After-School Program – 91��Ƭ

Register Now for 2025-2026 91��Ƭ After School Program

Michelle Lang — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:40:04 +0000

91��Ƭ is once again offering its After School Program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade at the NCC Neighborhood Center from 3:30 to 6 p.m., beginning on Sept. 2.

The program offers homework help, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, reading, sports and fitness and special projects.

The cost for the After School Program is $70 per week and Program for Parents is accepted. Visit the After School Program portion of our website for additional information and to register online.

If you have any questions, you can call Edward Morris at 973-242-7934 or email him at emorris@newcommunity.org.

Register Now for 2024-2025 91��Ƭ After School Program

Michelle Lang — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 17:40:41 +0000

91��Ƭ is once again offering its After School Program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade at the NCC Neighborhood Center from 3:30 to 6 p.m., beginning on Sept. 3.

The program offers homework help, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, reading, sports and fitness and special projects.

The cost for the After School Program is $70 per week and Program for Parents is accepted. Visit the After School Program portion of our website for additional information and to register online.

If you have any questions, you can call Edward Morris at 973-242-7934 or email him at emorris@newcommunity.org.

91��Ƭ Youth Services Uses New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives Social Innovation Grant

Michelle Lang — Sun, 19 May 2024 19:29:07 +0000

91��Ƭ’s Youth Services Department was awarded a Social Innovation Grant from the . The goal of the funding is to provide high-quality STEM programming (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) that encourages students to incorporate STEM learning into their everyday lives by providing hands-on experience and education.

The program introduces 21st century STEM skills and includes weekly themes and challenges for its participants. Students from the NCC Neighborhood Center and Harmony House After School Programs participate in the program, which consists of two components. The first component of the curriculum is MAD Science Labs. Students were introduced to scientific exploration using varied topics and themes to explore, create and analyze while using their imagination to produce science models. This component is implemented by trained professionals to produce maximum efficiency and production. The second component of the curriculum focuses on robotics and coding with Social Emotional Learning practices integrated through VEX Robotics.

Register Now for 2023-2024 91��Ƭ After School Program

Michelle Lang — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:22:05 +0000

91��Ƭ is once again offering its After School Program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade at the NCC Neighborhood Center from 3:30 to 6 p.m. beginning on Sept. 5.

The program offers homework help, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, reading, sports and fitness and special projects.

The cost for the After School Program is $70 per week and Program for Parents is accepted. Visit the After School Program portion of our website for additional information and to register online.

If you have any questions, you can call T’leya Walker at 973-242-7934 or email her at twalker@newcommunity.org.

First Day of 91��Ƭ After School Program

Michelle Lang — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 19:30:00 +0000

91��Ƭ’s After School Program at the 91��Ƭ Neighborhood Center, 56-68 Hayes St., Newark, begins on Sept. 6 and runs each school day from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Children in kindergarten through eighth grade will participate in a variety of activities, including homework help, S.T.E.A.M., arts and crafts, reading, sports and fitness and special projects.

For more information and to register, click here.

Register Now for 2022-2023 91��Ƭ After School Program

Michelle Lang — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 20:59:38 +0000

91��Ƭ is once again offering its After School Program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade at the NCC Neighborhood Center from 3:30 to 6 p.m. beginning on Sept. 6.

The program offers homework help, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, reading, sports and fitness and special projects.

The cost for the After School Program is $70 per week and Program for Parents is accepted. Visit the After School Program portion of our website for additional information and to register online.

If you have any questions, you can call T’leya Walker at 973-242-7934 or email her at twalker@newcommunity.org.

NCC After School Program Back In Session and In Person

Michelle Lang — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:59:22 +0000

91��Ƭ (NCC) Youth Services Department offers multiple educational opportunities for students and their families. After a little over one year of virtual learning, students are finally able to get back to in-person learning. All programs, including Community Hills Early Learning Center (CHELC), Harmony House Early Learning Center (HHELC), NCC after school program and Family Friendly Center after school program are open for the 2021-2022 school year.

During much of the pandemic, Essex County students were all virtual and unfortunately that’s not always the best way for them to interact, develop social skills and simply be kids and have fun. The transition back into the classroom setting has been “pretty good” according to Director of Youth Services Edward Morris. Taking all things into consideration, the students are doing great.

“Some students are experiencing being in-person for the first time in 15 months,” said Morris.

This year, for the safety of all students and staff, NCC Youth Services has mapped out plans to stay safe while resuming in-person programming. The after school program requires that all practice social distancing, wear masks and everyone who enters the building must complete a COVID screening. These guidelines are based on the New Jersey Department of Licensing.

The NCC after school program began on Sept. 7 and now has a waiting list for the 2021-2022 school year. To join the waiting list, click here.

NCC After-School Program Provides Enrichment To Thirteenth Avenue School Students

Michelle Lang — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 18:42:37 +0000

Second-graders at Thirteenth Avenue/Dr. MLK, Jr. School in Newark enjoy a free after-school enrichment program that 91��Ƭ operates. Children enjoy a variety of activities meant to engage them academically and socially.

Currently there 35 children enrolled in the program, which runs from 3 to 6 p.m. each school day. A portion of the afternoon is dedicated to homework and tutoring, both group and individual. There are different activities throughout the week, including sports and fitness, nutrition classes, dance and piano. A chess club and theater classes are planned in 2019. The program focuses on STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics.

“All children should get creative activities for their holistic brain development. Our goal at NCC has been to expose children to theater, piano and art by collaborating with specialized quality professionals in the field,” said 91��Ƭ Director of Health and Human Services Arti Kakkar. “Art education teaches teamwork, analytical and creative skills along with providing youth with skills to express themselves. From the feedback that we are getting, we are happy that the activities in the program are being enjoyed by children and families.”

