Students struggling with homework have the opportunity to get the help they need with the After School Homework Assistance program sponsored by Central Mississippi Prevention Services.
Emma Roberts, assistant director and office manager of the Central Mississippi Prevention Services said that because Common Core has become integrated into the school system, this year students need more help adjusting.
“Last year we had students that were failing, so now they need it even more,” Roberts said.
Joseph D. Johnson, director of Central Mississippi Prevention Services, said the board of directors deliberately fashioned this program based on the needs of high-risk students.
“High risk students often need the additional academic support, and without the support for some, the future is really dim,” he said.
For those high-risk students, supportive counseling is available, Johnson said.
Students are brought to the Central Mississippi Prevention Services, 2406 Grove street, after school by the school buses, and parents pick them up at 6 p.m. The students are then given a snack.
Roberts said students would get the help they need from Mississippi certified teachers.
“We have four teachers that are retired and have worked over 30 years in the Vicksburg Warren School District, and two that are still in the system,” she said.
The two teachers that are still teaching are from Vicksburg High School, Roberts said.
While high priority is placed on students who need additional help, the after school homework help program lost their grant.
“The grant is given through the department of Mental health, and they’re more concerned with prevention than academics,” Roberts said.
The department has two specialists that go to the schools and teach various life skills to the students, and that is what they are financing, Roberts said.
Students this year must pay $30 to participate in the program, and there are currently 27 students enrolled.
While students have to pay to attend, there is no wasted time while they are there, Roberts said.
“If they have time, they can get on the computer and play educational games and sometimes we will watch a movie,” she said.
The program is only available during the school year currently, however Johnson said he has high hopes for the future.
He said he wishes there was a better way for the district to be able to take care of the children. He said he recognizes that students struggle during the school year and lose a lot of information during the summer months.
“We would love to be able to have the opportunity to partner with the district to help more students and sharpen those skills during the summer.