Parents of middle school students recognize the challenges right away. The transformation of their offspring - from hormonal changes to an increasing desire for social activity - means that while they appear old enough to be left home alone, it isn't always a good idea.
When an afterschool program for middle-schoolers was cut from the city Parks and Recreation Department's budget in 2009, those parents either scurried around for appropriate supervised situations for their kids - or left them alone and worried more. But a $600,000 grant from the Department of Education to the parks department and Staunton schools is answering that dilemma. Beginning next week, a comprehensive afterschool program geared toward tweens and young teens will begin again.
The school system will bus students from Shelburne on Grubert Avenue over to Nelson Street, where the city holds youth-related events.
From 2 until 7 p.m., the students will receive tutoring, homework help, safety workshops and recreational activities. Parents should be able to relax more knowing their students are supervised, and hopefully the program will help with students' grades.
When programs work together to help students, the community wins. Kudos to all who have played a role in reopening the Nelson Street center program.