Henry Street Settlement's Extended Day/School Violence Prevention Program will meet the educational and social needs of 835 children in six Lower East Side schools: PS 20, PS 134, PS 110, PS 42, the Henry Street School for International Studies and the University Neighborhood Middle School, two new small schools located within the old JHS 56 complex. 

 

Our Program's goals are to: 1) create a safe, nurturing and healthy environment for the school community; 2) provide an extended day after-school program for children to learn and grow; 3) improve students' academic performance in meeting New York State Learning Standards; 4) provide services for children with special needs and; 5) assist parents in supporting and enhancing their own and their children's education. 

 

This year, we will have additional services for adolescents, grades 6-9, at four of the schools through a social worker and special youth development/leadership initiatives. Activities for all children will include academic development/enrichment and conflict resolution through a peer mediation program and through the arts of drama, playwriting, music, dance, visual arts, architecture and ceramics. Our staff is composed of DOE teachers, group leaders/activity specialists, assistant group leaders and Henry Street teaching artists who will emphasize literacy skills; problem solving, and an exploration of the themes of understanding and peace. Program activities will include: academic enrichment, interactive arts, conflict resolution, multicultural experiences, youth development/student leadership activities; sports; peer mediation, cooperative learning, peer tutoring, and self-esteem building. 

 

At some schools, there will also be: small group support for children with learning problems; counseling for children and families in need; parent education and parenting programs, staff development for group leaders and teachers; conflict resolution, behavior management; culturally sensitive experiences. 

 

At all schools there will be either a nutritious snack or dinner. Activities will be in one-to three hour blocks along with a snack/dinner and two activities each day. The PS 110 program services 230 children; PS 134 serves 180; at PS 20, our largest school, we have 300 children; PS 42 has 25 children, there are 50 for the Henry Street School of International Studies and 50 for the University Middle School. PS 20 will have a Winter School in February (President's Week) serving 200 children; a Saturday Academy for students; a Parent Academy of educational workshop and a parent literacy; a girls group and a boys group; after-school sports; a gang violence/drug prevention program for 5th and 6th grade students; a peer tutoring program; technology classes and; community service projects. 

 

Through this Extended Day/Violence Prevention Program, youngsters will have the opportunity to work collaboratively in small groups to solve problems, think critically and communicate through listening, speaking and writing, all central in meeting the NY State English Language Arts Standards. We will continue to concentrate on extending classroom learning and emphasize staff development for group leaders. Student performance will be assessed through journals, portfolios, and participation, of course, attendance. Program evaluation will also take place through focus groups, reflection meetings and pre- and post-student behavior indicators.