Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley is able to serve over 400 Sonoma Valley youth daily, thanks in part to two school-site clubhouse locations, Sassarini and Flowery Elementary Schools.
The Sassarini School program, referred to appropriately as S.H.A.R.P. (Sassarini Homework Arts Recreation and Physical Education), has 93 members with an average daily attendance of 76 students. Each afternoon, club members dedicate an hour and 20 minutes to homework completion and reading, part of the National Boys & Girls Clubs academic program Power Hour … Making Minutes Count. When the homework is done, the fun begins – the club offers a variety of enriching programs and activities each afternoon. The clubhouse staff finds creative ways to integrate academics into all their activities; club members don’t realize how much they’re learning when they’re having so much fun.
A favorite activity was, “Baking with Cora Blanchard,” an introduction to basic nutrition, kitchen safety and cooking. Kids met once a week for six weeks and followed recipes to create tasty dishes, while reinforcing their math and science skills. Another favorite this year is yoga, taught by Shelley Hanlan. Who knew 8-year-olds would love a quiet relaxing activity such as yoga! Members will complete the yoga program with a community service project.
Since most kids love to earn money, a program couldn’t be complete without Junior Achievement, a worldwide partnership between community business and educators. Junior Achievement teaches youth the basic concepts of business and economics and how education is relevant to the workplace. The sequential activities build on studies from each preceding grade and prepare students for secondary school and lifelong learning.
The S.H.A.R.P. program also includes all the Boys & Girls Clubs programs in gang prevention, recreation and the arts that are offered at the Maxwell Clubhouse. Members can spend time outdoors on the basketball court and the playground, get creative with daily arts and crafts and are guided through basic life skills through the club’s prevention programs.
The S.H.A.R.P. program is collaboration between Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley and the Sonoma Valley Unified School District and is supported through the After School Education and Safety (ASES) grant. With the support of the district, school administration and especially the Sassarini teachers, the Boys & Girls Club provides nearly 100 Sassarini students and their families with much needed educational support and a safe place to be after school. As one parent said to the program director, Linda Whitaker, “I truly had no idea how involved this program is. It’s amazing how much you have to offer these kids.”
Interested in making a difference in the life of Sonoma Valley youth? The Boys & Girls Club is always looking for volunteers to assist club members with homework, reading, arts and crafts and recreation activities. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Margie Doran at 707.938.8544 , ext. 105 or mdoran@bgcvom.org
Boys & Girls Clubs Member of the Month: Yaquelyn Cruz
Third grader at Sassarini Elementary School
Yaquelyn was selected as member of the month for her outstanding kindness and friendship. With a smile and warm greeting, Yaquelyn demonstrates what it is to be a true friend. She is always willing to help instructors and fellow students alike. She has four birds and loves horses. She enjoys time with her five-year-old brother, David. Her teacher is Mrs. Monterosse.
Favorite Subject: Reading
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Activity: Swimming
Favorite Color: Light blue
