Press Releases
Montgomery County Highlights Accomplishments of Excel Beyond the Bell Pilot Program
For Immediate Release: Friday, June 1, 2012
Montgomery County Recreation, Montgomery County Public Schools and the Montgomery County Collaboration Council for Children, Youth and Families announce a year-end celebration highlighting the accomplishments of students participating in the Excel Beyond the Bell Program. Excel Beyond the Bell provides extra services to students and teachers and they, along with the program’s partners, have rated the program as highly successful in influencing positive youth development. The event will be held at the Mid-County Community Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring on Thursday, June 7 at 3:30 p.m.
Excel Beyond the Bell was introduced this past fall at Argyle Middle School in Wheaton, Roberto Clemente in Germantown and A. Mario Loiederman in Silver Spring. These three schools were chosen for the pilot program because they were identified as having a higher percentage of at-risk students who could benefit from additional support. The program is available to all students in each of the three schools, giving them access to after-school recreational and social programming, academic support, hot meals and bus transportation. The program also provides professional development training to staff.
“We are extremely proud of the Excel Beyond the Bell program. It helps keep kids safe, inspires learning and builds a connection between school and recreational time,” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Gabe Albornoz. “This collaboration ensures that students have a safe enrichment program after the school day ends. We look forward to continuing and expanding this successful partnership next year.”
Joining Albornoz to recognize the achievements of the students who participate in this partnership program will be Shirley Brandman, president, Montgomery County Board of Education; Ellie Mitcher, Maryland Out of School Time Network; and Carol Walsh, president, Montgomery County Collaboration Council.
For more information about the Excel Beyond the Bell program, call 240-777-6870.
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6875