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Arcadia students describe LEAPS after-school program to Greece school board

6497986 ยท October 22, 2025
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Summary

Middle school students told the board how LEAPS, a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, provides after-school academic help, SEL activities and enrichment opportunities.

Students from Arcadia Middle School presented to the Greece Central School District Board of Education about LEAPS, an after-school program run in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club.

Dabi Zengada, a seventh grader, introduced the program and said LEAPS (Learn, Explore, Achieve, Play) provides a "safe and supportive space to be after school" by combining school facilities with the Boys & Girls Club's youth-development resources. "It's our after school program where learning meets fun," Zengada said.

Carlos Press, also a seventh grader, described the typical daily schedule: arrival and circle time, homework help or quiet reading, a main group activity (arts, STEM) from about 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., dinner at 4:30, recreation until 5:30 and cleanup and dismissal by 6 p.m. He said staff provide homework help, tutoring, STEM projects and reading clubs; the program includes daily social-emotional learning check-ins and reflection circles.

Seventh grader Juliana Gessner summarized program offerings including coding and robotics, arts, team recreation and special clubs such as cooking and culture celebrations. Students and staff reported observed outcomes including increased homework completion, improved attendance and better emotional regulation; the presenters said teachers and parents had noticed positive changes in focus and behavior.

Presenters named program staff: Cassidy Torres (program director), Elise Cartarelli (assistant program director) and Marcus Birdsong (team lead). Families were given enrollment instructions: forms are available at the school front office or online and families may contact program director Cassidy Torres for details. The students invited volunteers and partners to support mentoring, workshops or donations.

The presentation was introduced during the board meeting's public recognition period; board members thanked the students and invited staff for a photo with the board.