Learning continues past the last bell with Peachtree City Elementary After School Program Site Coordinator Melinda Moore.
Working with Fayette County Public Schools is the family business for Moore. Her mother worked in the finance department and retired after nearly 40 years with the district, and she still fills in part-time. Her father was with the technology department for a decade, and her grandmother was also a teacher here.
Moore has been with the After School Program (ASP) at PTC Elementary for 9 years, and it fits like a glove. The Panther community has become another family away from home.
“I feel like it’s home to me,” she said. “I love it. Really and truly I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
ASP is a much-needed resource. It offers an enriching outlet for students and the peace of mind for working parents that their kids are in good hands. Moore works with the families to stay on the same page and ensure that the children are thriving.
“I come to work every day because I love the kids, I love the parents, and I love my staff,” said Moore. “I couldn’t do my job without them. The support from them really helps me keep going, and that’s what I love about my job.”
They take in students when school dismisses for the day, and ASP stays open until 6:30. Students eat a snack, then they rotate through activity centers. There is a center to focus on completing homework, along with others focused on student interests like sports or crafts.
“I like to keep the kids on the move,” she said. “I want to make sure the program and everything is safe but also fun.”
Every day she feels the warmth and love of coming to school and pouring herself into building up the students.
“My why is the enjoyment that I get from seeing these kids grow and mature into young adults.”
She knows she has been able to make a positive impact in the lives of many. Both her current and previous student worker came through her program, and she has been blessed many times by former students coming back to visit.
“That makes me feel good. That makes my heart warm,” she said. “I’m going to continue to do this because I feel like I’m needed.”
“The Honor Role,” an official podcast for Fayette County Public Schools, features employees, rotating through key stakeholders, including teachers, staff, nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. Join us as we dive in and learn about their journeys, their inspirations, and their whys.
Episodes are available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and promoted on the social media channels of Fayette County Public Schools.
Episodes will also be available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200811.
Posted 11/5/2024
