Vacation Station

MISSION STATEMENT

We, the Francis Howell School District Vacation Station program, provide quality and progressive out-of-school time experiences for children by offering enriching opportunities that support home, school and community.

VISION STATEMENT

The Vacation Station program will become a community that:

• will remain at the forefront of innovative out-of-school time programming.

• will empower dedicated staff by providing professional development, mentoring and opportunities for growth.

• will maintain personal connections between children, families, schools and the community.

• will be actively involved and engaged in various aspects of a child’s character and social development.

• will provide opportunities that support and empower parents in their role to promote life-long learning.

VACATION STATION COMPONENTS:

INTERSESSION CARE

Intersession care is provided at each elementary site when school is not in session. The program operates every day from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. We offer full or part-time care even when schools are closed except for national holidays.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Before and After School care is provided at each elementary site. The program operates every school day and from 6:30 AM to the beginning of school and after school until 6:00 PM. We offer full or part-time attendance plans. Tuition based enrichment classes are offered on a site-by-site basis.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Middle School students may enroll in the “QUEST Program” offered during the Francis Howell School District’s summer break. Children who will be entering 6th grade to 8th grade are eligible to enroll.

The Vacation Station environment and curriculum are designed to provide enrichment experiences that stimulate a child’s development. The child makes activity choices based on his or her interest. The environment and activities are designed to give opportunities for self-expression and fun. Structure is provided through a schedule that has children experiencing a variety of centers each day.

COMMUNICATION CENTER

Designed to provide activities that promote communication and socialization skills. The quieter activities of this area include experiences with technology, such as computer and electronic games. This center also offers reading, writing and listening centers as well as board games.

IMAGINATION CENTER

Designed to create a world of their imagination. The child who loves to role play, dress-up, write scripts, maneuver puppets and practice future careers will experience an adventure of their own.

CREATION CENTER

Designed for children to have an opportunity to explore, examine and create art. Children are encouraged to express their creativity using the various arts and crafts materials readily accessible.

RECREATION CENTER

Designed to focus on motor skill development, sportsmanship and social development with peers on an individual and group basis. This center is located in the gym to allow for children to move and get their wiggles out!

EXPLORATION CENTER

Designed for children to explore their world. The center is equipped with materials for children to have fun discovering nature, geography, science and math.

CONSTRUCTION CENTER

Designed for opportunities to develop fine motor skills with a variety of building materials from blocks to recyclables. Children who love to work with their hands can construct entire cities, build their own zoo or engineer the eighth wonder of the world.

VACATION STATION GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• Vacation Station is a fun environment for children where they have opportunities to create and experience a variety of activities.

• All children have strengths. The staff strives to identify these strengths and help each child to build on their strengths.

• Parents are the experts on their children and their involvement is vital to a quality program.

• Vacation Station is a program for all children.

• Vacation Station staff is actively involved with the children.

• Vacation Station is a nurturing environment that recognizes the need of children to be accepted.

• Vacation Station has an atmosphere of mutual respect between adults and children.

• Vacation Station is a safe place for children.

What parents and children are saying about Vacation Station………….

“The extra work, energy, and caring the staff puts into the program is the reason I never worry about my children when they are at Vacation Station.”
Mrs. Tandy Schaller

“Vacation Station is a fun place to be! The teachers are really fun and helpful!”
Courtney Gunnett

“You learn things in a fun way at Vacation Station.”
Jonathan Christopher

“I like Vacation Station because I get to be with all my friends!”
Rachel Dismukes

“I like Vacation Station because we get to go on neat field trips and do fun activities!”
Kathryn Hedlund

“My son really enjoys attending Vacation Station. I feel safe knowing he is being well care for. The environment provides him plenty of activities and field trips to learn from. When he is given a choice of staying home or going to Vacation Station, he always chooses Vacation Station.”
Mrs. Sharon Moore

Francis Howell School District Vacation Station Program Locations

For more information about the Francis Howell School District’s Vacation Station program, contact you elementary school