THE PASS PROGRAM IN ACTION
Project PASS (Partners Assisting Student Success) is an innovative community-based after-school program. PASS primarily serves students who need extra academic support. Participation by these students is determined by district requirements. However, Open Library and enrichment activities are available to all students.
On its main campus, six school buildings participate in Project PASS. Dogwood Elementary houses kindergarten through second grades, Hawthorn Elementary houses third and fourth grades, and Oak Ridge Elementary houses fifth and sixth grades. The middle school includes seventh and eighth grades, and the high school includes ninth through twelfth grades. In separate locations, Osage Beach Elementary and Hurricane Deck Elementary each offer afterschool to kindergarten through fourth-grade students.
Afterschool Services begins at dismissal time Monday-Thursday with a dinner being served and includes a short team building or recreational time. This informal break between the school day and after school time gives students a chance to regroup, recharge and reconnect with friends and with teachers. Programs end at 5:30 p.m. with transportation provided to designated drop off points designated by the district.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Programs will vary from year to year based on the availability of funds, staff, facilities, volunteers, and supplies. Lottery rules may apply and/or criteria will vary based on activity, grade level, academic content and other criteria as deemed appropriate.
FIRST LASER Robotics is offered at Dogwood, Hawthorn, Osage Beach, Hurricane Deck, Oak Ridge Elementary Schools, Camdenton Middle School and Camdenton High School. FIRST Robotics (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) is a higher level introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math). Students must meet academic and attendance criteria and be referred by teachers and principals to participate. Seating is limited due to regional and national competition rules. Each year's funding determines the number of participants.
Daily Activities
Students in grades K-8 receive homework help gain math and reading skills, and take part in PBL learning activities. Field trips, guest speakers, and other activities occur weekly.
The before-school program called open library is available to all students, beginning at 7:15 a.m. each weekday. Activities include reading, using computers, strategic thinking exercises and tutoring by certified teachers and high school A+ students.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) LASER Robotics is offered at the Middle School. FTC is a higher level introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math). Using aluminum parts that will allow participants to add Lego parts and sensors the kit includes 4 DC motors and larger wheels than the FLL challenge. In addition to hardware changes, the system is programmed using LabVIEW software. Students must meet academic and attendance criteria and be referred by teachers and principals to participate. Seating is limited due to regional and national competition rules. Each year's funding determines the number of participants.
HIGH SCHOOL
FIRST LASER Robotics (FRC)- "The hardest fun ever!" FRC is a higher level thinking STEM program. (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) The FIRST Robotics Competition is an international high school robotics competition organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Each year, teams of high school students compete to build robots weighing up to 120 pounds (54 kg), not including battery and bumpers, that can complete a task, which changes every year. Teams are given a standard set of parts and the game details at the beginning of January and are given six weeks to construct a competitive robot, that can operate autonomously as well as when guided by wireless controls, to accomplish the game's tasks. The team is formed in the first quarter of school. Students must meet academic and attendance criteria and be referred by teachers and principals to participate. Seating is limited due to regional and national competition rules. Each year's funding determines the number of participants. This program requires a large commitment of time and hard work on the students and parents part.
"Before I retired from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, I had a chance to see the project begin and quickly develop into one of the most successful programs in our state. Project PASS has great leadership and support from students, faculty, administrators, parents, the superintendent and the community."
Harry Kujath, Missouri Afterschool Network Director
