FARMINGTON — Farmington Recreation is stepping up to help parents whose elementary children are facing additional early-release days from school this year.

The department, located in the Community Center on Middle Street across the road from the Mallett School, will open the facilities for up to 35 students on those days, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Shible said Monday.

“There’s a need in the community,” he said of about two dozen parents who have expressed how difficult the early release is on them. “There’s three dates in September and two in October.”

The first prekindergarten through grade six early release begins at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. According to the school calendar, early releases are also scheduled on Sept. 18 and 25, and Oct. 9 and 23. 

The school district normally holds nine early-release days, but this year, there are 17 scheduled for this age group.

Parents are saying they can’t pick up their children until 3 p.m., he said.

The department will open its doors for these elementary students and offer what they normally provide during the elementary after-school program. The children can use the department’s video games, computers and gym facilities with supervision provided, he said.

The only request is for parents to call to reserve a space and register their child in advance, he said.

“We need some commitment,” he said. “It’s not a drop-in thing. We want a heads-up by parents’ calling.”

The staff feels it can adequately watch up to 35 students.

A crossing guard is available on Middle Street to help children go from the school to the Community Center.

Normally the department holds the after-school program for elementary students on Tuesdays and Thursdays and for middle and high school students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting in November, he said.

For more information or to register a child, call the Farmington Recreation Department at 778-3464.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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