The School District of Rhinelander is committed to engaging our children in after-school activities that are safe, educational and fun. At the beginning of this school year we launched the Intramurals Activities Program. Activities for students in 4th through 12th grades have ranged from the 4th and 5th grade German Club to the 7th through 12th grade First Tech Robot Club. To see the offerings available to all Rhinelander students in 4th through 12th grades, take a look at our website at, rhinelander.k12.wi.us/community/intramurals.cfm.

In September 2008, we began the CHAMPS after-school program at James Williams Middle School. We added a second program at Central School in 2009 and an offering at the Northwoods Community Secondary School in 2011.

The CHAMPS (Community Helping Afterschool to Mold Positive Students) programs are specifically oriented to increase student academic performance through tutoring, physical activity and enrichment activities. Our academic and enrichment activities are designed to connect with, and expand upon, the school day in a fun and engaging manner. CHAMPS also strives to reduce negative behavior incidents, increase school performance and increase students’ motivation towards school.

These programs are supported by two 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, which are collaborative efforts by the School District of Rhinelander, the YMCA of the Northwoods, UW-Extension and Nicolet Technical College. The programs are managed by the Community Education Program, in cooperation with the YMCA.

This year, we stepped up our academic and enrichment activities, and are currently welcoming 80 to 100 children on a daily basis. District teachers are instrumental to the success of the program, providing tutoring and programming input. We have a dedicated staff that truly enjoys working with children and works hard to meet our program goals.

This program has been compared to a babysitting service, and I feel it’s important for our community to understand that CHAMPS is not an after-school daycare. Students are challenged academically, and are engaged through fun and stimulating enrichment activities. From cooking classes to the Build It Club, we are committed to increasing students’ academic performance and have made significant changes this year to ensure we are doing more for our children.

We invite all Rhinelander students in 4th through 8th grades to participate in CHAMPS. For more information on the program, including upcoming activities and events, visit our website at rhinelander.k12.wi.us and click on the CHAMPS link on the right.

Kim Swisher is available via email at swishkim@rhinelander.k12.wi.us.