In the latest round of support for the Safe and Sound 4 Student Success Program (S4) last month, Beaverton Education Foundation awarded $30,000 to ten middle schools for after school programming that has a track record of increasing student engagement and academic success. Since BEF first piloted the program more than ten years ago, S4 has expanded across the district’s middle schools and now receives financial support from both the district and BEF.
“Core to BEF’s purpose is testing new ideas and then partnering with the district to take them to scale and ensure their longevity,” says Kristine Baggett, BEF’s executive director. “We’re thrilled to be a part of S4’s continued success and growth since we first began supporting it a decade ago. This year’s financial commitment from the district is the latest step in transitioning S4 to long-term district funding.”
S4 is often referred to as “the soccer program,” but it’s much more. In 2022-23, S4 will serve approximately 1,000 middle school students who are at-risk of becoming disconnected from school or are in need of additional academic support. The program provides accountability measures that motivate them to stay in school, and students are rewarded for participating in homework clubs — where they receive academic support in math, literacy, and writing — by playing on a soccer team or joining clubs like chess, culinary arts, drama, art, and rocket building.The program’s positive results are most obvious in increased school attendance, fewer disciplinary incidents, and greater community involvement.
“Students gain a sense of belonging to our school through S4, and student leaders develop on the field,” says Kelly Smith, Highland Park Middle School’s school psychologist and soccer coach. “For many students, if not most, it’s their only chance to play a sport on a team. Being in our soccer club is truly an identity that connects kids to Highland Park.”
Five Oaks Middle School Assistant Principal Allyson Dubuque sees how S4 keeps students connected to school and increases their academic achievement in their core classes, especially when they can choose between soccer and a variety of clubs. “Middle school is such a pivotal time for students to discover who they are as a person and a learner. Our after school clubs offer positive environments for students. S4 improves their school attendance, skills, and agency in a post-pandemic school environment in joyful and healthy ways.”
Support BEF’s Safe and Sound 4 Student Success Program (S4) today to ensure our after school programs continue to inspire middle school students to stay engaged and learn.