NOW ENROLLING FOR THE
2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR
Space Is Limited!

Welcome to My Backyard, an afterschool program designed specifically for Middle School youth! We are conveniently located at 15650 Miami Lakeway North, just one block from Miami Lakes Middle School. Our staff is highly experienced in working with adolescents and their families.

My Backyard is an afterschool program for middle school students, ages 11 to 14. My Backyard offers a safe and secure environment where students are supervised by a qualified staff. Each day our counselors escort the children from Miami Lakes Middle School to the My Backyard facility, located less than a block from the school. My Backyard is open to middle school students of any public or private school.

We are proud to be funded by the Children’s Trust Fund. Our program includes homework assistance, academic tutoring, FCAT tutoring, computer lab services, programs in literacy, socialization, and culture, and structured recreational activities that include sports, the arts, and dancing. The FCAT tutoring program will focus on Reading and Math Enrichment. No additional fees are required for a student to participate in the FCAT tutoring program. The following are objectives that will be followed for the FCAT tutoring program:

1. Assist students in grades 6 - 8 to develop critical thinking skills to increase reading comprehension of narrative and expository text.

2. Assist students in grades 6 - 8 to understand and apply mathematical concepts to solve real world problems as well as reinforce basic math skills.

This program will prepare students for state assessments and high school graduation requirements.

3. In order to have a successful and consistent program, students would need to attend the one hour tutoring sessions twice a week. Those students who are consistent participants will be monitored through pre and post assessments in reading and math. All participants will have monthly reviews of the reading and math benchmarks that have been reinforced. Assessments will be created by certified and experienced Miami Dade County Public School teachers using resource materials that target the reading and math benchmarks of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).

4. The curriculum of the tutoring program is based on biweekly lessons targeting the Florida Sunshine State Standards in reading and math for grade 6 - 8.

5. Students that have learning disabilities, second language learners, students working below grade level, or gifted students will be provided resource materials to facilitate learning as well as receiving individual assistance.

6. Homework assistance will be provided on a daily basis. If a student does not bring homework from school, the student will be provided with resource materials that will reinforce the reading and math benchmarks.

In addition to our tutoring program, My Backyard is equipped with a computer lab to further assist each participant in his or her academic achievements. A counselor is always available to supervise and assist students’ in their on-line computer activities. The computers are installed with "nanny software" to prohibit the students’ access to inappropriate websites. The benefit of our tutoring program was evidenced in the significant improvement in the grades the children received throughout the school year. We will continue to offer a tutoring program that is designed to give individual attention to bolster your child’s academic weaknesses. My Backyard is proud to work with our parents to help instill the value of academic success in each student.

The parents of the children who participate at My Backyard have expressed their own feelings as well. The following are excerpts of letters to the Director from two single mothers whose children attend My Backyard:

"I have this peace of mind now at work not having to wonder, ‘Did he get home o.k.’ ‘Is he doing his homework,’ ‘Is he allowing friends inside the house?’ All my worries have been put aside. You have even brought in tutors that helps them in the areas that there having problems in to help them with there grades in school and I do see a difference in my child this year. He has even made friends and he is not secluded in an apartment being bored."(sic) - Jose’s Mom

"The purpose of this letter is to express our gratitude to the after school program at My Backyard. It is the solution to one of the biggest problems we were facing. My Backyard provides a safe environment where middle school children are supervised during the after school hours at which time many parents work. We are thankful to the caring staff that runs the program. Their effort in creating both a fun and educational experience for these children is a complete success!" – Alex’s Mom

My Backyard is excited to welcome the new students who will be attending the program in the upcoming school year. We also look forward to welcoming back the students who are presently participating in the program. Until then, we wish everyone a happy and safe summer.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2009-10 school year. However, spaces are limited and priority consideration will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Weekly tuition for both full-time and part-time is $20.00 per week and a limited number of scholarships are available to those who qualify. The hours of operation are 3:40 PM – 7:00 PM daily.

FCAT tutoring will be offered daily. Tutoring on all academic subjects will be done daily. Recreational sports such as basketball and football are played daily.

Also, high school students may volunteer at MBY. please contact Debra Silla if you are interested.

For more information, call Debra Silla,  at (305) 823-4340 or by email at dmybackyard@bellsouth.net.

Why not provide caring supervision and structured activities right in our own backyard? Come learn more about My Backyard!