Portsmouth Education Partnership (PEP)
After-School Enrichment Program
PEP is an organization
made up of representatives from Portsmouth’s three elementary schools and Portsmouth
Middle School. The group was initially formed in 1997 to
raise monies to build new playgrounds at all three elementary
schools and with additional funds created the enrichment
program for grades 1-5. The goal of PEP has always been to
engage children from across the student population in extra-curricular
activities offered in culture and the arts, recreation and
natural science. Twice per year (fall and spring), young
students are able to explore new interests in a fun, safe,
learning environment with age-appropriate peer groups at
their school campus. PEP encourages the creative process,
enhances the educational experience by enriching the school
curriculum and creates new friendships. It is an important
component of the school department’s offerings to elementary
age students, as not all learning is done in the classroom.
The program serves nearly
1,000 children each year and introduces a wide variety
of subjects to enhance the child’s problem solving
skills and enrich their overall school experience. Examples
of classes held over the past school year include karate,
international cooking, foreign language, marine science,
nutrition and fitness, creative dance, sign language and
mural construction. The program solicits instructors from
across the city known and established in their chosen disciplines,
providing them with a professionally rewarding opportunity
and allowing them to encourage young people to develop
new skills.
PEP fills a need for students in these
grades across the community. While there are other excellent
after school programs in Portsmouth, PEP is unique. New Heights
is available to middle school students only. At $125 per
class and with no transportation provided, Exchange City
is less accessible to low-income students. The City of Portsmouth
Recreation Department predominately offers sports league
programs during the school year, whereas PEP provides a wide
range of cultural and artistic offerings including music
and dance.
Through full and partial scholarships,
we encourage the enrollment of a high percentage of at-risk
and low income students who otherwise would be unable to
participate in these enriching activities. The program provides
a secure, fun after school environment and is eight weeks
long, holding classes per week. PEP provides in-kind transportation
from school or to other after school programs, further encouraging
the enrollment of the students whose parents work full time.
It is the strong philosophy of the PEP that the program be
structured to be as inclusive as possible, giving all of
our children the opportunity to engage in positive learning
experiences. Programs like PEP build participation across
diverse groups, making our community more vibrant.
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