On September 23, 2005, the GRYC/PS 239 O.S.T. After-School Program began serving 70 children.  Our program is a collaboration between Out-of-School Time (OST) initiative and the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council.  It is available to the students of PS 239 in grades 1 thru 5.  We operate Monday thru Friday, between 3PM-6PM, during the school calendar year.

Our goal is to create a safe, educational and fun filled atmosphere in which the children enjoy themselves while learning and tapping into their creative abilities.  This is an environment which supports Department of Education performance and recreation requirements for school age children.  Snacks are provided by USDA through School Food, NYC Department of Education.  Our Homework Help program enhances the students’ school day experience.  We also emphasize community awareness. Our program participants have taken field trips to local businesses, to learn what goes on behind the scene and a neighborhood senior citizen center during the holidays where they performed a show for them and later shared a meal with them.  The experiences was one that neither the seniors nor the children will ever forget!

Below, are listed some of our major Educational and Cultural activities:
Homework Help, Arts & Crafts with a purpose, Urban Percussion Drums, Drama and Science Club.

Some of our major Recreational activities:
Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Wiffle Ball, and tournaments between our other after school programs including friendly competitions in Steal the Bacon, Chess, checkers, Mancala, Connect Four, Nok Hockey, Jump Rope.

Special Programs and Celebrations include:
Holiday parties such as: Halloween, Christmas, Easter, talent show and a magician show. 

The PS 239 O.S.T. After-School Program along with our friends, look forward to finding new avenues of learning.  For more information, feel free to contact us.