Page 88 - FY21 Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report

STUDENTS
Physical Education
& Physical Activity Environment &
Health Education EMPLOYEES Engagement Family Physical COORDINATING POLICY, PROCESS, AND PRACTICE Counseling, Social & FAMILIES
Nutrition
Community
Involvement
Services
Psychological
Services
HEALTHY SAFE
CHALLENGED SUPPORTED ENGAGED
Social &
Environment
Emotional
Employee IMPROVING LEARNING AND HEALTH Health Climate
Wellness Education
Health
Services
COMMUNITY
Wellness Efforts in Extended Learning
The Department of Extended Learning (Afterschool Programming) provides a structured, safe and
enriching program for all Palm Beach County School District elementary students. Our purpose is to facilitate
opportunities for quality afterschool programs that meet the fundamental needs common to all students
during after school hours, while providing meaningful interactions and planned activities while parents are
away. It is important that students have access to the best possible opportunities to develop into healthy,
well-adjusted and responsible adults.
Afterschool programs incorporate:
 Academic enrichment and intervention through engaging interactive instruction
 Social and emotional development
 Cultural arts exposure and enrichment
 Recreational and leisure activities

During FY21, approximately 11,150 Pre-kindergartens through Grade 12 students in the District benefited
from participation in afterschool programs.

Middle School Afterschool

The Middle School Afterschool (MSAS) program has been providing afterschool since 1995 offering activities
in recreation, academic support, and social skills development. The legislation that originally supported the
MSAS program stated that students qualifying for Free and Reduced Meals would participate without charge
in the middle school afterschool programs.

There are 35 comprehensive middle schools currently in the District offering before and after school programs.
In FY21, an average of 1000 students were served monthly. These programs provided students with a safe and
caring environment which contributed to their mental and physical health; decreased feelings of alienation
and loneliness; and promoted ethnic and cultural harmony. Through meaningful participation in afterschool
activities, students develop positive relationships with adults, enhance their affiliation to school, and develop
skills for lifelong learning.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, annual competitions that have been sponsored by the MSAS Program for more
than 12 years were not held. We look forward to bringing back Step Competition, 3-3 Basketball Competition,
Robotics Extravaganza and Academic Flag Football Jamboree. These competitions promote the development
of social emotional learning; decision making and problem-solving skills; leadership and team building
skills; positive peer groups and are a positive release for negative or pent-up emotions.

Elementary After School Enrichment Initiatives

Students participating in District elementary afterschool programs received a minimum of two hours of
academic enrichment per week. In order to bridge the learning day through the afterschool hours, the
Department of Extended Learning (Afterschool Programming) provides several enrichment initiatives to the
District’s 93 programs. In FY21, these enrichments were available electronically and included virtual read-
aloud. These initiatives included Give ‘em a Boost, Explore Literacy and Science Technology Engineering Arts and
Math (STEAM).

88 FY21 Wellness Promotion Policy (WPP) Annual Report