KidsZone and TeenZone Programs
Our after-school programs, which we call KidsZone in the elementary schools and TeenZone in the middle and high schools, are being administered in 27 Volusia County Schools and 2 Flagler County Schools. Kids/Teen Zone is designed to provide a platform and opportunities for at-risk students to improve their performance at school.
By providing additional academic guidance, enrichment opportunities and nourishing meals, our KidsZone / TeenZone programs seek to help at-risk students improve their performance at school. Key programming elements include:
- Tutoring
- Nourishing Meals and Snacks
- Student Reward System for Improvement
- Educational / Enriching Field Trips
- Tours of College Campuses
- Motivational Speakers and Special Events
- Transportation to and from FBH Programs and Events
Teachers and educators say the proof of these programs' effectiveness is measurable through:
- Improved grades and test scores
- Reduced absenteeism
- Fewer disciplinary referrals
But the intangible benefits are the ones that touch our hearts:
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The look of wonder on a young girl's face when arriving at an FBH sponsored concert at the NewsJournalCenter...she had never seen a flight of stairs so high before.
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The excitement among FBHonors students dressed in their Sunday best at the FBH tend of the year recognition banquet...several had never been served in a restaurant before.
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The dozens of hands waving in the air, volunteering their knowledge of good nutrition at our Nutrition Day at Starke Elementary while snacking on fresh fruits and vegetables.
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The enthusiasm shown by many students upon arrival at Embry-Riddle University to attend a women's and men's basketball game.
- The list is as long as the list of students we serve.
Wadsworth Elementary
Wadsworth Elementary's KidZone program currently has 17 members. The program meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm.
Because of the sponsor's backgrounds, School Counselor and teacher (formerly Youth Counselor), we often incorporate SEL lessons in our sessions. We put a great emphasis on developing our students’ character. Our goal is to help students understand that everyone excels in different areas, but we can all be an overall “good” person. Additionally, we’ve provided activities to focus on mindfulness and making healthy life choices.
One of our highlights so far was our holiday celebration in December. The students enjoyed receiving the gifts that were purchased for them and having an extra special meal. Afterwards, we took a field trip to Flagler Palm Coast High school (many of the students had never been to FPC). Our students took a small tour of the athletic facilities. We also stayed to watch the girls’ JV and varsity basketball games. We even invited the parents of our participants to attend. Despite the fun the students had, the highlight was going to the concession stand to order snacks.
Although our original plan was to focus primarily on Science, the sponsors decided it was more important to focus on academics as a whole. We provided tutoring, homework help, and extension learning activities (iReady, Imagine Learning, Brain Pop, Freckle Math, etc.). Each week, we conference with every student to discuss grades, progress, missing assignments, and the support the students believe they need to be successful. In addition, we conference with the parents and teachers to put additional safety nets in place to help the students succeed in both academics and behavior. Of our 17 students, 13 of the students have made grade improvements and/or maintained passing grades for all core subjects. We’re so proud of their accomplishments and will continue to provide the support for the remainder of the school year.
