Students and teachers get to choose their own adventure before and after school at Jacket SWARM.
The first half of the program is dedicated to academic support and individualized tutoring to promote the students’ learning. Afterwards, they spend time in an enrichment activity crafted and proposed by a participating teacher passionate about the class content.
Jaymes Wapp, the Director of Alternative Programs for the Lebanon R3 School District, credits these activities with much of the program’s growth over the past year. The last two years of enrollment have had the highest numbers they’ve seen since the program’s start in 2017, serving a total of 400 students.
“It’s really those engaging enrichment experiences that that help us draw kids into the program and get them coming on a consistent basis,” said Wapp.
Students, grades K-8, have their pick between a variety of enrichment activities. Topics range from cooking and the arts to STEM lessons, to physical fitness. One popular option is the Boswell Little Theater, which puts on a play or musical each semester.
During his three years as the program director, Wapp has witnessed a lot of progress, largely due to an increase in staff participation. Like many other programs, the pandemic overwhelmed staff with sub shortages and other challenges in managing classes.
“It’s really those engaging enrichment experiences that that help us draw kids into the program and get them coming on a consistent basis,” said Wapp.
Jacket SWARM has even started to thrive since enduring the hurdles presented by the pandemic. The district received funding through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) last year and has since been accepted for five years of 21st CCLC grant funding.
Another key to ensure the success of the program is being able to transport students.
“One thing our district is committed to, that I believe has also helped our program grow over the last couple of years, is providing bus transportation home,” said Wapp. “56% of our students are able to ride a Lebanon school bus home after the afterschool program.”
Wapp attests to the visceral impact that Jacket SWARM has on students.
“Our athletic director presents to our school board every year, and he can compare the activity and athletic group versus the non-athletic group. And there are always higher GPAs, higher attendance rates,” said Wapp. “So, there’s something to be said for students being involved in afterschool activities.”
Since sports and music extracurriculars typically don’t start until high school, Jacket SWARM offers students the opportunity to get involved in school early.
The program also provides students with a space to connect with their teachers and fellow peers outside of the school day. Enrollment rates of ELS students whose families speak primarily Russian have spiked, and their involvement keeps their transition to the school as smooth as possible.
Staying engaged with the community as a whole is crucial to the program’s success.
“Everyone’s yellowjackets through and through. If you drive down I-44 from here, you’re going to see a large yellowjacket painting under the water tower. We’ve got a black and gold fire truck with the Lebanon yellowjacket on it, cruising up and down the roads,” said Wapp. “And so, the school system is really a foundational piece of the community.”
