What school leaders, teachers, and parents say about Springboard
“ Awesome!”… and that’s just what the Parents are Saying!
How do Parents feel about Springboard?
“Marcus aced his math test last week, thanks mostly to Springboard. Carly sent me away when I came to pick her up early. She was having too much fun!” Lori, parent of 5thand 6th graders 2009-2010, at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA
“You guys are great. Two of Jalen’s teachers said her quality of work has improved since she joined Springboard and now she is getting better grades.” Lucinda, parent of 6th grader, 2009-2010, at Crown Pointe Academy in Westminster, CO
“Natalya was not reading at the same level as other kids in her class at the beginning of this year. Now she is ahead of many of them and I am sure that it is because of Springboard.” Olga, parent of Kindergarter 2009-2010, in Westford, MA
Bravo! Thank you so much for putting the concert together last night! These early concerts truly give the students the confidence and the practice power they need to get to the next level of musicanship! We really enjoyed the educational part…letting the kids give some insight to what they are learing. Good variety and spicy music…Briana has come a long way in the past few months has a BIG desire to be a great French Horn player. We especially get a kick out of the percussion section….they all have a big personality and it shows on stage!! Love it! Bridgett, parent of 4th grade French Horn player, in Highlands Ranch CO
“My girls and I love the Springboard After School program! They have so much fun AND they get their homework done, which leads to a much more relaxed evening at home. I have very high expectations for my kids, but I have been able to turn homework over to the credentialed teachers who work there and have seen continued excellent results in school.” Jennifer, parent of 2ndgraders 2010-2011, at Carlin Coppin, CA
“I just wanted to thank you for being a wonderful teacher. Because of you Peyton is so excited about music and playing the saxophone. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Louise, parent of a Band student, 2010-2011, Copper Mesa, CO
I wanted to let you know that Senior Gonzalez has been an absolute blessing for me, and more importantly my son. I have memories of picking him up last year and going home and having arguments about getting his homework done. Senior Gonzalez helps tutors him and also communicate with his teachers about what is due and what needs to be done. When I pick him up from Springboard in the evenings, I get in great detail what Curtis has done and what is coming up. I feel a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders and when we go home at night we can actually enjoy our short time together without fighting about homework every night!” Anna, parent of 4th grader 2010-2011, at Crown Point Academy, CO
“Springboard is our saviors, our daughter is doing her homework without a fight and we are seeing improvement in the quality of her work!” Judith, parent of 4th grader, 2009-2010 at Crown Pointe Academy in Westminster, CO
“AJ and I fight about school work almost every night. Thanks to Springboard, last night was the first peaceful night in my house in a long time.” Parent of 6th grader 2009-2010, at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA
“Courtney has done extremely well at school, even better since she joined Springboard. She didn’t like the other after school program because there was no help and no structure and most of all NO FUN! She’s it and she deserves some great fun after school. Now she wantes me to get her at 6:30 no earlier because she is enjoying her time at Springboard. Thanks, A satisfied Mom.” Sheryl, Parent of 7th grader 2009-2010, at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA
“Springboard is the best deal in town. You cost less than childcare centers, you get licensed teachers and my wife and I do not have to struggle to get our daughter to complete her homework. We notice a difference in her attitude in the evenings, she is much calmer when we get home at night and my wife and I are confident that her homework has been done accurately and completely because you are checking it.” Eric, parent of 2nd grader 2009-2010, in Westford, MA
“I truly appreciate your efforts. I am impressed with the program and know Lydia loves it. She begs me not to pick her up before 6:00PM.” Christina, parent of a 5th grader 2009-2010 at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA
Thanks for all that everyone does at Springboard! I don’t know what us “working parents” would do without you guys! Thank you, Kelley” Kelly, Parent of 5th Grader 2009-2010, at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA
How do teachers feel about Springboard?
