PTO‑funded before‑school enrichment at Achilles served 75–80 students weekly, board hears

Achilles Elementary staff and members of the school’s PTO told the Gloucester County School Board on May 13 about a successful PTO‑sponsored before‑school enrichment program that ran for seven weeks and served an estimated 75–80 students per week.

Principal Mister Edwards and PTO president Kara Fuchsia described seven clubs — Harry Potter book club, STEM, floor hockey, makerspace, gardening, creativity and board games — that met on Thursday mornings for an hour starting at 7:45 a.m. Teachers ran the clubs as a “come‑serve” model; PTO funds covered teacher stipends and supplies. Fuchsia told the board the PTO estimated the cost at about $500 per club and that PTO intends to run the program again and expand to fall and spring sessions if funding and volunteers allow.

Students and staff described the program’s benefits: increased sense of belonging, cross‑grade connections and deeper engagement in reading and STEM skills. Assistant principal Stephanie McGuire credited the clubs with boosting attendance motivation and carry‑over energy for the rest of the school day.

Board members praised the collaboration and asked whether other schools were likely to replicate the model. Staff said they have shared the program details with other PTAs and will continue to encourage collaboration across schools.

The PTO and school asked the board to note the program’s outcomes and encouraged continued district‑level support for family‑funded enrichment models that expand student opportunity beyond the regular school day.