Beyond the Bell

Welcome!

Great news! We will be entering Year 2 of a 5-year grant to sustain Beyond the Bell within the North Crawford School District. We proudly facilitate an after-school program named Beyond the Bell (BtB). This program's funding is made possible through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, generously provided by the Department of Education. Remarkably, North Crawford will have successfully hosted 15 years of after-school programming for our district's students and families. Our mission is to help children learn, grow and reach their full potential, offering new learning opportunities that help students do better in school and in life.

The program operates from Monday to Friday between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., the BtB program accommodates students ranging from 4K to 5th grade. These students are divided into cross-grade groups, each led by educators from the North Crawford School District. Each group's schedule involves a blend of homework assistance, skill practice, recess, snacks, and engaging academic enrichment activities.

Beyond the Bell is structured around daily themes. Math takes the spotlight on Mondays, where students engage in age-appropriate activities encompassing addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and even introductory algebraic concepts. Tuesdays revolve around reading, featuring read-aloud sessions, story reading, learning about diverse authors, and taking part in extension activities. Workout Wednesdays are a hit among students, as they participate in relay races, partner games, and physical skill challenges. Thursdays offer technology sessions with a focus on STEM activities, enabling students to explore various facets of the STEM realm. The week concludes with Fun Fridays, where students of different ages collaborate in a range of activities including arts and crafts, STEM projects, cooking, games, and local field trips. These weekly activities are intentionally hands-on, captivating, and distinct from regular school-day routines.

The overarching program goals are successfully met through these thoughtfully designed activities. Beyond the Bell consistently cultivates a warm and inviting environment that fosters positive relationships and advances academic skills. Furthermore, the program extends its impact to families by providing opportunities for adult education, family-oriented events, and a secure space for their children. Importantly, we offer free transportation for all students back to their homes following BtB sessions.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your continued support of the North Crawford School District.

Amy Anderson, BtB Coordinator Amanda Killeen, Elem. Principal