Salem Schools Receive $421,500 in Extended Learning Time Grants

Salem Schools Receive $421,500 in Extended Learning Time Grants

$140,000 to fund Out-of-School Time enrichment at Bates Elementary, $281,500 for Extended Learning Time at Nathaniel Bowditch K-8

Salem, MA – The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced that two Salem public schools will be receiving a combined $421,500 in grant funds through the 21stCentury Community Learning Centers initiative supporting additional learning time.

Bates Elementary School will receive $140,000 to provide 60 students with free afterschool and summer programming in partnership with For Kids Only Afterschool. By offering both academic and social-emotional programming during the out-of-school time hours, Bates will better meet all students needs through hands-on enrichment activities and community service learning.

Next year, Bowditch K-8, utilizing $281,500 of the grant funds, will implement an expanded school schedule that adds an additional hour and 15 minutes for all students every day. The new school day will include additional time for core academic areas, project-based learning, a targeted intervention block, and enrichment opportunities taught by staff and community partners.

“I am extremely grateful to DESE and the Baker Administration for recognizing the value of additional learning time and enrichment opportunities for our students,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll, who chairs the Salem School Committee. “Salem is working hard to lift up our schools and provide the highest quality public education to our students. Extended learning time is a key part of our strategy to improve our schools and close the achievement gaps in our classrooms. These critical funds will better enable our district to accomplish that goal at the Bates and the Bowditch schools.”

"Students from high-need communities need more learning time to close the achievement gap," said Governor Charlie Baker. "These grants will make that extra time possible, while encouraging reforms to improve the quality of instruction throughout the school day."

"I am happy to announce these grants, which will strengthen students academically through in-school and out-of-school programs," DESE Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester said. "I look forward to seeing how these offerings engage students in everything from engineering to character education."