Programs
Northampton Girls' Town After School Program is a safe, affordable and a sanitary setting. Our primary goal is to empower girls. We are an after school program that is nurturing, fun and educational. This program is designed to meet both the parent and child's needs. Our program student/staff ratio is approximately 10 students per teacher, which allows for all girls to receive both needed and deserved individual attention.At Northampton Girls' Town A.S.P. we will offer a variety of choices. Some activities may be offered by our town or other local children's organizations. Those opportunities combined with Northampton Girls' Town . After School Program provide local girls with extraordinary experiences. Every week day, from 3pm to 6pm, there is a location dedicated solely to girls. A place where she can embrace empowerment and self-determination, while learning how to take ownership of who she is, and who she thinks about becoming.
In partnership with parents, guardians, schools and other professionals Northampton Girls Town A.S.P. focus on the following:
- Developing a healthy self image.
- Learning positive coping skills....like completing homework and chores on time!
- Understanding affective and respectful communication skills like listening, remembering and following through with individual responsibility!
- Making positive choices by empowering others is also our focus. Teaching her how to create both positive energy and friendships, by role modeling relationships which involve sharing and being respectful.
- Decreasing negative behaviors such as: hitting siblings, dishonesty, screaming, refusal to listen or acting out in other ways is also important for her to understand and change.
My intentions and goals for this girls' after school program are the following:
- Keeping children safe.
- Teaching human rights and cultural diversity (in an age appropriate manner).
- Focusing on both positive thinking and making healthy choices.
- Teaching individual and social responsibility.
- Encouraging interest in learning about herself and the world.
I am equally interested in guardians', parents' and children's shared ideas to be implemented into what will become our program.
Northampton Girls' Town A.S.P. is an insured program. All staff is FIRST AID and CPR certified. They will be trained and supervised by the Program Director.
AGES:
5-12 years old
DAYS OPEN:
M-F, possible openings on closed school days
HOURS:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 3pm to 6pm
Wednesday: 12pm to 6pm
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
- Sponsoring girls from 3rd world countries through Feed The Children. This involves understanding different cultures, socioeconomic systems, reading, letter writing and sharing photos with who we sponsor. During the holidays we will send gifts like a warm jacket or a pair of shoes. (Expenses are paid by the program.)
- Homework Help is given for up to 1 hour per day. Hopefully, all the answers to her homework questions will be completed before she returns home!
- Electronic Village - We will build (with the help of women contractors and artists in Northampton) an interactive, barbie doll size, electronic village made of recycled quality materials. We will learn about environmental issues, math, carpentry, engineering and architectural skills. Multicultural barbies will be socializing in style while driving electronic jeeps, VW bugs, and riding the train!
- Drama Club - By using puppets, dolls and stuffed animals she can express herself creativity. Role play is an effective way to identify behaviors needing to be addressed, and to practice needed assertive communication skills.
- Reading Circle is sharing our favorite books, poetry, songs, magazines, websites....
- Library - We have shelves full of interesting books from area schools, local book stores and magazines such as National Geographic For Kids, Highlights and other fun educational reading materials about our world.
- Arts and crafts projects will be available like jewelry bead making, drawing and special holiday gift creations.
- Writing Circle - We write and share poetry, stories, letters, plays and songs.
- Aerobic dancing to favorite music is a fun and healthy workout.
- Yoga breathing and relaxation techniques will be taught.
- Music - We lip synch, do karaoke, play instruments (with both a microphone and an amplifier). We play musical games like name that tune and musical chairs....
- Cultural diversity is addressed through our language, thought process and discussions.
- Games - Many board games and group activities are available.
- Computer - Internet research, educational and creative games like Mailbox, writing and language programs.
- Language Skills - FUN! EASY! The Rosetta language learning computer program (Japanese, Spanish and English languages) is offered.
- Self - Esteem Program (on-going and daily). Workshops will be offered.
- Movie making using a camcorder is a fun way to interact and record the world.
- Wii- INDOOR GROUP SPORTS! 21st century computer indoor sports! You can actually work up a sweat!
- Girls' Circle involves sharing thoughts and feelings...How was your day? Night? A place and time for girls' concerns to be addressed...
- Growing inside gardens to learn about earth science and Mother Nature.
- During the holiday season, girls are welcome to help our program director with a food drive for the homeless.
- Professional women will visit the program and present their vocations.
- Story telling circle involves sharing stories that we create or want to share.
- We visit our city's Mayor, to learn about our town and her job.
- Northampton Police Officers visit to talk about children's safety issues (strangers, fire safety, D.A.R.E Program...) Our program director addresses "good touch, bad touch" for all ages.
- Due to our convenient location, walking trips to downtown Northampton for ice cream and pizza are fun. We visit the library, local artists, children's shows, the theater, parks and listen to street musicians. Exploring Smith College Campus Museum, gardens, green house and their pond is also educational and different.
*HEALTHY SNACKS ARE AVAILABLE *
breakfast bars, juices, organic fruit and water
DAILY SCHEDULE
After school transportation arrangements must be made with her school's transportation Dept. or another adult for girls to be dropped off at the program after her school day ends. Transportation from Northampton schools to our program is available.
3pm to 4pm - Grades 1-6 arrive from school, snack time and
Girls' Circle (conversations, check in " How was YOUR day?")4pm to 4:45pm - Group Activities
4:45pm to 5:30pm - Homework Help and Quiet Time (read, write, computer, puzzles, yoga....)
5:30m to 6pm - Free time and/or individual time with teacher(s)
6pm - Children are picked up by guardian or an approved person.
PROCEDURES
Absolutely no child is to be picked up by an unauthorized person! Teacher (s) must be notified in writing (a written note NOT email), in person or by phone (voice mail), when changes occur regarding picking up a child from our program. Teacher(s) will respond to this change by confirming with you by phone, that this person is safe and that we have received your message. Today, due to safety issues, an unauthorized person showing up at the program, or email messages left for staff regarding changes with her transportation plans are NOT acceptable.
Communication between home, school, other professionals and Girls' Town, Inc. can be done via by phone, email or in person. Teacher(s) are available during program hours between 12pm and 6pm to respond to your needs.