Salisbury Central School in Connecticut offers a unique and rich array of after-school classes that serve over 100 students each term, grades K through 8. At the core of this programming is an innovative nonprofit, S.O.A.R (Seek Originate Aim Reach). Its mission is to give students hands-on experiences to discover new interests and skills, experiment, and gain confidence in learning. 

Over the past 10 years, BTCF’s Salisbury Central School Education Enrichment Endowment Fund has supported this program, with over $21K awarded this year, which represents 60% of S.O.A.R.’s total grant support.  

Executive Director Lauren Brown took the helm in 2022. She recognizes how crucial it is for kids to stay connected with their peers, as well as their learning, especially post-COVID. As an educator and parent of a third grader herself, she feels S.O.A.R. is perfectly suited for this; students get to meet and work with kids from other grades. They try new things without the pressure of tests and grades. Often, they find their passions and become curious to learn more. Offerings over the years have included drumming, screen printing, chess, singing, poetry, computer coding, acting, dance, horror mask-making, science, cooking and gardening.

Brown recruits expert instructors and guest artists from the community to work with students. The selection of classes differs each term. In addition, $200 Teacher Mini Grants are provided for teachers to design experiences that augment the daily curriculum. First graders recently visited Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, Conn. There are three 6-8 week sessions each term, and the relatively low cost per class (averaging $9) makes it accessible to most families. Financial aid is also available. 

More Than an After-School Program: A Relationship with the Community 

S.O.A.R. has a grassroots, reciprocal relationship with the town. In addition to the visiting guest artists and instructors, parents and community members sometimes teach. Students can become S.O.A.R. ambassadors due to the many community activities they participate in outside the school. Students perform songs from their annual musical at Noble Horizons, an assisted-living facility for seniors. They carol during the holidays, and twenty students marched in the local Memorial Day parade this year. 
 
Beyond that, S.O.A.R.’s theater program is robust. Over 40 kids participate in the annual musical, which is developed from their popular after-school class. Most kids perform, some like to work backstage. Community members help build stage sets, and the school provides some staffing. (S.O.A.R funds 75% of the production, Salisbury Central School chips in for lighting and sound). Students present three performances to the public for free at Housatonic Valley High School.  
 
Brown describes the experience of bringing Annie, Jr., The Musical to a packed house in 2022 as a giant “community hug.” It was their first live performance post-COVID, and it was exactly what the community needed; a joyful, shared experience. Students worked together to learn lines, dances and songs. It was proof of what they could achieve individually and collectively and inspired many to participate in theater in the following years.  
 
Rounding out the year are several creative S.O.A.R. fundraising events: The Fall Festival (with pumpkin decorating and a raffle at the local library), Middle School Dance, Festival of Trees, and proceeds from the annual ski Jump Fest drink booth. 

Growing Into the Future 

Due to the popularity of S.O.A.R. (a third of the student population participates) and to expand its reach, Brown opened the entire program to kindergarteners for the first time this year. She is also piloting a summer enrichment program that extends beyond the school year. For two weeks, 10 students will meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Each day there will be a new surprise guest instructor. 

Brown sees the cumulative rewards each year in the way students engage with their learning and with each other. A participant recently said, "I really like S.O.A.R. because you get to try new things that you normally wouldn't do and work together like a community."