South Lincoln School

Parental Perspectives: A Critical Community Service

For families in Lincoln County, the LEAPs program provides both educational enrichment and a vital financial safety net. Survey data highlights that 60.2% of parents consider paying for after-school care a financial burden, and 34.5% report difficulty even finding available care. Consequently, there is significant interest in expanding access, with 31.8% of parents expressing a desire for both morning and afternoon extended learning sessions. Parents have identified clear priorities for their children's growth, specifically requesting:

• STEM activities (80.8%)

• Arts and crafts (48.9%)

• Reading and math activities (47.9%)

• Physical fitness (41.6%)

The Student Experience: Feeling Safe and Supported

Student responses indicate that LEAPs has successfully created a positive and welcoming environment. An overwhelming 87.4% of students report "always" feeling safe, while 85.6% "always" feel welcome. The program's impact on their academic self-esteem is notable, with 60.8% of students stating that the program "always" helps them perform better in school. This sense of belonging is reflected in high engagement levels, as 49% of surveyed students attend the program five times a week, and 73.2% feel they "always" have opportunities for fun activities.

Teacher Insights: Professional Validation of Success

The teaching faculty provides strong professional evidence that LEAPs is a highly effective supplement to the school day. A significant 95.8% of teachers agree or strongly agree that the program has a positive impact on their students' academic success. Teachers have observed specific classroom improvements, including:

• Academic Gains: 93.7% of teachers report improved performance on formal assessments like tests and quizzes.

• Work Habit Improvements: 89.6% have seen better completion of homework and classroom assignments.

• Classroom Readiness: 83.4% agree that LEAPs students come to class better prepared and ready to engage in lessons.

• Operational Success: 86.9% of teachers believe the program’s timing and logistics work well for their students' schedules.

To further refine the program's impact, teachers suggested incorporating targeted math tutoring (specifically multi-digit regrouping and fact practice), reading fluency, and writing help. There is also an interest in shifting toward project-based learning to supplement classroom work in instances where less traditional homework is assigned. By integrating this feedback from all stakeholders, LEAPs continues to demonstrate its immense value to the Lincoln County school district.