Over the summer, Karla Neff, director of Pequea Valley elementary advocacy at The Factory Ministries, held a Brave Kids program that offered enrichment in a structured setting for about 20 Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) students.
In September, The Factory instituted a Brave Kids Club - an expanded version of the summer program to include more area children. The program was hosted at The Factory Ministries, located in the Together Community Center, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. "We (hosted) it here before and after school," explained Neff, who noted that the program was available to area students in kindergarten through sixth grade who attend school virtually, in person, or at home. The program ran through early November.
"(The program) addressed several problems," said Neff, noting that parents have needed help before and after school because the starting time for the school day changed. Students in the program could be at The Factory from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. each Monday and Thursday. As long as the weather was conducive, clubs were held outside. As the weather cooled, the groups moved into the gym.
Neff noted that the program offered extra social and emotional components in the learners' days, as well as reminders about classroom skills, such as following directions and staying in an assigned spot. The curriculum Neff chose for the club was called Crazy Eights Math Club. "It's really fun," said Neff, who noted that the agenda included games and crafts. For example, the group used glow sticks to create shapes and then discussed the number of sides in a shape. "We talked about perimeter," said Neff, who added that the curriculum had been revised for social distancing and that students were required to wear masks. Neff added that she received grant money for snacks and sanitation supplies. To help continue the learning at home, special sheets were included for parents.
Another way that needs of children in the area were addressed was through a program called Power Park Play, which met at Paradise Park each Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. The program was open to any family of children in kindergarten through sixth grade, especially virtual and homeschool families. Each session included an engaging activity for parents to do with the students.
Neff said that Kathy Koenig, director of student services for PVSD, reached out about Power Park Play because of the rising number of homeschool and virtual students in the district. "The school district cares about keeping families connected to the district," said Neff. She described how the students who met at the park spaced out for a dance game to keep the activity safe. She also relayed the story of a family that moved to the district at the beginning of the year but had not been able to become acquainted with other families due to COVID-19 restrictions. "The mother was able to bring her three-year-old to the park to meet some other moms," said Neff.
Readers who would like to learn more about The Factory and its mission may visit https://thefactoryministries.com. Those who would like information on upcoming Brave Kids programs may email karla@thefactoryministries.com or call 717-687-9594.
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