More McKee After 3 Photos

The folks at McKee After 3 like having their pictures on the web! Here's another slideshow. This group includes McKee After 3 participants hanging out during snack/game time in the student cafeteria, a picture of the youth council, and a picture of the staff.




Looking good, guys.

Bill of Rights for Children whose Parents are Separated

If you are separated from your child's other parent, take these rights to heart.

If you want to learn how to manage your relationship with your child's other parent, consider our ACT class.

Bill of Rights for Children whose Parents are Separated

1. The right to freedom from pressure to “choose sides” between parents

2. The right to freedom from the details of the legal proceedings between parents.

3. The right to freedom from hearing negative comments about the other parent’s personality or character.

4. The right to privacy when talking to a parent on the telephone.

5. The right to freedom from “cross-examination” about visits with the other parent.

6. The right to freedom from the role of messenger between parents

7. The right to freedom from requests to lie to the other parent.

8. The right to freedom from the role of confidant in adult matters.

9. The right to express feelings, whatever those feelings may be.

10. The right to choose to withhold feelings.

11. The right to protection from parental “warfare.”

12. The right to freedom from pressure to feel guilty for loving both parents

For More Information or To Register Please Contact:

A.C.T. Program Administrator

Telephone (718) 947-4048

A.C.T. – For the Children

Reducing the stress of a breakup on children

Read the Bill of Rights for Children Whose Parents Are Separated

“I can see a big difference. They can talk to each other now without yelling. That helps a lot. My stomach doesn’t hurt as much and I can concentrate better in school. -- a child

What is A.C.T. – For the Children?

A.C.T. – For the Children (Assisting Children through Transition) is a program designed to educate divorcing or separating parents about the impact of their breakup on their children. The primary goal of the program is to teach parents ways they can reduce the stress of family changes and protect their children from the negative effects of ongoing parental conflict.

“The program changed our lives. It gave us all a new direction…one of hope and healing. I see too many people oozing with anger…I don’t want to go there anymore.” --- a mother

Who are the instructors?

The classes are conducted by psychologists, family therapists, social workers, judges, lawyers, and mediators in a classroom setting. Instructors will provide information through lecture, video tape, role-play, and discussion.

What is the program format?

The program consists of two, 3 hour sessions held one week apart. The program will involve lecture, video, and group activities. This program does not provide counseling or support services. Classes are limited to 40 people. Please note, you will not be placed in the same class as the other parent of your child(ren).

Is this program for everyone?

A.C.T. – For the Children may not be appropriate when domestic abuse is present. If you are involved with an abusive partner, you should call the A.C.T. Program Administrator at (718) 947-4048 for further information before enrolling.

Is there a fee for the program?

The program fee is $100. A $10 non-refundable deposit is required at intake. A sliding scale fee is available for eligible clients. Eligibility will be determined at intake. Acceptable methods of payment are cash or money order only.

Are there any materials provided?

Participants will be provided with a Resource Manual and Handbook for Parents which contains a compilation of places where parents and children can find help and support, a list of helpful reading materials, and informative articles.

When and where are classes held?

Please refer to the confidential enrollment form for a listing of class dates and times. Classes will be held in the St. George neighborhood of Staten Island, unless otherwise informed. The specific location will be given when registration is confirmed.

What are the attendance requirements?

You must attend both classes to receive a Certificate of Compliance. Sign-in sheets will be used to ensure compliance.

If you fail to attend a class for which you have registered, you will need to submit a new registration. You will not be registered in another class until all new applicants have first been placed.

Children are not permitted to attend classes.

“It was such an excellent program. The message of healing and rebuilding a positive parenting relationship is so important…there will be two healthier children because of it.” ---- a father

For More Information or To Register Please Contact:

A.C.T. Program Administrator

Telephone (718) 947-4048

Your Future Now

Hey, you there!

Yeah you, walking into school. You there, sitting at your desk. You—the student—trudging through classes: it’s time to think about what you’re going to do next. Soon you’ll be on to bigger and better things, right?

But how are you going to get there? Like, what’s your next step? Are you ready for what awaits you after that diploma is in hand? Do you know how much your future is going to cost?

Here are some fun facts:

• Do you know people your age will have 10 to 14 careers before they retire. Not jobs – I am talking careers!
• Do you know that the top ten jobs for 2014 do not exist yet?
• Do you know that you can make more money as a plumber than you can as a doctor these days?
• Do you know college is going to cost a small fortune?

Sound like a lot to process? You should be nodding yes right now.

