Samuel W. Pennypacker Middle School, Philadelphia, PA
Samuel W. Pennypacker Middle School in Philadelphia operates a technology-enriched after school program. This joint project supported by MAR*TEC, the Cedar Park Presbyterian Church, and Pennypacker School is designed to provide a safe environment for children in Grades 3, 4 and 5 needing homework assistance, recreational opportunities, and exposure to modern technology. The major program characteristics are based on the following themes: Academically Rich, Technology Enhanced, Family Focused, Recreation Enriched, Personalized, and Skill Development Focused.
Initially, 25 students from Pennypacker and two other schools were registered with 60% attending on a regular basis. Only one student was asked to leave because of poor conduct. In addition to staff and teachers, there were an average of two to three volunteer tutors present daily. The program was transformed into a Community Technology Center when, during the spring months, services were expanded to include classes offered to both parents and community residents.
The well-structured curriculum focused on homework completion. Plans were made to upgrade the music component by purchasing bells and locating a volunteer to play the piano and teach singing. Initially the computer lab was not as well used as planned, but the addition of volunteer tutors increased lab usage substantially. New learning supplies are being added on a routine basis either through volunteer donations or program purchases. Among the continuing concerns are
- insufficient time for drama, sports, and other "fun" activities;
- insufficient individual choice in the structure of the program;
- organizational leadership structure needs to become less centralized, and
- life skills workshops need to be added.
The program is going to be modified by adding staff development time and increasing parental involvement. Beginning in Year 3 and continuing thereafter, adult literacy and life-long learning workshops will be added as demand increases.
Youngsters who participated in the Afterschool program sponsored by Temple University, the Pennypacker school, Washington Lane and Thouron Street, and Cedar Park Presbyterian Church get to celebrate their improvement in math and reading as evidenced in their report cards. Youngsters participated in a play, sang songs and enjoyed a spaghetti dinner.
