Welcome to our After School Blog where I will post updates and activities. First let me introduce myself. I am Marie Leone Pampinella. I have have had 35 years as an educator with the SCSD. I spent most of those in the classroom and the last 8 years at District Office supporting teachers and administrators with Curriculum, Technology and Staff Development. I also worked many years with a very successful Afternoon in the Arts Program along with Mr. Barber, that we received national recognition for and were asked to perform and accept our award at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. We have seen first hand how the Arts can transform students and help many struggling students to gain confidence and self esteem that transfers into academics. So it was a natural fit when I retired (yes, I said retired) that I take the next step in my career. I love children and do believe all can learn. We have to just find that niche that is different for every student. So here I am at Ed Smith. I do spend many hours beyond the After School program in the building. That way I can keep a pulse on what's happening and our daytime and after school program can then blend seamlessly. I see many things happening and am truly excited about it.
This leads me to the After School Program. This year we are reinventing it. We want to grow this to be something that stands out in after school programs. To echo our Vision to be the Best School. We have plans in the works, many in their infancy and will take time, but we will get there. Remember we are here for your child and welcome any support as well from you.
Thus, our program. The program runs Monday - Thursday's from 3-5. Along with academics on Mondays (ELA) and Wednesdays (Math) with a focus on your child's needs, we also have various Enrichment Activities (Arts) on Tuesday's and Thursdays. All of the activities we now have K-5 are full and we have a waiting list. We are always adding as we hire teachers. So if your child hasn't yet started, no worries we are working on getting everyone in and will let you know a start date as soon as we can. We also could use some more 7th and 8th grade students. So have them get an application and turn it in.
We are working towards a culminating Showcase at the end of the program and even have some big ideas for that. I know patience is a virtue they say, things take time so if all doesn't come to fruition this year at least we are working towards these goals.
Please visit the After School website https://sites.google.com/site/edsmithas/ where you will find a Parent Blog, Program Details, Calender and Pictures. Check for updates. In the meantime, we are so looking forward for this to be a wonderful experience for your child and don't hesitate to say hello when you see me.
