Newington’s John Patterson launches grant‑funded after‑school ‘Beyond the Bell’ program for K–4

Arlene Torres Ruiz and Emily Shepard presented the board with details of a new 14‑week, grant‑funded after‑school program at John Patterson that combines literacy instruction with community service across three elementary buildings.

The program, funded by a $100,000 grant, serves more than 90 students across grades 1–4, relies on five community partners and is organized in two cycles, presenters said. "This is a program that is 14 weeks," Emily Shepard said. Students work on hands‑on projects — currently tie blankets and cat scratchers for the Connecticut Humane Society — and will complete a second cycle focused on advocacy, including writing persuasive letters and making videos to support access to the Skyline softball field.

Program leaders said each classroom features one teacher and one paraprofessional (or two, depending on class size), plus fourth‑grade student leaders who mentor younger children. Shepard said the program embeds literacy in project work and includes two public showcases for family engagement: one at Patterson and a second planned in Hartford to connect families from both communities. "All student made [items] are going to the Connecticut Humane Society," Shepard said, describing the first cycle’s deliverables.

Superintendent Dr. Brumit and multiple board members praised the project’s community ties and alignment with district literacy goals. Board members asked about nomination and selection of student participants and logistics: presenters said teachers nominated students and staff notified parents, the program runs on Mondays after school from about 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and organizers said they reached capacity with a wait list that they were able to accommodate.

Administrators confirmed the grant covers staff, materials and program costs for the current school year; presenters said the grant is for one year and future continuation would depend on reapplying for funding. The board asked whether the program could expand beyond Patterson; presenters said current Hartford outreach is an explicit component and adding additional schools would depend on staffing and future funding.

The board responded positively and encouraged organizers to seek continued funding. Next steps include the program’s upcoming showcase (parents invited) and monitoring whether a future grant cycle is available so the district can sustain or expand the initiative.