Dieterich Board Hears Good News Regarding After-School Program

Dieterich school board members Monday heard good news about the Dieterich After School Program, which is nearing the close of its first year.

The program was an outgrowth of Dieterich's periodic community improvement meetings. The need for day care and after-school care was raised, and a group went to work to put the program together. Dieterich Superintendent Cary Jackson said the Village of Dieterich, the Dieterich Park District, and several community members worked with school officials to develop the program. 

Jackson said there are a little over 30 children currently enrolled in the program, and an average of 15-20 children attend day-to-day, with some drop-ins from time to time. The program is held in the cafeteria right after school. Children are given a snack, and then are given the opportunity to burn off some energy with recreation time. Things then switch to a quiet time where students can do their homework, read, play board games, do arts and crafts or watch an occasional movie. By that time, parents start arriving to pick up their children. 

Jackson said the parents appreciate the service since many of them would have to make other accommodations since they are still at work when the school day ends, and said the children say "it's their favorite part of the day."

The other plus is that the program has been financially self-sustaining.

Also Monday, the Dieterich board reviewed a proposed amended budget for the current school year. Jackson said budget amendments were required to produce a more realistic financial picture of the fiscal year. A vote on the revised budget should come at the June Board meeting.

The Board approved a list from the Dieterich Sportsbackers for improvements to the softball field. Improvements will include upgrades to the backstop, dugouts, fencing and a new pavilion. Total costs should run approximately $30,500. All the funds to be used will come directly from fundraising efforts by the Sportsbackers.

Also Monday, the Dieterich school board:

--appointed Doug Baxter as Eastern Illinois Area Special Education Board member for the coming year, with Thad Goebel as alternate

--approved a school nurse for the coming year, sharing the nursing services with the Teutopolis and Beecher City school districts

--reviewed a proposed list of student handbook changes

--accepted the resignation of 1-to-1 Aide Michelle Bloemer