AFTER SCHOOL FAQ
Updated January 15th 2010
Q: What are the After School’s operating hours?
A: Monday through Friday 2:30-6:00pm, and 1:30-6:00pm on minimum days.
Q: Do I have to pay to send my child to After School?
A: The program is free, but we do ask for a $50.00 per year donation to be used for necessary
supplies.
Q: What do the kids do all day in After School?
A: We offer homework assistance, a healthy snack, academic enrichment, and extra curricular
activities such as sports, educational games, and supervised play.
Q: How do I get in touch with the After School Site Director?
A: Leave messages for the Site Director, Musette Payton-Kelm, at the After School office (707)
869-9741.
Q: How do I get in touch with my student’s After School Activity Leader or other staff?
A: Speak with them directly when picking up your child or contact the After School office at (707)
869-9741
Q: Who directs the program?
A: The Program Director is Mary Northey at West County Community Services; the Site Director is
Musette Payton-Kelm.
Q: What do the Program and Site Directors do?
A: The Program and Site Directors ensure enriching programming that meets or exceeds state
standards, direct activities, maintain a safe site, and collaborate with parents, teachers, and staff
to maintain a quality program.
Q: Do you base After School around my student’s regular school day?
A: We stay in contact with the teachers at school, and work with them on daily homework as well
as any individual help a student may need. We also work closely with the school Principal Elaine
Carlson to make sure our standards and goals are consistent with those of the regular school
day.
Q: How many paid staff do you have?
A: We have ten paid staff.
Q: What kind of teaching experience does the After School staff have?
A: After School staff have varying degrees of education and professional experience that make
them a good fit for the program. Our staff undergoes consistent review by the Site Director, and
all staff take part in regular training sessions.
Q: Where does the funding for After School come from?
A: Our money comes from a State Funded ASES (After School Education and Safety) Grant and
donations from parents/guardians.
Q: What should I do if I have a complaint about the program?
A: Call the program supervisor Musette Payton-Kelm at (707) 869-9741.
A: Do I need to notify After School if my child will be absent?
Q: Please do, it helps us make sure that all our students are accounted for.
Q: How do I pick up my child?
A:
- Kindergarten through 2nd Grade - sign your child out at their room.
- 3rd through 8th - sign your child out at their homework rooms until 4:00pm, and at the After
School office after 4:00pm.
- All students are brought to the pick up room by the bike racks at 5:30pm. Students taking the
bus will be signed out by After School staff.
Q: Why do I have to sign my student out every time I pick them up?
A: For safety and administrative reasons we need to verify who picks them up and at what time.
Q: Besides myself, who else can sign my student out?
A: Only persons listed on your registration packet. If you would like someone else to pick up your
child, we will need a note or a phone call. We will not release children to anyone who not listed
on your registration packet, or whom doesn’t have explicit parent/guardian permission in
advance.
Q: Can students sign themselves out of the program?
A: Only students in 6th through 8th grade may sign themselves out, and then only with a signed
parent permission form on file.
Q: What if there’s an emergency with my student?
A: We will first contact the parent or guardian, then someone on the emergency list in your
registration packet. It is very important for us to have current emergency information; if there
are changes please let us know as soon as possible. If there is a serious emergency 911 will be
called first.
Q: Can you make sure my child finishes their homework each day?
A: We help all students with their homework. However, since different students work at different
paces, we cannot ensure that every student finishes their homework every day. Also, students
that absolutely refuse to work cannot be forced. We do collaborate with parents/guardians and
your student’s regular day school teacher to ensure that we are doing everything we can to
promote academic success.
Q: Are the snacks you serve good for my kids / how do you decide what to serve?
A: Our daily snacks are provided by the Redwood Empire Food Bank, who does weekly
menus to calculate the optimal nutritional value of snacks. If your child has special nutritional
needs, please contact the Site Director at (707) 869-9741.
Q: How can I volunteer with After School?
A: Contact the After School Office at (707) 869-9741
Q: What do volunteers do at the After School program?
A: Volunteers assist After School Activity Leaders with homework help and extra-curricular
activities. Volunteers can also help with fundraising, administration and/or community outreach,
in addition to teaching special skills or demonstrating appropriate talents.
Q: How can I stay up to date with After School news and events?
A: We are very good about keeping in touch with everyone through letters home and postings
around the After School Office. For more news and regular updates, visit our Facebook page
here or our blog here.