Our afterschool program (not free) and homework clubs (free and only runs on Tues) ahve strict pickup times plus the afterschool run with the YMCA charges $10 per min after the pickup time.

I don't think you need to--or should--be subtle about the pickup issue. We had a major problem with late pickups last year, so we put new language in our registration forms this year, and we really haven't had any problems.

For one of our classes, we charge them if they are going to be late. (You get one "free pass," then you start getting charged if you are more than 10 minutes late. This one class is done this way because of the way the teacher is paid.) But for our other classes, this is our standard language.

There are no provisions for supervising children after 5:15 p.m., and neither the XYZ PTO nor the school can assume responsibility for them. Parents who pick their children up late may be asked to withdraw them without a refund. The XYZ PTO also reserves the option of requiring the withdrawal without a refund of any child whose inappropriate behavior prevents the class from proceeding constructively despite the efforts of staff and parents.

As far as parents leaving kids after the cut off time, have a stipulation in writing that if the kids are not picked up within 15 mins. after the set time, that the police dept. will be called and stick to that. You'd be suprised how much that little sentence will help in prompt pick-up.

We are an elementary school K through 5. Our physical education teacher began an after school roller blading program (going strong now 6 years). The kids love it! It is held 2 days a week (Tues. Thurs.)it runs from 3 p.m. till 4 p.m. Notices go home requesting parent permission as well as release for liability purposes. The children provide; roller blades/helmets/knee pads, and our phys. ed teacher/school nurse remain at school during this time. There's music to skate to, and games (similar to those played at your local roller rink) The kids are told to bring a healthy snack/drink. They leave all school items in the cafeteria, skates are put on in the lobby area and skating takes place int he gym. Rule #1: Safety Rule #2: no skating through the school/skates are only allowed in lobby/gym area. To have a snack students must leave skates at the door. Parents are told to pick up children at 4 sharp - don't be shy on this end of it - let parents know that teachers/parents are giving their time and pick-up on time is a MUST. The program runs from January till March - we live in Massachusetts where the temps are a little on the "low" side these days so this is a great way for kids to burn off a little energy. I'm sure if teachers are not willing to pitch in it could be run by parent volunteers. Give it a go see what happens! Good Luck.

Last year, a teacher at our 4-5 school wanted to start a weekly after school chess club. Our PTA purchased 11 boards for him and the club just took off. Mid way through the year, he requested additional boards and be bought him 10 more. He has an average of 40 students playing each week. That is almost 20% of the student population!!!

There is no charge to be a member and the teacher has used his own time and money for the purchase of chess software,trophies, and making certificates. Rich Hilts, you ROCK!!!

I Love idea for afternoon enrichment classes or . Although, we have so many limiting factors I'm not sure how to make them happen. First is the lack of parent or teacher involvement. It is impossible to get a teacher interested in heading a club afterschool. Likewise it is impossible to get parents who are willing to teach or head an afternoon class. We end up having to pay someone a tremendous amount of money. Our other limiting factor is that half of our studen body takes the bus. This limits the number of kids that can participate.