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 Dear
Broward County Friends,
Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) provide
an important educational setting for an increasing number of children
and families. At a time when more and more young people are spending
the hours between 2 and 6 pm at home unsupervised, the need for
high-quality afterschool programs is great. High-quality programs
are the result of hard work, clear focus, strong leadership, and
a careful analysis of the needs of the community. Blanche Ely High,
Crystal Lake Community Middle and Markham Elementary Schools are
operating highly-exemplary 21st Century Families United Now (FUN)
Centers, designed to meet the needs of students, their families,
and the community.
The FUN Centers are currently open and are delivering articulated,
accessible and comprehensive services that strengthen academic skills,
build healthy relationships, expand students' horizons and encourage
parental involvement. Program activities include, but are not limited
to: (1) academic enrichment classes; (2) FCAT preparation; (3) expanded
library service hours; (4) technology classes for students and adults;
(5) cultural and recreational activities; (6) health and counseling
services for families; and (7) workshops for students and parents
on issues relating to nutrition, safety, and health.
21st Century Community Learning Centers have proven to be successful.
They are safe environments that motivate and inspire learning outside
of the regular school day by engaging children, youth, and adults
in wholesome activities that are supervised by adult professionals.
I would like to encourage all parents and students, in the communities
surrounding the FUN Centers, to take advantage of the range of no-cost
services and activities that are available.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert D. Parks
Chairperson, District 7
Dear Broward County Residents,
In June 2001, Broward County Public Schools was awarded a second
21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Grant. The first 21st
CCLC grant was awarded to Charles Drew Resource Center, Lauderhill
Middle Community School, William Dandy and McNicol Middle Schools
in 1998. The most recent grant application process was extremely
competitive as more communities across the nation are adopting afterschool
programs. The US Department of Education received 2,762 applications
and selected only 308 grants for funding. We are, therefore, very
proud that this grant ranked high enough to provide us an opportunity
to deliver extended learning opportunities at Blanche Ely High School,
Crystal Lake Community Middle School, and Markham Elementary School.
The 21st CCLC program enhances the educational, health, social
services, cultural and recreational needs of the community. The
program enables school districts to increase the number of afterschool
programs in neighborhood schools. While programs across the nation
differ, they all have a common focus—to keep children safe
in the afterschool hours and to provide educational, recreational,
health, and social service programs for all ages within a local
community. In just three years, afterschool programs have gone from
a fledgling concept to a nationwide phenomenon. The reason is clear—parents
and families overwhelmingly support the presence of afterschool
programs that provide creative learning opportunities in their neighborhood
schools.
A significant number of businesses, local organizations and agencies
are providing a wide array of resources and support. I would like
to thank these partners who are enriching the services delivered
at the three 21st CCLC sites.
We are elated to have an opportunity to enhance and expand services
to the students. For more information on the 21st Century Community
Learning Center Program call (954) 760-7449.
Sincerely,
Frank Till
Superintendent of Schools
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