Dear Families,
We are writing to inform you about crucial updates to our School Age Program for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. Due to the Anchorage School District’s (ASD) adjustments to school start times, set to take effect in August 2024, our program structure will be modified to align with these changes.
Camp Fire Alaska has made the difficult decision to discontinue morning programs across all locations. The reduced timeframe before the revised school start times prevents us from effectively running a morning program. However, to accommodate the new school day schedule, Camp Fire will be offering extended afternoon programs. All Camp Fire Alaska locations will operate from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM daily under the updated schedule, with the exception of Aquarian Elementary, which will run from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM, offering a specialized Aquarian Child Care Program.
Furthermore, starting October 1st, North Star Elementary and Chester Valley Elementary will transition to a fee-for-service model. This shift is due to the conclusion of grant funding for these specific programs.
We understand that these changes will significantly impact families and children, and we are actively collaborating with other out-of-school time partners, the Anchorage School District, and the Alaska Afterschool Network to support families and our community through this transition for the next school year. You can find more detailed information about the new school schedules and access helpful resources for planning for the next school year here or at https://www.asdk12.org/schoolstarttimes.
Registration for Camp Fire’s 2024-2025 school year program will commence on Wednesday, March 20th at 10:00 AM AKST for currently enrolled families, and on March 22nd at 10:00 AM AKST for all other families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding 2024-2025 School Year Program Updates
Will Camp Fire offer before school programs in the coming academic year?
Given the Anchorage School District’s impending changes to school start times in August 2024, Camp Fire will no longer be able to provide morning programs. The significantly shortened window before the school day begins makes operating a feasible and enriching morning program impractical.
What will the afterschool programs look like next year?
All Camp Fire Alaska program sites will operate extended afternoon programs from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM daily to align with the new school schedules. Aquarian Elementary, however, will maintain different hours for its aquarian child care program, operating from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM.
Why does Aquarian Elementary School have different operating hours for its after-school program?
Aquarian Elementary, as a charter school, is not mandated to adopt the Anchorage School District’s schedule changes and has elected to maintain its current school start time schedule. Therefore, the aquarian child care program operates on a slightly adjusted schedule to reflect the school’s hours.
Is it possible to extend the morning program hours by starting earlier to continue offering a before school option?
Camp Fire Alaska has decided against shifting the morning program start time to an earlier hour. Instead, our resources and efforts will be focused on delivering an enhanced and impactful afterschool experience, including a wider array of program offerings for children and families. This approach allows us to maximize the quality and benefits of our aquarian child care program and other after-school services.
Will Camp Fire reopen after school programs at locations that only offered AM programs during the 2022-23 school year?
Camp Fire is continuously evaluating the needs within schools and will communicate directly with families if there are any changes to our plans regarding opening after school programs at locations that previously hosted only morning programs.
Why is the Anchorage School District modifying school start times, and how can I plan accordingly for my family?
According to research conducted by ASD, the new school start times are more in sync with students’ natural sleep patterns. It is anticipated that these changes will lead to improved student attendance rates and reduced absenteeism. Detailed information and resources regarding the new school schedules are available here or at https://www.asdk12.org/schoolstarttimes. This information can assist families in planning for transportation and adjustments to daily routines related to the aquarian child care program and other school-related activities.
Will there be changes to the cost of the School Age Program?
Yes, the monthly cost for all Afterschool Program locations will be $560, with the exception of the aquarian child care program at Aquarian, which will be $490 per month. We are committed to keeping program costs as affordable as possible for families; however, current fees do not fully cover our operational expenses.
Am I eligible to apply for a Camp Fire Scholarship?
Families requiring financial assistance to enroll in our programs for the next school year are encouraged to review the scholarship application process here and plan to complete a Child Care Assistance application. Please note that Child Care Assistance applications are valid for one year, so if you applied in the winter of 2023-2024, you do not need to reapply at this time. Scholarships can help make programs like the aquarian child care program more accessible.
Why are North Star and Chester Valley Elementary transitioning to a fee-for-service model?
Grant funding that previously supported programs at North Star and Chester Valley Elementary is concluding. Transitioning to a fee-based model enables the program and families to become eligible for Child Care Assistance funds, which can help offset program costs for eligible families. Camp Fire also offers scholarships to further support families needing additional financial aid beyond Child Care Assistance.
What resources are available if I need help applying for Child Care Assistance?
Camp Fire staff will provide close support to families during August and September to assist with the Child Care Assistance application process. Information regarding help session dates will be announced soon. You can also contact our front office at 907-279-3551 for immediate assistance. We want to ensure all families can access programs like the aquarian child care program and receive the support they need.
Does Camp Fire have plans to open any additional program sites in the next school year?
Currently, Camp Fire does not have immediate plans to open additional sites at the start of the school year. However, we are continuously evaluating the potential to expand and open new locations throughout the 2024-2025 school year based on community needs.
Is it possible for Camp Fire to open programs in Middle Schools?
At this time, we are not planning to introduce any Middle School Programs. Our primary focus is to concentrate our resources and energy on delivering an enhanced, high-impact afterschool experience for elementary school-aged children, with an expanded range of program offerings for youth and families, including strengthening programs like the aquarian child care program.
