For Edgecomb Eddy School second grader Mae Tuesday afternoon, April 3 after-school was child’s play as she prepared to launch a “snack” towards a bass’ giant mouth. She was playing “Go, Fish, Launch” with kindergarten teacher Sally Monroe.

For the two dozen students, after-school is a time for games, drawing and fun. These students are part of a new program designed to provide a community service for both parents and students. Three days a week, students spend two hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays and three hours on Wednesdays in the first-year program. The program begins shortly after school is dismissed and ends at 4:30 p.m.

“This is something parents really wanted,” Principal Tom Landberg said. “It gives students a place to go and provides support for working parents.”

In November, the program began as a two-week pilot program modeled after another Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 program in Georgetown. Organizers seek donations, but participation does not require a fee. At 2:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. Wednesdays), students meet in the cafeteria and begin a series of structured and unstructured activities. Third grader Gus and fourth grader Bryson play with Magna blocks, second grader Luke likes basketball, and kindergartener Evan colors. 

“We provide the space, and kids gravitate toward the activity of their choice,” said educational technician Brooke Chaney, the program’s coordinator. She manages the program and is assisted by a series of school staff and parent volunteers. Chaney has worked in Edgecomb for two years and has a long history with other youth activities. She previously worked as an ed tech in Boothbay Harbor. When the new after-school program was looking for staff, Chaney volunteered. “I’ve been involved with youth programs since high school. Fit Kids, Camp Knickerbocker and Y Camp,” she said.  “I enjoy spending time with kids. They were looking for help so I stepped forward.”

At 3:30 p.m. students have an option to move to the gymnasium. They can play tag, run relay races, or shoot baskets. Students can also participate in a less active pastime in the gym’s opposite end. As spring approaches, they have an option to go outside on the playground or throw a baseball or football around. “We provide a safe place for fun activities. There is not a lot of structure because students really have the choice,” Chaney said. 

For Luke, the after-school program is a great way to end his day. “You get to play outside with your friends. Play basketball in the gym. It’s awesome,” he said.

Chaney is helped by one or two assistants. Most days, Monroe assists her. “This provides flexibility to local families. It’s a needed service, and programs like this aren’t available in Edgecomb. It also gives students a chance to have fun at school, and spend time with their friends,” she said. 

In January, the school committee approved extending the program until April vacation. Landberg described the program as a “total success.” He would like to expand it to five days per week. “For sure, we’d like to add Mondays and Fridays. But we don’t have enough funding or staffing.” Those same obstacles are also factors in the programming continuing beyond spring break. “We don’t have program commitments beyond break. So I’m not sure what will happen,” Landberg said.