Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are disappointed to inform you that the 21st Century grant supporting the Hudson Bluehawk Nation Afterschool Program (HBNASP) was not awarded for the 2022-23 school year. The current afterschool program session will continue as planned, however the grant runs out on June 30, 2022.
We are looking into alternative options that will allow us to continue providing summer enrichment and programming for Hudson students. In past years, a booklet of local summer programming was developed by community members. The school district is planning to create a similar resource for families. Our goal is to maximize grant funds from the federal American Rescue Plan to continue summer programming in place of HBNASP and secure contracts with local organizations to provide summer and afterschool services. More details will be shared when they are available.
Some parents and community members have reached out to ask what they can do to support our summer and afterschool programming. At this time, some elected officials such as Representative Antonio Delgado and Assemblymember Didi Barrett have advocated for Hudson’s afterschool program. Below is additional contact information for elected officials if you would like to add your voice and let them know how important Hudson’s afterschool program is to students, families and the community (include your name and address):
- Daphne Jordan, New York State Senator, District 43 (518-371-2751, jordan@nysenate.gov)
- Michelle Hinchey, New York State Senator, District 46 (845-331-3810, hinchey@nysenate.gov)
- Andrea Stewart-Cousins, New York State Senate Majority Leader (518-455-2585, scousins@nysenate.gov)
- Didi Barrett, New York State Assemblymember, District 106 (518-828-1961, barrettd@nyassembly.gov)
- Antonio Delgado, U.S. Representative, 19th Congressional District (518-267-4123, https://delgado.house.gov/contact)
- Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator (518-431-0120, www.gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/email-me)
- Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator (518-431-4070, www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck)
The loss of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant is significant, however we are working hard to identify other sources of funding to create a modified and sustainable afterschool program moving forward, starting with our summer programming. Our primary goal is to preserve as much of the HBNASP program as possible, including opportunities for youth employment. We will share more information as this plan develops.
In Collaboration,
Dr. Lisamarie Spindler
Superintendent of Schools