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Community Centers Move to New After-School  Model

 December 15, 2022 - Strong communities support strong public schools. To that end, the Sioux Falls School District (SFSD) is excited to continue our partnership with area non-profits and the City of Sioux Falls to strengthen after-school opportunities.  Beginning Fall 2023, Sioux Falls will use the Community Learning Center (CLC) model at all public elementary schools with plans to expand in the middle and high schools in the future.

 The Sioux Falls plan calls for coordination of structured, safe, high-quality, licensed after-school care among the District and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire, YMCA, Volunteers of America-Dakotas, and EmBe. Additional community partners will further enhance programming through unique learning opportunities.  

The Community Learning Center (CLC) model is an educational framework that uses neighborhood schools as a central gathering place for students, families, and community members. Students receive academic enrichment opportunities, coordinated by non-profits, along with activities designed to complement what is taught during the traditional school day. Supports include:

·       mentoring

·      tutoring/homework help

·      science and technology programs

·      art

·      music

·      sports, and

·      community service opportunities

Pending city council and school board approval, the City of Sioux Falls will contribute to the future success of after-school programming by transferring the oversight and management responsibilities of five community centers to the school district for use as part of the Community Learning Center program for elementary students. The District already owns the spaces. The revised joint-cooperative agreement maintains shared use of school and city spaces for years to come while also securing the city's use of community center gyms for existing adult sports leagues.

“I am thrilled to be able to work collaboratively with SFSD to provide more opportunities for families to have access to structured, high quality, after-school care,” said Mayor Paul TenHaken. “Providing the community center space, allowing this CLC program to expand, is a win/win partnership that benefits kids and families across our city.”

 Elementary students enrolled in the program will engage in small and large group activities, city wide field trips, and life-skills development. Families choosing to participate must enroll their K-5 student through the Sioux Falls School District. Scholarships and tuition assistance are available for eligible families to attend at little to no cost.

 Families currently enrolled in Kids Inc. or any of the partner agency programs will have the option to continue enrollment in the SFSD Community Learning Center program. Students not currently enrolled may apply for enrollment.

Middle school students previously using the community center spaces are encouraged to enroll in the existing YMCA after-school program located at their school or the Downtown Community Youth Center, operated by Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire, located at 220 S. Minnesota Avenue (YMCA). Transportation to the CYC is available at most middle school locations. High School students are also encouraged to utilize the Community Youth Center or engage In Interest clubs at their respective schools.

Dr. Jane Stavem is excited about the future. “Consistency is key when working with children. The Sioux Falls School District is eager to launch the Community Learning Center model so our students and families can grow and learn beyond the school day. We are grateful to the city for providing opportunities through the community centers for more than four decades. We are also excited to enhance offerings with strong support from our community partners,” she said.

Enrollment for the elementary program is required. Registration begins in January. The District will provide detailed information to families leading up to the enrollment window.

More about the Community Learning Center Model: Community Learning Centers provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children. High-quality community learning centers help students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offer enrichment activities to complement existing academic programs; and offer literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children. Other benefits of the CLC model include keeping students on-site after the school day, reduced costs for non-profit providers previously picking students up from schools and transporting them to their locations, and consistent care from the first day of school until the last day of school.

Additional information, including an FAQ, can be found at https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/out-of-school-time-care

“The Community Learning Center model will help build stronger students, stronger families, and a stronger community. We are excited to launch this Initiative and demonstrate the power of partnership.”   - Collaborative Community Agencies