Pictures of boys and girls learning to swim, making crafts, taking karate, practicing piano and ice skating fill a trophy case at Rock Hill Middle School.

Wednesday, February 07, 2001

Pictures of boys and girls learning to swim, making crafts, taking karate, practicing piano and ice skating fill a trophy case at Rock Hill Middle School.

"Some kids go out to the high school to take Internet training from Chuck Delawder," teacher Dave Brammer said.

Of course, that’s after the hot dogs or pizza, and after the hour of study time.

Welcome to Rock Hill Middle School’s Afterschool Mall program.

Developed after a federal 21st Century grant in cooperation with Shawnee State University, the Afterschool Mall is unique in each participating school district.

At Rock Hill middle, the Monday through Thursday program allows students to grow academically, culturally, physically and emotionally.

"In my 22 years of teaching, this is probably one of the best things I’ve seen that helps kids," Brammer said.

That’s because students can stay afterschool in an environment where they are fed, have time to study, receive homework help and learn new things, he said.

Then, there’s the fun.

Tuesday, students cheered as they answered government quiz questions, part of study game teachers were playing just before the 4:30 p.m. activity time.

Volunteers, like the karate instructor and Extension agent Laura Jane Murphy, were preparing classrooms. Ms. Murphy teaches babysitting, leading students down the path to becoming a certified babysitter.

Agencies like the Ashland Area YMCA have volunteered time and resources to teach the students to swim.

Field trips have also enriched students’ lives, Brammer said.

The school has already seen positive results – not only for students’ learning but for the school itself because the grant has helped buy some new equipment, he said.

Everybody has truly been enriched, Brammer said.