Coshocton Elementary expands GEARS program

With support from The Schooler Foundation, Coshocton Elementary School is once again offering a before-school and after-school program.

The GEARS program began in spring 2022 and was originally funded through ESSER dollars. When those ran out, site coordinator Tammy Jacobs sought out alternate forms of financial help.

“We wouldn’t be here without the support of The Schooler Foundation,” she said. “It’s important to offer this because it helps students with their academics and parents with their work hours.”

This year the program is for kindergarten through third grade. It will run January through April, but the GEARS program will not hold summer sessions.

“With some changes made in our district, like moving the sixth-graders to the high school, we decided to focus on the early years,” Jacobs said. “In the past that was always our largest groups.”

The focus of the program is on math and reading enrichment; social, emotional well-being; and club activities presented by community partners. A snack also is provided. The morning program goes from 7-8:10 a.m. and the after-school program from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

“We’ve had help from Moving Mountains Ranch, the Coshocton County District Library, Allwell, OSU Extension and Clary Gardens,” Jacobs said. “They’ve all been partners in the past and do this as a free service. They are so committed. We have some great agencies in this community.”

On Feb. 11 the students learned about baking cookies from third grade teacher Amy Unkefer. She described the baking process to the students and then gave them each two heart-shaped cookies to decorate.

“This is fun,” second-grader Willow Hough said. “We get to eat a cookie and take one home.”

Pink and white icing along with sprinkles were provided, and each cookie decorated was a little bit different.

Second-grader Kovelyn Corbitt enjoyed the cookies and said she likes coming to GEARS.

“It’s really fun because we do fun activities,” she said.

Unkefer and her daughter were glad they could help and provide the students a treat.

“One of my students asked, and I thought, 'Sure, why not?'” she said. “Baking is fun, and I like cookies. This also helps my daughter with community service hours.”