A new program is coming to the Grayson County Middle school thanks to the $675,000 21st Century Learning Grant that the school has received.

The money from this helped to create a unique before- and after-school program that will offer tutoring and other fun activities to every middle school student in Grayson County.

“That is one thing that is great about this program,” said Grayson County Middle School Assistant Principal Becky Miller. “This is not just for our students, it is open to any middle school student in the area. That includes kids that are home schooled or go to one of the private schools in the area. The only requirement is that the students fill out a Participant Registration Form.”

The program is called the Cougar Zone and will run from March 15 until April 15, offering many after school opportunities Monday through Thursday four the four week period.

As soon a the bell rings, releasing the students from classes, those that sign up to participate will be given a healthy snack and offered tutoring and homework help.

The first hour will be known as the Orange Zone and is set up to give students help with homework and access to a computer lab to work on projects. The students will be offered help with assignments from both teachers and National Honor Society students from the high school.

“After the first hour is when the fun really begins,” said curriculum coordinator at the middle school Becki Pearl. “Students will be offered all kinds of fun activities for the next hour.”

During the Blue Zone, students will be able to choose from several club and enrichment activities not available to them through the regular school curriculum. There will be several choices available such as; bowling, journalism, auto mechanics, cooking, arts and crafts, technology fun, and weight lifting and conditioning.

Program coordinators are working closely with the community hoping for volunteers to help share their talent with local students for one or more hours a week.

“We need the communities help with this program. Our volunteers are an important part of the success,” said Melanie Manion, Grayson County Site Coordinator. “The more help we get from the community the more different kinds of things we can offer our students.”

After the Blue Zone is completed the students will participate in On The Prowl, for a 30-minute session of social and activity period before parents arrive to pick up the children.

There is currently no transportation offered with this program but when it begins again in the fall there will be a shuttle bus offered.

The grant money is awarded on a yearly basis with $150,000 dedicated for the first three years as long as the programs meets the guidelines set up.

There is also help available for students before school when it is needed. If a student is needs help in a class or a certain subject that student can attend tutoring session before school begins.

The Cougar Zone will be offered in the fall for all middle school students.