“At the beginning of the school year Aiden had very low self -esteem and would get extremely down on himself. With the help of the Springboard after school program I have seen an increase in Aiden’s self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence. He has faith in himself and in his abilities. While at Springboard Aiden is given time to devote to his homework and any uncompleted assignments. Having this time set aside for his class work allowed Aiden to come to class prepared for the next day. He was able to turn in his assignments on time and completed. Aiden is a child who needs one-on-one focus and attention. He was able to get the help he needed through the Springboard program. Springboard made a significant difference in Aiden’s life. It gave him the encouragement and focus that he needed to complete his assignments and become a well-rounded student… I feel that the structure and security of Springboard is helping Aiden to be successful both academically and behaviorally.” Erin Cynkar, Teacher, Flagstaff Elementary, Longmont CO, 2010-2011
“I consistently see a higher level of performance and better quality of work from children that are attending the Springboard After School program each day. The students that attend Springboard consistently have a higher rate of homework completion then the other students. In addition, students receive more emphasis on the skills taught during the regular school day which results in a better understanding of the concepts. Due to the positive impact Springboard has had, my students are more confident in their ability to be successful in an extremely rigorous classroom environment. I am of the opinion that programs specifically like Springboard can make a significant impact on the overall academic improvement of children when they return to class each day.” Stephen Sereda, Teacher, Imagine Foundations Charter School, Upper Marlboro MD, 2010-2011
“My Springboard students always do well!” Kari Anderson, Teacher, Cherry Creek Academy in Englewood CO 2010-2011
“My Springboard student seem more confident in his work. His test scores have improved and I rarely get late assignments.” Sara Color, Teacher, Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, 2010-2011
“My kids are definitely doing their homework more often, and now their grades are improving. Thank you, Springboard!” Kate Lonberg-Lew , 6th Grade Teacher 2009-2010, Innovation Academy Charter School, Chelmsford, MA
“Thank you for checking in with teachers to see if any of my students are missing homework assignments.” Mairead Sullivan-Orpen, 6th Grade Teacher 2009-2010, Innovation Academy Charter School, Chelmsford, MA
“I know the days that my students have attended Springboard because the quality of work that they submit is clearly much better. You guys have done wonders with my Emily! After a day at Springboard her homework comes back to me done neatly and correctly. I am thankful that Springboard is in our building, you guys are awesome!” Daniel Longinetti, K-6 Teacher 2009-2010, Crown Pointe Academy, Westminster, Colorado
How do kids feel about Springboard?
“Springboard’s really cool. We get to play great games and I get my work done. It’s awesome!” Bobby, 5th grader 2009-2010, at Innovation Academy in Chelmsford, MA
“I thought our first concert was really cool. Playing with the older kids was awesome, but I think we could have played a little better”, Jazmin, Band student 2010-2011, at Coyote Creek, CO
“I do all the activities. My favorites are Drama and Rock Climbing. It’s so much better than before.” Amy, 7th grader 2009-2010, in Westford, MA
“It was fun playing next to a high school clarinet player. The concert was great”, Samantha, Band student 2009-2010, Coyote Creek, CO
What do School Leaders and Principals think about Springboard?
“I just wanted to take a moment to commend Ms. Joy and Mr. A on their work at Overlook. They have become a part of the school and conduct themselves in a professional manner. Kudos to them!!!!!! Ingrid Williams, Principal, Overlook Elementary School, Temple Hills MD 2010-2011
Letter of Support from Cherry Creek Academy
Letter of Support from the Franklin School
Letter of Support from Innovation Academy Charter School
Letter of Support from Imagine Foundations Charter School
Survey of School Leaders
A survey of Charter Schools in Massachusetts developed and distributed by Springboard, recorded data on current after school programming run by charter schools throughout Massachusetts. This data was then distributed to the Mass Charter School Association, which shared it with the State Legislature’s Commission on After School and Out of School Time. In summary, two thirds of all charter schools in the state believe their academic after school programs are only “average” or “need improvement” and more than 70% of those schools cited cost for professional instruction as a barrier to more effective after school programming.
Of the schools surveyed:
67% stated that their academic after school program was average or needed improvement.
56% stated that their after school academic program is simply a homework club or study hall with a proctor.
64% of school administrators stated they want more time for kids to learn in after school programs, and after school programs should include professional instruction.
75% stated that their programs for hang-out time and recreation were average or needed improvement.
75% stated that their non-competitive PE games were average or needed improvement.
Naming the barriers to more attendance and greater success in after school programs:
71% of school administrators stated they do not have money to pay for professional instruction after school.
57% of school administrators stated they do not have time to manage an after school program, or money to buy supplies and equipment.
Survey of Parents
94% rated the program “excellent” or “good”
97% said homework was completed more often
Nearly every parent said there was less stress at home
88% of parents said their child’s classroom performance is improving
Survey of Teachers
100% of teachers said that homework performance had improved
Nearly 100% said students were more prepared for class
100% of teachers said that Springboard teachers helped them follow-up with students who need reminders to complete their work
100% rated Springboard “Excellent” or “Good”