By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) is stepping up in their commitment to Greenwich families and the community by opening a daytime high school remote learning center, and after school program.
After Greenwich Public Schools submitted plans for school opening this fall, which included hybrid learning for the high school, the BGCG began developing a plan to support families in the community to ensure the safety and well-being of their children during and after school hours.
The Club has decided to expand its hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to allow for a Remote Learning Center for 84 high school students, beginning Monday, Sept. 14.
The center will allow high school students to attend their virtual classes and complete their school assignments at the Clubhouse when their “cohort” is not on the Greenwich High School campus. Each group will be divided into small groups and will be supervised by BGCG staff members.
Staff will ensure students are participating in both live and recorded virtual learning while providing assistance and collaborating with their GHS counselors each week. During breaks in their schedule, students can participate in supervised activities at the Clubhouse.
“Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich recognized the need in our community to support students and their families by opening our doors during the daytime for high schoolers to conduct their virtual learning at our Clubhouse when they are not able to be on campus. We’ve received feedback from parents welcoming the opportunity for their teens to spend additional time in a positive and structured environment,” said Cristina Vittoria, Chief Executive Officer of BGCG.
Parents and students alike are thankful for the establishment of the learning center.
“The club has always been a place to bring kids together in a respectful and community-based environment. Extending the social interaction of the hybrid schedule is exactly what my son needs,” said a parent of a GHS freshman in a statement from the Club.
More details on the remote learning center below, as well as information on the modified operation of the Club’s after school program.
1. High School Remote Learning Center at BGCG (September 14- December 23)
Offering begins on Monday, September 14, and will operate Monday/Tuesday & Thursday/Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM at 4 Horseneck Lane. Drop off begins at 8:00 AM with classes beginning promptly at 8:30 AM.
Due to demand and the limited number of spaces, the cost will be $50 per session per student plus a $25 yearly membership fee. Four sessions will be offered in the fall:
Session 1: September 14 – October 2 (BGCG will be open on 9/18 and 9/28)
Session 2: October 5 – October 30
Session 3: November 2 – November 25
Session 4: November 30 – December 23
- Prioritization will be given to current members, children of essential workers, and working parents.
- Groups will be limited to 16 students, with Supervisors assigned to each group.
- Following the Office of Early Childhood regulations and CDC guidelines, BGCG follows strict daily cleaning protocols and safety measures, including screening and temperature checks each day upon arrival.
- Groups will be socially distanced from each other indoors and will be required to wear masks. However, there will be opportunities to remove masks outdoors and during lunchtime.
2. After-School Program (September 9 – December 23, 2020)
BGCG will continue to offer an after-school program for ages 6-18 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday at the Clubhouse, which will begin on Wednesday, September 9. Due to limited spaces, priority will be given to members who need a 5-day a week program. Single-day signups will not be available.
After-School programs will promote our three key areas: Academic Success and Enrichment, Character Development, and Healthy Lifestyles. Transportation from schools will be provided by the District buses as well as BGCG buses, which will pick up students at their school based on the number of students registered from those schools. Due to the limited number of youth that can be in the building due to COVID-19 restrictions, parents must pre-register each child who would like to attend the 5-day after-school program. No children will be allowed to attend if they are not pre-registered.
Due to demand and the limited number of spaces, the cost will be $25 per session per student plus a $75 yearly membership fee. Four sessions will be offered in the fall:
Session 1: September 9 – October 2 (BGCG will be open from 8-5 on 9/18 and 9/28)
Session 2: October 5 – October 30
Session 3: November 2 – November 25 (BGCG will be open from 8-5, 11/3)
Session 4: November 30 – December 23
- Groups will be limited to 16 students, with Supervisors assigned to each group.
- Following the Office of Early Childhood regulations and CDC guidelines, BGCG follows strict daily cleaning protocols and safety measures, including screening and temperature checks each day upon arrival.
- Groups will be socially distanced from each other indoors and will be required to wear masks. However, there will be opportunities to remove masks outdoors and during snack time.
- Strict pickup guidelines for parents and caregivers must be followed. Pickup will begin at 5:30 PM, and members must be picked up by 6:00 PM. No adults will be allowed into the building during Clubhouse hours of operation unless approved in advance.
3. Evening Programs (September 29 – December 22)
BGCG will again offer various programs online and in-person to our membership from 6:15 – 7:15 PM, Monday – Friday. Some of the programs that will be offered will include: Barracuda and Junior Barracuda Swim Team, Swim Lessons, Keystone Club, Torch Club, SMART Girls, Club Fit, Art Classes, and Athletic and Fitness Programs.
These programs will require a separate registration and will start on Tuesday, September 29. Signup information, along with more details, will be released in mid-September.
Parents who are interested in Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s offerings can register online at www.bgcg.org/fall-2020-programming or call 203-869-3224 for more information.
