The Fayette school district will begin Monday and after-school programs starting in January. Called the “Falcon Club,” the program is made possible by the School Age Community (SAC) grant.

Fayette applied for the grant in September. Totaling $233,851, the federal grant was awarded to Fayette via the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for a three-year period. The district may reapply after three years.

“We’re pretty excited about the grant,” said Fayette Superintendent Jill Wiseman.

The district transitioned to a four-day school week this academic year, with Mondays off. The chief concern among opponents to the change was child care on those Mondays. In many families, both parents work full-time and are unable to take Mondays off. Compounded with fewer daycare options, the four-day schedule had a significant effect on those families.

Both programs are for students aged five through 12. On Mondays, breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack will be served. Afternoon snacks will also be available on weekdays.

“It will be nice to have an after-school program again. We haven’t had that in several years,” Wiseman told the district’s Board of Education on Wednesday. 

The after-school program will cost $1 per day, although students who qualify for free and reduced lunch would be enrolled at no charge. The Monday program would cost $5 a day per student, or $3 a day for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Falcon Club will begin on Monday, January 11, for up to 48 students. The program will run from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays. On regular school days, the after-school program will operate from 3:30 to 6 p.m. 

The district surveyed families during the fall semester to gauge possible interest in the program. At the time around 40 students showed interest. A more formal count is being tallied. “I think people are waiting to get the enrollment forms,” said Daly Elementary Principal Cheri Huster.

Although formal classes will not be held on Mondays, three teachers will provide enrichment opportunities for those attending the Club. The district will partner with the local University of Missouri Extension office to provide such activities as a 4-H Club, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) projects.