A unique partnership between Virginia Beach City Public Schools and the Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation, developed to extend academic learning and broaden personal horizons for all students.
The purpose of The Galaxy After-School Program is to advance the mission of Virginia Beach City Public Schools by providing the stepping stones that will extend academic learning and broaden personal horizons for all students. We are committed to delivering a wide range of innovative academic, enrichment and recreational programs that reach the needs of a diverse population within a safe and supportive environment.
Program Description
Located at both Newtown and Bettie F. Williams elementary schools, The Galaxy After-School Program will serve the needs of children enrolled in these schools from the end of the school day until 6:30 p.m. Certified teachers will work with students at Newtown and Bettie F. Williams elementary schools, in a structured setting providing: a thirty minute homework period; enrichment
programs; and academic activities. In support of No Child Left Behind, The Galaxy After-School Program staff are committed to high academic standards for every student. The school division will provide a nutritious meal to all students enrolled in the program and transportation is provided on an as-needed basis.
In partnership with the school division, the Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation will work with groups of students enrolled in the program during recreational periods.
Orientation Program
All parents and/or guardians of students enrolled in The Galaxy After-School Program are required to attend an orientation program at the school their child attends at the start of the school year. Both the after-school program directors at Bettie F. Williams and Newtown elementary schools have scheduled two orientation programs: August 15 and 17 from 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
During the orientation program, parents will have the opportunity to meet with the school principal and after-school program director; receive detailed information on bus transportation; and learn more about the program.
Attendance
The Galaxy After-School Program follows the school division’s traditional calendar, beginning immediately after the end of the school day and continues until 6:30 p.m. All students enrolled in the program will report to a designated area within the school. Attendance will be taken on a daily basis. If a child attended school on a particular day and is not present at the program on the same day, the program coordinator will make every effort to contact parents.
Medication/Illness
There is no medical staff available during The Galaxy After-School Program hours.
It is important to note that medication will not be administered during the program hours. Parents may come to the school to administer necessary medications. Should the need occur, basic first aid will be administered. In the event of an emergency, program staff will contact a student’s parent or guardian.
Student Discipline Every child is expected to abide by Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ Code of Student Conduct and the Department of Parks and Recreation’s behavior guidelines.
Transportation
Transportation is available for The Galaxy After-School Program. If you are interested, please contact the school office to obtain an application. Buses transporting students from school to home will leave the school buildings promptly at 6:30 p.m. each evening. There must be an adult waiting at the bus stop for each child, or children in the same family. If a parent is not present at the bus stop, students will be brought back to school, and parents will be contacted to pick them up. The Galaxy After-School Program follows Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ policies with regard to parent pick-up (School Board Regulation 5-63.1). Transportation is not available for out-of-zone students. Any questions regarding transportation should be directed to the Night Bus Dispatch at 263-1575. Parents are expected to adhere to the contract signed with the Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation, and arrive on time daily to pick up students. In the event that a child is not picked up on time, Parks and Recreation late fee policy will be in effect.
Registration and Fees
Fees
There is a monthly fee of $40 per child to participate in The Galaxy After-School Program. Payments are made a month in advance and must be received by the Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation by the payment due dates listed below. A reduced fee application ($20) is available through the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Registration
All registrations will be taken at the Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation’s City-Wide Programs Office (CWPO) during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The CWPO is located at: 2289 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456. Please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation for questions regarding registration for The Galaxy After-School Program at 757.385.0400.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE |
PAYMENT DUE |
Session |
PAYMENT DUE |
Session |
Time of Registration |
September |
January 16 |
February |
September 16 |
October |
February 16 |
March |
October 16 |
November |
March 16 |
April |
November 16 |
December |
April 16 |
May |
December 16 |
January |
May 16 |
June |
Payment Methods
- Make checks and money orders payable to City Treasurer, Virginia Beach. When paying by check, there is a 14-day waiting period before any requested refund can be processed.
- Only VISA & MasterCard credit/debit cards will be accepted. All credit/debit card payments must include the complete 16-digit account number, the card expiration date, and the printed name and signature of the cardholder. All approved payment receipts will be mailed to the home address of the main contact on the account.
- Cash payments must be exact change, and can be made in person at the CWPO or any Virginia Beach Community Recreation Center, during hours of operation, to receive a cash receipt.
Payment Locations
- On-line or by touchtone phone. Call the CWPO at 757.385.0400 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. for information on this method of payment.
- In person at the CWPO or any Virginia Beach Community Recreation Center, during hours of operation.
- Mailed to: Department of Parks and Recreation, CWPO, 2289 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456
- Mail/drop box, located outside the fence at the CWPO
- Payments received after the due date will be assessed a $25 administrative processing fee.
- Failure to comply may forfeit participant’s place in the program.
- Fees are not prorated due to illness, inclement weather, vacation, disciplinary actions, etc.
- Requests for withdrawals, refunds and transfers must be made in writing 7-calendar days
prior to the start of the Program Session.
- Payment is required to maintain positions in programs with maximum capacity, whether
your child(ren) attend or not.
Parent Communication
The Galaxy After-School Program staff produces a monthly newsletter, the Galaxy Gazette, highlighting important program news and events. Program staff are committed to maintaining regular communication with school office staff and regular classroom teachers regarding student attendance and other concerns. Parents, in turn, are asked to keep the staff informed of any special circumstances regarding their child in a timely manner.
Newtown Elementary Newsletters |
Bettie F. Williams Elementary Newsletters |
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Galaxy Gazette Archived Newsletters
Have a Question About The Galaxy After-School Program?
Should you have a question about the program and need an answer, please contact any of the following school staff.
Bettie F. Williams Elementary School
Galaxy Schedule
892 Newtown Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
757.473.5033
(school office phone)
757.473.5690 (direct office line for Galaxy After-School Program)
Contact: Bonnie Crane bonnie.crane@vbschools.com
Newtown Elementary School
Galaxy Schedule
5277 Learning Circle
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
757.473.5017
(school office phone)
757.473.5699 (direct office line for Galaxy After-School Program)
757.473.5096 (Parks and Recreation phone - after school only)
Contact: Patricia O'Reilly patricia.o'reilly@vbschools.com
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