Sessions offered in morning and after school

Students at Dawson-Bryant Elementary are getting extra help in their education, thanks to an after school program offered by the school.

Principal Angie LaFon says the sessions are offered Monday through Thursday and cover a range of activities.

“The first hour we do literacy and math tutoring and homework help,” she said. “The second hour is for preferred activities.”

She said these activities can include crafts, cooking, theater, science labs, yoga, fitness and other subjects.

She said those in the drama activity group are working on a musical, which they will perform twice in March, once for fellow students during the day and once for parents in the evening.

LaFon said 165 children are signed up in the program, which accounts for about one third of the school’s students.

“And we have a waiting list,” she said of interest for the program. “It’s free and we offer a snack and bus transportation.”

She said the program is paid for through a 21st Century After School grant and is coordinated by the Gallia-Vinton ESC.

LaFon said the program is popular with students, who have shown enthusiasm and are energetic in the afterschool hours.

The school also offers sessions in the morning, she said.