn to be mowed, laundry to do, and so on. I ensure my kids have enough to do around the house during that hour they are home alone.
The benefit - We have weekends of pure freedom and nothing has to be done around the house, so we can enjoy our two days off each week.
I’ll take responsibility for my own kids thank you.
By Cammi317
May 8, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
I didn’t read it as she was asking for school sponsered aftercare. I read that she was simply wanting to know of the availability in the Gwinnett County area. I am sure she was just looking for good recommendations as opposed to just dropping her children any place that she just happened upon.
By Cammi317
May 8, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
By the way, my daughter attends an afterschool program which is located on location at her elementary school, FOR WHICH I PAY A WEEKLY FEE. It is not free, nor is it ran by the school and/or County. It is sponsered by the YWCA.
By AR
May 8, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Well, considering Duluth Middle does not get out until 4:00….not much time for the kids to get into trouble before most parents get home from work.
By CP
May 8, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Hey AR, try working downtown and getting to Duluth before 6:30pm on any weekday. Getting home after 5pm doesn’t make someone a bad parent.
By Mel
May 8, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Try the Pinckneyville Teen Volunteer Club. It’s open to middle and high school students and meets twice a month over dinner to plan service projects. Pinckneyville Community Center 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Norcross, GA 770-417-2200
By Mel
May 8, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
One more thing, Gwinnett has 2 YMCA’s that also have after-school programs ($54 per/wk). Robert D. Fowler YMCA - 770-246 9622 and JM Tull YMCA - 770-963-1313
By bill allen
May 8, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Hi gang! Three things here: 1. My friend is not necessarily looking for a government program. She would be more than happy to pay for an after school program that focuses on educational activities. she doesn’t trust the government, either. 2. Her big concern is finding healthy, productive activities. Math problems instead of drugs and vandalism, she says. 3. Not every single parent is a divorcee’. There are widows and widowers who have children to care for as well.
By Ryan
May 8, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
18 comments and three answers to the question, it does not surprise a bit. Lets not forget you “rear” children and “raise” cattle. The question was not about taxes or am I a good enough parent.
The Y is a great place as I spent many days there as a teenager (had a single mother) it can be expensive but I helped pay for it(responsibility). I also had a Big Brother from Big Brothers and Big Sisters-it was an extremely positive experience for me and my Big Brother. Some may have concerns with the idea but the people are screened and want to make a difference in a young persons life-or they would not be there. If you or your child does not like the person they are placed with then you don’t have to keep them. Again, this may not be for everyone but it is an idea.
By Dianne
May 8, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
My husband and I had the same concerns when our boys were in middle school. Not so much after school, but summer break, holidays, those longer hours worried us. We handled it the same way as Georgia, they did chores. (Thank you Georgia!) As she said, they took care of things in and around the house which left weekends free for family fun! It also enabled them to make decisions, take pride in their work, act with responsibility…all which produced two fine young men.
But, hubby and I did wish we had the $$ to develop a center for kids this age. Just think, it’s easier than caring for small children (no diapers or nap time fights!), just provide a safe place, with supervised activities. A smart investment for someone to STILL take advantage of!
By Georgia
May 8, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Dianne I have always wanted to open some kind of after school program for middle school and high school kids. I really feel there is a need for some type of safe environment for these kids, between the hours of 4-6:00.
I am not at all impressed with the Boys and Girls Clubs. I had my daughter there for a brief period of time (one week), but every time I walked into that place the kids were running wild, and I saw no supervision of any kind. Kids were even running in and out of the building, out into the parking lot. No safety there.
The only thing that stops me from starting this kind of “business” is one, I don’t know where to even begin, and two, I get worried about the teenaged “thugs” who want to come in and start some crap.
Some kids are able to stay home by themselves and be responsible, but many others are not. When I drive home from work, around 4-4:30 I see all kinds of teens, just wandering up and down the roads. I think to myself, what are they up too? Then I thank god my kid is at home and I know she is ok, and she’s not some lost soul out there just wandering aroud.
Plus I wholeheartedly recommend sports. Get you kids involved in some type of sport. My daughter played softball for years. Good kids, great parents and life long friends. She hasn’t play in about two years, but we still enjoy friendships we made in the ball park.
