By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM -- Potsdam Central School now offers after-school care for students in kindergarten through eighth grade with the addition of the “Beyond the Bell” program.

The new “Beyond the Bell” program, for students in grades 5-8, offers homework help, tutoring, a snack and rotating activities including robotics, drama club and sports activities, PCS Superintendent Joann Chambers said.

The Children’s Home of Jefferson County runs the program, which was funded through a state grant.

Chambers said the grant was initially denied, but the state discovered it had extra money available and awarded it to Children’s Home of Jefferson County for this program.

The funding is part of a three-year renewable grant. The terms of the grant boil down to criteria such as student performance, student attendance in the program and parent and guardian involvement.

Last fall, Potsdam Central rolled out the Latchkey Child Care Program at Lawrence Avenue, self-funded childcare program paid for by parents. The program offers childcare assistance before- and after school from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Children are supervised by staff members. Fees paid by parents cover all costs. Reduced rates are available for families with more than one child in the program and for those who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. An after-school snack and homework help is provided. Parents may call the main office 265-2000 ext. 248 for more information.

Chambers said, “the great part about the (Beyond the Bell) program is that students can stay for some or all of the time.”

Parents can opt to have their child ride the late bus at 3 p.m. or stay until the sports bus leaves shortly after 4 p.m. Parents can also pick their child up at a designated time. The program runs until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A combination of teachers and Children’s Home of Jefferson County staff help facilitate the program with a full time director from the Children’s Home in charge and at the school during regular hours all week.

Chambers sees the program as a “great opportunity for students,” available to all middle school students. About 60 students are enrolled in the program now.

“It’s fantastic to have this program and we’ve heard good things from students and parents,” she said.