Furlough activity, service alternatives are available for students

By U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii School Liaison Office, News ReleaseNovember 3, 2009

SCHOFIELD Aca,!E+BARRACKS, Hawaii - "Furlough Fridays" are fast approaching, and many parents are concerned and are inquiring about services for their child(ren).

The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) ratified their contract, Sept. 22, to include the following 17 furlough days for all Hawaii public schools: Oct. 23 and 30, Nov. 6 and 20, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and 29, March 5 and 12, April 23 and 30, and May 7 and 14.

The Army is well aware of the situation and is equally concerned and committed to helping students thrive during this time.

Since the day the furlough announcement was made, the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) has been working with all its programs to provide options to our military students.

Child, Youth and School Services (CYS2) has announced the fee schedule for Furlough Fridays for its School-Age Services (SAS) program:

Aca,!AcIf your child is currently enrolled in a CYS2 After-School Program, there will be no additional cost.

Aca,!AcIf your child is currently enrolled in only a CYS2 Before-School Program, the cost is $15/day.

Aca,!AcIf your child is not enrolled in either a CYS2 Before- or After-School Program, the cost is $30/day.

SAS is also offering hourly care at all four SAS locations: Bennett Youth Center, Helemano (HMR) Youth Center, Fort Shafter Youth Center, and Aliamanu (AMR) Youth Center.

The hourly care fee is $4, and parents will need to reserve a space two weeks in advance. Parents can register their child(ren) for up to 12 hours of care between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

In addition to SAS, CYS2 offers babysitting services by teenagers who have been certified through the CYS2 babysitting classes. Eligible teenagers are 13-18 years old and are certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Call the CYS2 Registration Office at 655-5314 and request a list of certified babysitters.

For middle and high school students, the Middle School/Teen (MST) Program will operate from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Furlough Fridays.

Child(ren) must be registered with CYS2 prior to the first day of participation in either the SAS or MST programs.

For parents who have the time and ability to transport their child(ren) off-post, many other options are available. The Bishop Museum, Kamaaina Kids, YMCA, and Wiz Kids are some of the organizations offering programs for Furlough Fridays, with fees ranging from $25-$50/day.

Although CYS2 is offering options for parents for Furlough Fridays, parents are also encouraged to spend time with their child(ren). Online resources include Student Online Achievement Resources (SOAR) and Tutor.com.

SOAR is a free Internet-based program for students in grades 3-12. It is a virtual classroom that focuses on math, reading and language arts. This resource is great for students at home.

Tutor.com is a Web site that allows students to chat with a live tutor to assist them with homework assignments and special projects. It's available 24/7 and is free for military family members.

DFMWR is continuing to adjust its programs to offer more options to families.

Resources For Parents

Aca,!AcCYS2 Registration Office

Phone: 808-655-5314

Mon.-Fri.: 7:30-11 a.m. (walk-in)

Mon.-Fri.: noon-4 p.m. (by appointment)

Aca,!AcBennett Youth Center

Phone: 808-655-6461

Mon.-Fri.: 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Aca,!AcSchofield Barracks

MS/Teen Center

Phone: 808-655-0451

Furlough Fridays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Aca,!AcHelemano (HMR) Youth Center

Phone: 808-653-0717

Mon.-Fri.: 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Aca,!AcHMR MS/Teen Center

Phone: 808-653-0717

Furlough Fridays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Aca,!AcAliamanu (AMR) Youth Center

Phone: 808-833-4932

Furlough Fridays: 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Aca,!AcAliamanu MS/Teen Center

Phone: 808-833-0920

Mon.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Aca,!AcFort Shafter Youth Center

Phone: 808-438-1487

Mon.-Fri.: 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Aca,!AcFort Shafter MS/Teen Center

Phone: 808-438-1487

Furlough Fridays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m