By not blonde
May 8, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Be glad you don’t live in Dacula. The after school program is the library. It’s no longer a refuge, it is a disaster. They should have a sign out “Thugs at work”
By Georgia
May 8, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Not Blonde, do you really think they are Working????? Shouldn’t the sign read “Thugs up to No Good” :)
Oh, and don’t get me started on the Mall on Friday nights. My daughter is no longer allowed to go to the Mall on a Friday night, even with ME!! I won’t go near the Mall of Georgia. Talk about Thug Central.
By dee
May 8, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
Georgia what do you mean by thug central?
By Marisa
May 8, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this
I suggest to contact United Way by phone dialing 211 or on the website: 211online.unitedwayatlanta.org
They have been very helpful to me finding decent and affordable childcare since my kids were small. I feel you pain, my oldest is 13.
I’d also suggest volunteer your middle schooler to tutor elementary kids in your local programs…some of them will be more than happy to get help. Transportation might be an issue.
Boys and Girls club has been my choice for many summers, spring breaks and school holidays.
By jo
May 8, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
You might be able to find a situation nearby your home where your daughter can be a mother’s helper. When I was a stay-at-home mom, the hours between naptime and dinner were difficult because I was trying to prepare dinner, help the older kids with homework, and keep the little ones occupied. It would have been great to have somebody there with me to play outside with the little ones or watch over the older ones as they did their homework. I would have even welcomed somebody to put in a load of laundry or run the vacuum. As a mother’s helper, she would have adult supervision, responsibility, and a purpose. It is a win-win for everybody involved. She might ask the counselor at her daughter’s elementary school if s/he knows of a family that might welcome such a helper.
By Dr. K
May 8, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
I have an idea…why not return to the Junior High School format of middle grades education with a full variety of extracurriculars and sports that will contimue on in High School. Why not PAY middle school teachers sponsor stipends for their leadership roles. Instead we continue to promote this integrated team teach approach, limit these important activities, and have data to support how the Middle School concept fails. (We need to return 6th grade to the elementary schools too…)
By JustMe
May 8, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
I went to middle school in Gwinnett…at the time, they offered intra-mural sports after school. Perhaps not so now, that was 20+ years ago.
Your friend ever hear of the Girl Scouts?
By robyn
May 9, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
As a single parent in Gwinnett, I moved my child to a private school that offered an after-school program when he was in the fifth grade and kept him there until 7th. The after school program was an additional cost on top of the tuition, but it was worth it. I’ve always been willing to pay for him to participate in a good after school program, but the truth is, they are extremely rare for middle schoolers.
After school is prime time for finishing homework or sports, and I really don’t understand why Gwinnett doesn’t take advantage of it. The elementary school in our area didn’t even offer an after-school program.
By Mel
May 9, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Georgia, my child attends the Boys And Girls Club and I’ve seen the kids running wild. It doesn’t bother me though, because I see the supervisors everywhere. In fact, they hired additional staff for the center. The children are separeted by age and each group has certain times to be structured and certain times for open/free play. When you saw kids in the parking lot, I would have liked that you’d speak with the Director there and share your concerns. Even if you removed your child from the program, a program cannot grow if there is no feedback from the parents/former-parents. You may think that certain things are a no-brainer, but it may be considered non-priority because no one has complained. Consider that kids in the parking lot (sometimes) are the ones that may have been already released into the care of their parents for the evening. (Not every kid walks quietly in a straight line to their car. LOL!) If not, please let the director know. They have plenty of consequences for misbehavior there. I’ve seen it. Suspensions, etc. You definietly did the right thing though, since you were feeling uneasy.
JustMe, I don’t think Girl Scouts is a daily program. However it is a good suggesstion for those that need help once or twice a week for a couple of hours.
By She
May 9, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
WHY CAN’T THIS BE A POSITIVE FORMAT FOR PEOPLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE TO BE SO CRUEL AND RUDE……WE SHOULD BE TRYING TO HELP EACH OTHER SHARE IDEAS…..IF YOU CAN’T STICK WITH THE TOPIC/QUESTION THAN PLEASE KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF.
AND AGAIN IT IS NOT A CRIME TO BE A MOTHERING WORK WHO IS CONCERN ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN DURING WORKING HOURS. STOP JUDGING OTHER PEOPLE AND REACH OUT TO OFFER A HELPING HAND. EVERYONE IS NOT LOOKING SOMETHING FOR FREE.
By She
May 9, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
WHY CAN’T THIS BE A POSITIVE FORMAT FOR PEOPLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE TO BE SO CRUEL AND RUDE……WE SHOULD BE TRYING TO HELP EACH OTHER SHARE IDEAS…..IF YOU CAN’T STICK WITH THE TOPIC/QUESTION THAN PLEASE KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF.
