MiT- The Power of Parents
By Katie Riley
What happens when parents cannot find an after school program for their kids that meets their needs for stimulation at an affordable price? If they have resources and good organizational skills, they form one themselves! That is exactly what happened with MiT, Multiple InTelligences School in Beaverton. Parents were concerned that their kids needed more exposure to academics in the 16 hours a week that they did not spend in school. Time was being wasted! The program was founded three years ago in a church but it was difficult to share space. They formed a non-profit and are now located in a commercial space at 1800 NW 169th Place, Suite A250 in Beaverton. The program currently serves 20 kids 5 days a week but has the capacity to serve up to 60. Cost is approximately $300-$400/month. Some discounts and scholarships are available.
After school participants are picked up by one of the program’s vans. Current schools that are served include Orenco, Cooper Mountain, Valley Catholic, Elmonica, Sato, Springville, Findely, Jacob Wisemer and Forest Park. When students arrive, they have a snack and then read quietly or do homework until 3:45 p.m.. All kids are encouraged to do 30 minutes of reading each day. From 3:50-4:50 p.m. they have enrichment classes taught by certified teachers. This semester classes include writing and speech, drama/Improv, math league, and Chinese or Spanish. After a short break, students can participate from 5-5:45 p.m. in Singapore Math or Worldly Wise (vocabulary and reading comprehension) classes. From 5:45 – 6:00 p.m. there is recess and clean up. This semester on Wednesdays when there is early release, a science and a programming class are offered. The classes change each semester depending on teachers’ areas of interest and expertise. For example, music and sewing classes may be offered. On Saturdays there is a Science Bowl competition program from 3:30-5 p.m. for middle school kids. From 3-7 p.m., there are Public Speech classes for 4th and 5th graders and middle school students based on their levels. Sunday afternoons feature a Youth Entrepreneurship class and math competition classes. Some clubs are also available depending on parent interest in organizing them. During the summer, camps are available for elementary, middle, and high school participants. Topics this summer will include coding, writing, math, arts, science, debate & Public Speaking and Strategic Entrepreneurship.
Other groups also use the space. On Saturday mornings a Chinese Immersion class is offered by the Oregon Chinese Coalition. The space is available for meetings and rental on a shared basis.
For further information, see http://www.mitschool.org or contact Beining Hu, Director, at 503-862-8399 or info@mitschool.org
