Calendar & Events
This section covers:
BCAP
opens on the first day of the school year in September and ends on the last day
of the school year in June. The program normally operates Monday though Friday
from 12:30 pm until 6:00 pm. With the exception of February and April break
weeks, BCAP operates on the calendar of the Newton Public schools and is closed
on holidays when schools are closed. One
exception to routine program hours is the day before Thanksgiving when BCAP
opens at noon and closes at 4:00pm.
Activities, Trips, and Special Events
The staff of BCAP plan and implement all program activities and special events. The activities vary according to the day, but they generally include a choice of free time, cooking, gym, art, and board games. Click here to see the schedule for the remainder of 2007.
BCAP
also offers both large and small group field trips throughout the year. Destinations include museums, hiking,
skating, bowling, and basketball away game trips.
Special
events are an important part of BCAP. These include a Halloween Party, a Thanksgiving feast (with stew), and,
in December, two crafts fairs that raise money for charity. BCAP Olympics are held in February, a
Carnival takes place in March, and a Pasta Dinner occurs in April. Events culminate with a year-end show in June
called the Creative Convention in which the children have the opportunity to sing,
dance, and perform.
Kindergartners
are the only children at BCAP between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm on Monday,
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Group
time, special thematic units, and a low child-to-staff ratio contribute to the
success of this special program.
The
4th and 5th-grade children have their own area at
BCAP. They have opportunities to either
participate in the various activities offered daily, or to just socialize with
their friends. Many of the older
children choose to do their homework at BCAP, freeing up their home time. The older kids also take field trips and help
out during special events.
BCAP
is closed during the December break, but operates vacation programs from 8:30
am until 5: 30 pm during February and April school break weeks for the
convenience of program families. A minimum
enrollment of ten children is required in order for these programs to
operate. Both vacation week programs are optional and not covered by regular
program tuition. Enrollment is on a
first-come basis and requires separate sign up and fee. Vacation week programs are filled with short
and long field trips, and other special activities.
BCAP
closes when the Newton Public Schools close because of snow or other
unanticipated events. Weather-related
school closings are broadcast over local radio and television stations
beginning in the early morning.
If
there is severe weather during the school day, the Newton Public Schools will
determine if an early closing time is necessary. If the schools close early, BCAP will not
operate. If BCAP itself must close early
because of weather, parents or emergency contacts will be notified by phone of
the time children are expected to be picked up. Late fees will apply for children picked up after the designated closing
time.
It
is sometimes possible for children enrolled in BCAP to attend the program
outside their regularly scheduled days. This service is subject to attendance
numbers. The cost is $26.50 for time on
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, and $46.50 for Tuesday. The fee is $22.50 for extra hours during the
Kindergarten 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm time slot.
Parents
of Burr students who are not enrolled in the regular BCAP program can request
program hours on a limited basis. There
is an initial $30 registration fee for the service, plus the cost of hours
used.
Newton
Public Schools close at 12:30 pm every sixth Thursday (“Early Release”). Regular enrollment numbers and staffing
patterns limit the ability to accommodate additional children on these early release
days. Requests for additional program hours on early release days must
be made at the time of annual registration and pre-payment is required for all
extra time requested on early release days. Parents will be notified as to the status of
their request in July.