AND AGAIN IT IS NOT A CRIME TO BE A MOTHERING WORK WHO IS CONCERN ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN DURING WORKING HOURS. STOP JUDGING OTHER PEOPLE AND REACH OUT TO OFFER A HELPING HAND. EVERYONE IS NOT LOOKING SOMETHING FOR FREE.
By She
May 9, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
WHY CAN’T THIS BE A POSITIVE FORMAT FOR PEOPLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE TO BE SO CRUEL AND RUDE……WE SHOULD BE TRYING TO HELP EACH OTHER SHARE IDEAS…..IF YOU CAN’T STICK WITH THE TOPIC/QUESTION THAN PLEASE KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF.
AND AGAIN IT IS NOT A CRIME TO BE A MOTHER WORKING WHO IS CONCERN ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN DURING WORKING HOURS. STOP JUDGING OTHER PEOPLE AND REACH OUT TO OFFER A HELPING HAND. EVERYONE IS NOT LOOKING SOMETHING FOR FREE.
By single parent w/2 girls
May 9, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
After school is a night mare for someone that is the sole support for two girls with no family in the area. I take full responsibilitly for my kids and paid for the after care program at the elementary school until they went to middle school. Please remember the county doesn’t provide any transportation for afters school activities or to after care for middle schoolers. The kids can’t be involved in activities because they don’t have anyone to pick them up. Keep in mind transportation for all these after school things when you make suggestions. Middle school isn’t so bad since they didn’t get home until 5:00 and they had chores. High school is a night mare. My kids have chores but they still have 4 hours unsupervised until I get home. I am almost to the finish line with both kids but it has been more than a challenge. Also, whoever suggested hiring a high school kid to supervise a middle school kid - be warned the sweet high school kid that you see and the one you leaved unsupervised in your house are two different animals. Good Luck and stay diligent. It is an uphill battle to do right by your kids and keep them in line. It will pay off. You can do it and it is worth all the exhaustion, frustration and self-doubt.
By SusieHomeMaker
May 9, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Wow!! Im glad you brought this subject up! I have two elementary school kids and one will be attending middle school in the 2009 school year, I never even THOUGHT about the Aftercare situation!! Thanks for bringing this up and thanks for all the postive feedback from these posts!
PS: I live in Cobb County if anyone has any good ideas about Cobb please post!!
By scott
May 10, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
This is an idea that should be presented to some churches. There are plenty in Duluth, just travel down Duluth highway between Buford Hwy and and I-85. Of course there will always be a group of people wary of the “influences of the church”.
PS To every blogger in all of the forums, could you please define specifically what you mean by “thug”. Be a little more specific, after all you are still hiding behind your screen name.
By meme
May 10, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Once again we have some parents who want the government to raise their kids for them. You need to take care of your own children and not expect the school system to take care of them while you work. We have some parents here who drop their middle schoolers off at 6:30 am and some who don’t want to pick them up until they get off work at 5:30 pm. Put them in a boarding school if you don’t want to raise them yourselves.
By meme
May 10, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
BTW - my daughter teaches in Gwinnett County but not a county school and the middle school kids get out at 3:00.
By Parent
May 10, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
GCPS middle school hours are 9:20 am until 4:00 pm. I have three and thankfully they are all in high school now. I agree that there is not alot of things for middle school children after school is out. 6th grade is young to be home alone for any length of time, especially in today’s world. Mine got home around 4:30-4:45. Called me upon arrival, walked the dogs,locked the doors, ate a snack and then proceeded with all homework that could possibly be done without any assistance. I quizz them for their test to this day. I know I’m not much help but I do know where you are coming from and my heart goes out to all middle school age children and their parents facing this dilemna.
By buford parent
May 14, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this
Buford middle gets out around 2:45 and 6th graders can go to an after-care program until 6pm with the K-5 students. Cost $30 a week for the afternoons only. 7th & 8th graders can do many things like sports, tutoring, or clubs, which slightly helps. I guess the main reason schools don’t do after-school programs is because working parents may not make it home by 6pm (& teachers need to get home, too) and at least the buses can bring a student home. Get a neighborhood teen to help out from 5 until whenever, Gwinnett mom. That would be one idea.
By Elizabeth
May 19, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
A Church program would be great. If anyone else is interested, how can we make this happen?