Island after-care program leaves ‘Friends,’ heads to Island School

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - At an Island School board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 14 Margo Freeman, president of the Island School board, and Pat Chapman, Chairman of the Friends of Boca Grande Community Center, announced that the After-school Children’s Program will now be run by The Island School.

“This is something that we have been thinking about for some time,” said Chapman. “It is consistent with both organizations’ view of an integrated education system for the island’s children.”

Margo Freeman added, “We are pleased that Angela Colosimo will be joining the staff of The Island School full-time. We look forward to having her.”

Colosimo, who soon will have been with the program for five years, is getting some very positive vibes from the change. She will be working as an assistant to Jean Thompson during school hours, then working the after-care program when school lets out.

“I’m so excited,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to working with Jean and all the teachers, and being with the kids all day long. It’s a great direction for the youth program and a great spot for me to be in.”

Angela’s official start date on the school’s payroll, even though it’s Presidents Day and she’ll have the day off, is Monday, Feb. 18.

Parents and students will not notice any change regarding the program. It will be in the same location, and the payments will be the same.

Funding from the program will come not only from parent payments, but will also be assisted by The Island School Foundation and the Friends of Boca Grande.

“Nothing has changed,” stated Bob Green, Lee County Senior Supervisor, who helps to organize the after-care project. “It shows the commitment of the organizations to doing what is best for the children.”
Friends Executive Director Marta Howell is pleased the program could transition smoothly.

“We are a tight-knit group here at the community center and we all pitch in to help each other and watch over the children who come here,” she said. “That spirit of helping each other, especially when it comes to kids, will certainly be strengthen as we build this great new relationship with the staff of the Island School.”

There are 29 children enrolled in the program, 22 from The Island School and seven from Vineland Elementary.