Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are proud to announce that a unique after-school program is again being offered to parents of elementary school students in Hillside through a partnership with the Newark Museum and a non profit organization called Prime Time 3-6. This after-school program funded by the State of New Jersey "NJ After 3" grant to the Newark Museum, is a wonderful opportunity for children to enjoy an after-school enrichment program that meets every day school is in session and that includes tutoring, Museum based Art & Science enrichment, and recreation.

Child-care is not the responsibility of the Board of Education. But school administrators and school board members have gone above and beyond their duty because we know that having a safe, stimulating, and enjoyable experience available for children after school is critically important. That's why we aggressively formed a partnership with the Newark Museum to bring home to Hillside these highly competitive grant-funded child-care programs.

How successful have we been? Two years ago, we obtained grants to provide this quality after-care program for 65 children at Calvin Coolidge, 120 children at Hurden Looker, and 90 children at George Washington. Last year, we were successful in adding AP Morris, serving up to 150 students, to the grant. This means a total of 425 children in Hillside are now benefiting from this opportunity.

Not only does Hillside have more schools in "Prime Time 3-6" than any other school district, but also we are the only school district in the state to have all our elementary schools in the grant program.

The Prime Time program is currently filled to capacity and the waiting list is closed. For parents at AP Morris/ECC who are on the waiting list, we will again offer a program with the Five Points YMCA on a fee for services basis. To learn more about the YMCA program, please contact Anna Scheluz at 908-688-9622. The service may begin in October if enrollment is sufficient.

"Prime Time 3-6" is operated by the Newark Museum in our schools for the benefit of Hillside Public Schools children. If you have concerns about the program do not call school administrators or school board members or the Board of Education because they cannot assist you in this matter.

For more information, to get answers to your questions, or to resolve any issues regarding "Prime Time 3-6," please contact Ms. Tracy Aytch, Liaison for the Prime Time Program and The Newark Museum, at 862-763-1504.

Sincerely,
Raymond Bandlow
Superintendent of Schools