PARIS – Two new after-school programs will open Jan. 10 at Madison Avenue and Otisfield Elementary schools.

After-school programs are in place at elementary schools in West Paris, Norway, Oxford, Harrison and Waterford. Still to come, hopefully soon, are after-school programs at the Hebron Station School in Hebron at the Mildred Fox Elementary School in Paris.

Madison Avenue Principal Jane Fahey said students, teachers and parents are excited about the opening of the new “Club Mad” program for grades four to six at the Oxford school.

“The possibilities for enriching experiences are endless,” she said. “Having time to get homework done during the after-school hours, with assistance as well, will be a big help to parents.”

At Otisfield Elementary School, Principal Linda Park said the staff of the OASIS program, which stands for “Otisfield AfterSchool is Spectacular,” is already finding ways to work together with existing clubs and activities at the school.

“OASIS students will help make scenery, props and posters for the Drama Club,” directed by the school’s custodian, Barbara McGuire.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins recently sent a letter to President Bush urging more funding to Maine for the 21st Century Community Learning program. She said in a press release that after-school programs help keep children safe, reduce crime and drug use, and improve academic performance.

Collins said Maine has received $7.7 million in 21st Century grants the past two years and is expected to receive another $1.9 million in 2005.

SAD 17 was awarded a $150,000 grant for after-school programs last year, and $125,000 this year, so that every elementary school in the district will have a program, said grant manager and former elementary teacher Luba Green.

The programs will be offered from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as on early release days, teacher in-service days, some holidays, and during school vacations. There will also be a full-time summer program beginning this summer.

With the second grant, the district was able to hire an assistant grant manager, Jill Gustaitis, an educational technician at Harrison Elementary School.

The site coordinator for the OASIS program is Connie Allen, who has taught in the Waterford Recreation and Enrichment Club, the LOOK Program and at Buckfield Junior-Senior High School. She will work with activities coordinator Karen Smith, who is working toward an associate degree in child development.

At Club Mad, the site coordinator is Juliann Stauder, who runs a home-based computer software business and who is the parent of two Madison Avenue students. The activities coordinator at Club Mad is Charly Hafner, who has worked in several day-care operations and with the Big Brother/Big Sister program.