Hello, my name is Jamielynn Garland and I am the new Andover After School Program Director. My co-teacher, Kim Valeri, and I are very excited about all the great things that have been happening so far this year. At the start of the new year, this was a positive change for the After School Program. Our enrollment has grown and the children and parents have expressed the great changes they have seen thus far.

Cooking and crafting, among many other activities, while integrating science and discovery allows the children to express their interests. This positive interaction and learning experience makes for a much more engaged group of children. The snow has made this winter an amazing outlet for imagination and learning. Sledding, fort and caste making, finding “crystals” and fresh snow cones for snacks.  

A highlight of the winter was a very special visit from Ragged Mountain Mushing, Michelle Lambert and her sled dogs Echo and Yacha. The children learned some sled calls and the different parts of the sled, as well as, how Michelle and the dogs work together as a team to make it all happen. Teamwork in the After School Program is what we are all about!

Do you have a career or hobby that you would like to share with the after school children? We’d love to see it! Andoverkids1@nullgmail.com