Our Model
Text Box: Melrose Education Stations is a unique model that benefits and enriches your student, local elementary schools, and the larger community. Balanced programming: Students choose and rotate through stations including physical activity, homework help and a variety of other content areas (i.e. art, music, technology, cooking, drama). Free play opportunities are afforded before and after these stations. Financial support: After school enrichment program revenues provide important funding, which supports regular school day education and directly profits your student’s elementary school. Climate of personal best and community care: Students set individual goals and learn to act as a cooperative team member. Community members regularly give personal presentations to share areas of interest and expertise. Communication is encouraged, and the program is responsive to needs. Mentorship opportunities: Older students/interns with educational carreer interests are carefully screened and selected for apprenticeships to serve as student role models and learn from teachers. Quality control: The program is staffed with certified teachers and and highly skilled paraprofessionals who are familiar with your student. Activities are planned and materials well stocked. A low student-to-staff ratio (12:1), clear behavioral expectations and age-appropriate grouping all contribute towards stability. The building principal oversees the program, and the program coordinator is on-site to observe and train weekly. Parents, students and staff complete questionnaires about every 3 months to monitor program efficacy. Empirically-validated techniques: We make activities engaging and effective through hands-on, participatory, memorable and purposeful activities. Primary prevention: Teaching students positive and proactive skills, then giving occasions to use them successfully builds protective factors in life. Research-based: Our model is based on best practices and is being studied for replication. We hope to contribute to the literature, and inform other educators.