Key youth programs start after pandemic shutdown
Learning opportunities help at-risk kids reach potential
Four new clubs have debuted in Marin providing after-school programs following pandemic-era closures.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin have launched clubs in Novato at San Jose and Sinaloa middle schools, and Lynwood and Olive elementary schools.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Novato School District to provide our after-school programs to their students,” CEO Jennifer Weiss said.
“Our programs are designed to help students reach their full potential, and we are excited to work with the district and the schools to make a positive impact on the lives of their students,” she said.
Approved by Novato Unified School District trustees in September, the endeavor is part of the district's Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, which seeks on-campus partnerships with community groups such as the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, North Marin Community Services and the Marin City-based nonprofit Play Marin.
“This is Novato at its best, where we work as a whole community,” Trustee Ross Millerick said.
Michael Casper, the district's expanded learning opportunities coordinator, said he is excited about the partnership.
“We share the same
vision of doing whatever it takes to support our qualifying students with enriching, fun, and unique experiences during non-school hours,” he said. “Our students are having so much fun in a safe and nurturing environment with friends and trusted adults.”
Just a few months since opening, the programs are already bustling with life and activity.
Launched in October, the effort aims to serve 450 Novato youth this school year between TK and 8th grade. The after-school programs typically start at the close of school — around 3:30 — and