Caledonia Argus

Beyond the Bell program offers after-school fun and learning

Posted: 11/6/02

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

Forget about lounging on the sofa after school, gorging yourself with snack food, and watching hour after hour of ill-conceived television programmingñ if youíre a sixth, seventh, or eighth-grader at Caledonia middle/high school, the Beyond the Bell program offers a chance to get a headstart on your homework and to socialize with your peers.

Held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 3:15 and 5:15, Beyond the Bell is divided into two 45 minute sessions. The first is devoted to study timeñ students are situated in the library, where they can use the computers or ask a middle school staff member for help with homework. The second session is devoted to activitiesñ this can be anything ranging from boardgames to baking to arts and crafts. On October 31, for example, the students in attendance undertook facepainting; popcorn and bars were served; a festive atmosphere bordering on Bacchanalian exuberance was enjoyed by all.

There are at present 21 students attending Beyond the Bell. Program coordinator Kristi Knutson encourages all students interested in productive after-school fun and scholarship to attend.

ìItís mainly just an extra source of help with school and a way to socialize,î Knutson said. ìItís a good way to get help with homework because the resources are available; it should lessen their homework load at night when they get home.î

The program is paid for by an After School Prevention and Intervention Grant through the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning. There is no cost to join and transportation is available. Those interested should contact Kristi Knutson at the Counseling Office at 725-3316, ext. 113.

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