Nov. 12, 2021 -- Monticello Middle School leaders know how much kids have missed over the past year and a half, both academically and social-emotionally. So they decided to give them some SWAG: Saturday Work and Games.
The twice monthly event welcomes students into the building on a Saturday morning for 45 minutes of games – anything from basketball and kickball to dance competitions and board games. They then have an hour of work time, not as punishment but as an opportunity for the volunteering teachers to interact with kids individually or in small groups, helping them to catch up on their work, understand new concepts or finish missing assignments. The morning ends with additional games so the teens can let off some steam, and get in some physical activity.
“We recognized that staying after-school can be hard for some kids,” said Monticello Principal Dr. Jeff Johnston. “So we wanted to offer them another way to get help. And to socialize!”
Forty-five students signed up for the first SWAG and the leadership team hopes to increase that to 60 students every other weekend. Students receive a light breakfast and a to-go lunch as part of their attendance.