At this year’s MASA Distinguished Administrators’ Luncheon, 13 new MASA members were inducted into the Winners’ Circle. These members were honored by the Membership Services Committee for initiating a unique, successful program or implementing an innovative idea that has had a significant, positive impact on their school districts that can be used by other districts across the state. This year’s inductees include:

Robert Szymoniak, Onaway Area Community Schools, Region 2

Before/After School

The Before/After School Program In 2005, Bob Szymoniak wrote a federal grant that started the Before/After School Program for the Onaway Area Community Schools. It provides before-and after-school latchkey support, tutoring, after-school education, summer school, and parent education. The Before/After School program provides students with tutoring and structured activities. Volunteers and student mentors collaborate with staff to provide quality care and education. The elementary component consists of three teachers working with groups on core subjects and providing homework assistance. Summer school also addresses core subjects, offers enrichment, and provides field trips. Parent education involves informal mettings over dinner with topics that build parenting skills.

Each year, program participation has increased. In year three, the program serves about 175 children daily: 60 before school, 80 after school and 35 in after-school education. Parents appreciate the program not only for the safe environment but also for its emphasis on academics and homework. The Summer school component began with 12 students the first year, grew to 42 the second year and served 55 in 2007. Total school enrollment for this year K-8 is 465 students, so a significant number of the school students are involved in the program Mr. Szymoniak created.

Contact Robert Szymoniak at 989.733.4970 x501 or bszymoniak@oacsd.com