Over the past five years, the Latchkey program in the Warren County R-III School District has grown into a thriving program that supports the school community in caring for students before and after school.

During its November monthly meeting, District Summer School and Care Day Coordinator Dr. Janelle Stanek presented a report to the R-III school board on the program’s purpose and progress.

“We offer a broad array of activities,” Stanek said. “(Among them), STEM-based lessons, outdoor play, academic homework help, games and problem-solving skills. We’ve also offered the chance to join 4-H clubs and Clover Kids. The students who participate in 4-H during Latchkey can also show at the (Warren County) fair.”

Clover Kids, a part of the 4-H program, is a new addition this year and is offered for students ages 5-7.

Stanek said six members staff the program, which runs from 5:30-7:40 a.m., then 3:15-6 p.m., at Daniel Boone, Rebecca Boone and Warrior Ridge Elementary Schools.

The program is also offered to students at Black Hawk Middle School who walk to Daniel Boone for its program.

Since the 2021-22 school year, the district's Latchkey program has expanded from one central site to locations at each elementary school.

Stanek said that, since its inception, the program has grown by 44.2 percent.

“In 2020, we started at 140 students,” Stanek said. “Currently, we are at 202 students. (The) a.m.) session is our lower (attendance).”

She added that the program's annual operating budget is $168,750.16. and added that last year’s expenses came to $90,103.65.

Stanek also provided an update on the district’s Care Day efforts. Beginning with the 2019-20 school year, Care Day is R-III’s program for families of students who need supervision on Mondays when school is not in session.

“We wanted to provide students a place to go when families had to go to work,” Stanek said. “Care Day is free, due to a grant.”

Care Day is held at Rebecca Boone Elementary every Monday from 7:40 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., except on professional development days. Latchkey is also provided before and after Care Day for a fee.

Stanek said that four staff members care for the current enrollment of 181 students. She added that 100-110 students attend on any given week.

The program is funded by the School Age Community (SAC) to implement STEM programming. The grant is $80,000 per year, renewable every three years for a total of $240,000.

“The grant is on a three-year cycle and this is our second cycle, so this is year six,” Stanek said. “If it’s opened again, I will reapply for the grant. There is no reason to believe that the state won’t continue to fund the grant. There is a grant workshop in January to talk about the new cycle opening.”

Also, in 2024, the program was given the Missouri Department of Conservation Bus Grant. The grant provides bus transportation as long as the program goes to a state park. Last year, the program traveled to Cuivre River State Park to participate in conservation activities.

The program is also part of 10 community partnerships aimed at enhancing student learning. Among them is the Warrenton Aquatic Center, which helps students learn water safety.

“The goal of the Care Day program is to support the needs of our working parents in the community as we strive to provide a safe and supportive environment that encourages social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth,” Stanek said.