In addition to the academic help and activities, the students receive a light dinner and snack provided by the Newark Public Schools. The program also provides occasional field trips for students. Past trips have been to Medieval Times, Soul Circus, the Newark Museum and the Bronx Zoo. There is no charge to families for the trips.

Parental involvement is also an important part of the program, with family support services offered. The program has parent workshops, which have included topics like Effective Communication with the Child, Positive Discipline and Loving and Supporting Our Sons. Parent/child activities, such as family nights, are encouraged. Children in the after-school program are also invited to attend the annual NCC Father-Daughter Dance.

“We provide a number of activities that promote and encourage family engagement,” said 91��Ƭ Director of Youth Services Edward Morris.

Program staff members also work with school personnel, collaborating on parent workshops, checking in with teachers and getting feedback from Principal Simone Rose.

Rose said the program is having a positive impact on the children.

“It’s great to have 91��Ƭ working with the students of Thirteenth Avenue School again,” she said. “Our students have been making progress with fractions. Math is a subject that some students shy away from, but NCC has offered opportunities that have students racing toward math problems and activities. A love for mathematics will lead to higher performance and student achievement is always the goal for all of our students. We certainly could not achieve this goal without the support of NCC.”

Called the Family Friendly Center, the program is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families under the Family and Community Partnership Office of School Linked Services. It is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Licensing.

“This program is one of many after-school programs in elementary schools throughout the state of New Jersey to provide constructive, academic, recreational and social enrichment activities to the students and their families,” Morris said.

The NCC program has been in place since 2001, initially at Newton Street Public School. When that school closed three years ago, the program relocated to Thirteenth Avenue School.

Three Thirteenth Avenue School staff members run the after-school program for 91��Ƭ on a daily basis: Sharlene Jackson, Abdul Carter and Jaleel Ritchwood. They meet with Morris twice a month to discuss the program.

Assessment of the after-school program is ongoing with Morris receiving feedback from staff, the school principal, teachers and parents.

“We also monitor the students’ performance in school,” Morris said. “We work with the teachers, we check test scores. We see where they’re lacking and where the help is needed.”

Staff members can also refer students to Family Service Bureau, an affiliate of 91��Ƭ, if they’re having behavioral issues. FSB also does work at Thirteenth Avenue School.

In addition to working locally, Morris attends a statewide meeting with all family friendly centers in April and October.

“We meet twice a year to discuss the program, discuss ideas, concerns and issues,” Morris said. “There’s always something another program is doing that you may want to implement in your program.”

Morris said the students enjoy and benefit from the after-school program.

“The kids really benefit from the program. Not only do they get supportive services after school, they’re also eating a nutritious meal after school,” he said.

Harmony House After-School Program Helps Kids Excel

Michelle Lang — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 15:52:59 +0000

Children in kindergarten through seventh grade living at Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, have a place to go once the school day ends to enhance their learning and have some fun.
The Harmony House Excel program, which runs from 3 to 6 p.m. each school day at Harmony House, provides children with a hot, nutritious meal; homework instruction and assistance, including one-on-one tutoring if needed; character education; and recreational activities like arts and crafts and organized games. There are currently 20 children in the program, which has room for 25 participants and is available exclusively to Harmony House families.
“The goal is to help our students develop basic skills and to succeed in school, in addition to providing them with the opportunity to try new things,” said Edward Morris, director of Youth Services at 91��Ƭ.
The main purpose of the program is academic enrichment so the children spend one hour on their homework. If they finish their homework early, they are provided with appropriate academic work to complete for the remainder of the time.
In addition to Harmony House staff, two members of the Essex Regional Educational Services Commission (ERESC) work with the children. There is currently one teacher and one social worker involved. In total, four staff members run the after-school program.
Judith Robertson, the teacher from ERESC, explained that staff members interact with the students’ teachers and act as a liaison for parents.
“We provide continuity between school and home,” she said.
Morris said Excel program staff members are in contact with teachers and counselors to see where the students are in class so they can help the students get where they need to be and address any issues that may be occurring.
Children do more than academic work during the program. Board games and puzzles are available to them, as well as arts and crafts, science activities and cooking. On Fridays, the children go to the NCC Neighborhood Center around 4:30 p.m. to participate in joint organized activities with children in the program there, including relay races and obstacle courses.
“Academics is the focus, but we want them to experience other things while they’re here as well,” Morris said.
In addition to helping the children, the Excel program also involves the parents. Parent workshops are held, with topics chosen based on surveys that parents receive. Staff members encourage parents to volunteer during the program and they hold special events periodically to bring the parents and children together.
Celestine Swain, whose two children have participated in the after-school program, said it has a great impact.
“The entire staff here work very hard to try to make the transition from being homeless to being a home,” she said. “Whatever resources they can offer, they do.”
Morris said the after-school program provides a positive atmosphere for participants.
“The kids enjoy it because they get to work with staff and take part in a number of fun activities,” he said.
NCC received a grant from the Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council (CIACC) over the summer to fund the after-school program through December. The grant is from the county to address unmet needs of children in Essex County. It pays for staff, supplies and food.
“Getting this grant enhances our Harmony House transitional home program by providing children stability and support for their educational needs while gaining support for stability in securing permanent housing,” said Chief of Health and Social Services Arti Kakkar.
Morris is hoping to get the program licensed with the New Jersey Department of Licensing, which would allow for additional funding sources. He’s hoping to have the license in early 2018.