Middle school's afterschool program to be highlighted during Friday open house

Rochester Middle School's afterschool program open house is Friday. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - An open house at Rochester Middle School on Friday will showcase afterschool activities available to students every day throughout the week.

The school's "Lights On Afterschool" open house will run from 5-7 p.m. at the Rochester Middle School at 47 Brock St.

Lights On Afterschool, which launched in 2000, is a project by the nonprofit group Afterschool Alliance that works to ensure all children have access to quality programming once the school day ends. Every year, thousands of communities across the country with after school programs hold special events to celebrate the positive effects their initiatives have made on children.

Rochester Middle School is able to provide homework help and activities to students from 2:30-5:30 p.m. during the week through their 21st Century Community Learning Center, Project SHARE - a partnership between the school and YMCA to offer programming to students following the final bell.

Prior to Project SHARE, 93.3 percent of Rochester Middle School students were not enrolled in any programs after school. Statistics from the Rochester Police Department from 2014-16 revealed that the largest amount of crime committed by youths occurred from 2:30-6:30 p.m. Today, 40 middle school students participate in Project SHARE.

"We realized there was a need to give students a place to go after the last bell rings where they can foster positive relationships with peers and adults and receive any academic support they might need," Rochester Middle School Principal Adam Houghton said. "Project SHARE has made a positive difference in children's lives and we invite families to join us in recognizing this during our Lights on Afterschool event."

The event will begin in the gym with a short speaking program and then guests are free to move throughout Rochester Middle School for a scavenger hunt, BINGO, pumpkin painting, recreation time, crafts and a robotics demonstration.

Anyone with questions should contact Program Director Aislinn Kalob at kalob.a@rochesterschools.com or at 603-332-4090 ext. 4134.