Middle school families in Evendale, Woodlawn, Sharonville, and Springdale can sign their kids up for a free after-school program at Princeton Community Middle School starting next month.

The school's 21st Century After-School Program is recruiting students at two "Farewell to Summer & Back to Learning Ice Cream Social" events in early August. Families who visit the program's table and register for the upcoming parent meeting will receive a free treat, according to an announcement posted July 20 on the PCMS website.

Key dates

  • Wednesday, August 5, 4-6:30 p.m. — Ice Cream Social and registration event
  • Thursday, August 6, 5-6:30 p.m. — Second Ice Cream Social and registration event
  • Wednesday, August 12, 4-5 p.m. — PCMS schedule pickup and Meet the Teacher night
  • Wednesday, August 19, 5-7 p.m. — Parent information meeting for the 21st Century program

The Ice Cream Social events give families a chance to learn about the program and sign up before the school year begins. The August 5 and 6 events precede the school's schedule pickup day on August 12, giving parents two early touchpoints with the building.

What the program is

The 21st Century program is federally funded through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, which targets students from economically disadvantaged families attending eligible schools. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce administers the grants statewide.

At Princeton Community Middle School, the program provides structured after-school time where students can make friends and participate in activities in a safe, supervised setting. There is no cost to families.

The district has a track record of community-connected programming at the middle school level. PCMS also runs a STEAM Bridge Camp in partnership with organizations including Talbert House and The Calvary Church, according to the school's website.

How to register

The PCMS announcement directs families to visit the 21st Century program table at either Ice Cream Social event on August 5 or August 6. Registering at the table signs families up for the parent meeting on Wednesday, August 19, from 5 to 7 p.m., where additional program details will be shared.

No online registration link was listed in the announcement. Families with questions can call Princeton City Schools at 513-864-1000.

The August 19 parent meeting is the next milestone for enrolled families.