Now registering students Grades 2-8
for the 2011-2012 School Year
Space Is Limited!

Welcome to My Backyard, an after school 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 a tutoring program for middle school students, ages 8 to 14. My Backyard offers a safe and secure environment where students are supervised by qualified staff. Each day our counselors escort children from Miami Lakes Middle School to the My Backyard facility, located less than a block from the school. My Backyard is open to Grades 2-8 and can be attended by students of any public or private school.

Our program includes homework assistance, academic tutoring, FCAT preparation assistance, computer lab services, programs in literacy, socialization, and culture; the structured recreational activities include music, dancing, creative arts, and sports and fencing. The FCAT preparation will focus on Reading and Math Enrichment. The following are objectives that will be followed for the FCAT tutoring assistance:

1. Assist students in grades 3 - 8 to develop critical thinking skills to increase reading comprehension of narrative and expository text.
    

2. Assist students in grades 3 - 8 to understand and apply mathematical concepts to solve real world problems as well as reinforce basic math skills.
   
   This will help prepare students for state assessments and high school graduation requirements.
    

3. In order to be successful students participate in the training sessions at least 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 progress. Assessments will be evaluated by our Educational Coordinator.
    

4. The curriculum of the tutoring program is based on lessons targeting the Florida Sunshine State Standards in reading and math for grade 2 - 8.
    

5. Students who have learning disabilities, are second language learners, are working below grade level or are gifted 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 12 station 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 is evidenced in the significant improvement in the grades our 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 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 tutors that help 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 currently participating in the program. Until then, we wish everyone a happy and safe year.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year. However, spaces are limited and priority consideration will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Weekly tuition is $40.00. A limited number of scholarships may be available to those who qualify. The hours of operation are 3:05 PM – 7:00 PM daily.

FCAT preparation will be offered daily. Tutoring on all academic subjects will be done daily. Arts and recreational sports are played daily.

Also, high school students may volunteer at MBY. Please contact Mrs. Mireya Medina if you are interested.