To keep the cost of the “After the Bell” program free to participants, the program has relied on the generosity and support of the local community to fund the program expenses for the past 11 years. Funds are needed to cover the cost of snacks, program supplies and paying staff who provide daily supervision of this after school program for middle school age youth.
Donations were recently received from the Eagles Aerie 584, Kiwanis Club of Greater Merrill, Kristin and Jay VanDerGeest, Turtle Lake Forestry LLC and the T. B. Scott Library Board for this year’s program. In addition, a grant was received earlier this year through Lincoln County Safe and Stable Families to assist with supply expenses.
This free after school program is available for all middle school students whether they attend public or parochial school from 3:05–5 p.m. Monday through Thursday in Room 111 (enter the school through Door 13) at the Prairie River Middle School on regular school days. The program offers middle school youth a safe, easily accessible place to go after school where they have the opportunity to participate in positive enrichment activities and to learn new skills. Participants are supervised by an adult supervisor(s) with assistance from community volunteers. Each day the program offers students a place to choose to participate in enrichment activities, do their homework, play board games, visit with friends, and/or have a snack. Students do not need to attend the program every day but can choose which days they wish to attend.
If students are interested in participating, they can pick up information and required forms in the Prairie River Middle School office, T.B. Scott Library, the UW-Extension office or the first day they attend the program. Forms are also available on the Lincoln County UW-Extension website at http://lincoln.uwex.edu/, click on 4-H Youth Development, then After the Bell Program. Completed forms must be turned in the second time you attend the program.

If you are interested in volunteering or in making a donation to the “After the Bell” 2015-2016 school year program, please contact Ann Stoeckmann, Program Coordinator at (715) 536-3016 or via e-mail at astoeckmann77@gmail.com or Debbie Moellendorf at the Lincoln County UW-Extension office at (715) 539-1077 or via e-mail at deborah.moellendorf@ces.uwex.edu.