And, you should also be asking yourself a question— “where do I start?”

This is the updated version of the age old question: “What do I want to be when I grow up?”

Well, before I offer answers, you should know that while you’re deciding whether you’ll take a year off before college, there’s a student in China working by candlelight just to get into the best international business school. And while you’re thinking– “I’m going to just take a few courses to see if I like college,” a student in India is working two jobs to become a computer technician.

The reality is that you are living in a country that is competing with an entire world. And it is all happening on the internet.

Right now while you read this letter, students in fifty countries are beating you out for top paying jobs in America. Tonight, as you sleep, Boeing 757’s will be built with parts from twenty different countries. Tomorrow, when your mother’s computer breaks, she’ll call a customer service representative who is actually a 20-year-old college student in Bangladesh. The computer tech will fix the problem remotely; her job is an internship for the profession she is pursuing (she is studying right at her desk at work).

Are your eyes open, yet? Your world is not about just waiting for opportunity to knock- or taking some time to figure it out first. You’re gonna need mad skills, my brothers and sisters. And you’re going to need them fast.

So let’s get back to that question: “where do you start?”

You’d be awfully smart, if you are thinking college or a credible trade school. You’d get a golden-ticket, if you were thinking of an internship and a lot of hard work with little pay for a few years. You’d be some-kind-of-wonderful, if you are thinking “I am going do what ever needs to be done to get somewhere in this world.”

In order to make any of the above a reality, it means starting right now. As you read through this little exposé on your future, every wheel should be turning in the direction of forward motion. Of course, if you are moving forward you need remember everything you can to find success.

Successful people make a plan. Here’s a good plan:

First, the class you’re getting ready to walk into right now— pass it! Get it done and out of the way- along with the rest of those pesky classes as well.

Second, find out what kind of college money is out there for you. Believe me there isn’t much. Our government has not raised basic financial aid funding in almost twenty years. Yet, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to get some free money. You have to get your Financial Aid (FAFSA) papers in promptly, so that if you come up short you can tap into other resources. Grants. Scholarships. Controlled interest student loans. Jobs that help pay for college! This is all possible if you are planning in advance.

Next, pick the right program. (Side bar here: the ad on the internet that promises a “Bachelor’s Degree in 30 days” is not the way to get anywhere in our world.) After you have a program in mind, you need to find out what colleges or trade schools have the best success rates for the profession you want to pursue.

Do research on the schools. Make sure you can afford to attend. Do not under estimate a single dollar. Consider travel, entertainment, books, food, and health insurance (if you’re going away to school). Do not assume that Mom and Dad are going to foot the bill. This is your future we’re talking about not theirs. Dig down deep and earn your keep.

Finally, you need to put the plan in motion. Get your college applications in as soon as possible. Find out when the deadlines are for applications. Do not wait for the last minute to apply. Recognize that some programs only take freshmen in September. Other programs might require portfolios. Do you need to take an SAT? Do you have the grades to even get in to the school? Assume nothing. Ask questions. Have TWO back-up schools that you would happy to attend as additional possibilities. Listen to anyone and everyone talking about how to “get in.” Like this letter, for example. Like me, if you want that golden ticket.

The answers to your questions are closer than you may think. Just about every school has a college or career advisor. Find out what the local colleges are doing to present information. Go to an open house at a local school. Note that when they discuss financial aid they are passing on information that is valuable no matter what school you attend.

And in the end - if you still have questions- feel free to contact me.

Michael De Vito Jr.
Career and Education Advisor
Young Adult Borough Center

Skating on to College

Regina Shields, Site Supervisor, and Erin Neubauer-Keyes, Social Worker, at McKee After 3 passed this info on:

"On Friday, December 21st, the WAVE Program of McKee After 3 took students to visit the College of Staten Island. The WAVE Program (Work Achievement Values & Education) focuses on college and career exploration and preparation, and is a vital component of the McKee After 3 After School Enrichment Program at McKee High School. The students of the Curtis HS WAVE Program were also in attendance.

At CSI students took a guided walking tour of the large, expansive campus and visited the library, several academic departments and the college’s state-of-the-art athletic center. Students received instructions on CUNY application guidelines, admissions requirements, financial aid, etc. Afterwards, CSI treated the students to a pizza lunch while they relaxed in the student lounge and absorbed the atmosphere of college-life.

After the college tour was completed, the students were treated by WAVE to an ice-skating outing to the World War II Veterans’ rink at Clove Lakes Park. The students had a wonderful time and it was the perfect outing to kick-off the winter break from school."