LAUNCH Extended Learning programs will help prepare students to be college and career ready.
This manual is a guide for site coordinators and others interested in our LAUNCH programs. It is updated annually and may be edited at any time to meet all required district, state, and federal guidelines. All LAUNCH teachers are school system employees and meet all requirements to be a school system employee including background check and references.
The LAUNCH before and after school programs are free to Loudon County students. Eligible schools must meet a certain percentage of economically disadvantaged students. Transportation is not provided by the program and parents shall pick up students at the end of the day. LAUNCH is in operation 180 days to coincide with the school day schedule. If school is not in session or cancelled, LAUNCH will also be cancelled. Students are recruited by open invitation to participate in these programs and is available to all students and their families in the eligible school districts. However, priority is given to students who meet the poverty guidelines, may be struggling academically, have attendance issues, or other at-risk behaviors. At least half of LAUNCH students may be considered at risk.
Research indicates that a child should be in an extended learning program a minimum of 30 days to receive the greatest benefit from such a program. Therefore, we ask for a commitment from parents and the student that every effort will be made to attend LAUNCH a minimum of 30 days during the school year. Students must also attend at least one hour a day to count toward the recommended 30 day target to be considered regular attendees.
The primary funding source for LAUNCH is the Tennessee Department of Education through the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grant and the Lottery for Education: Afterschool Programs (LEAPs) grant. The Loudon County School District and many community partners support LAUNCH helping us to meet the needs of our students. No grant funds are used for religious purposes in compliance with the U.S. Education Department General Administrative Regulation (EDGAR) 76.532.
Our primary goal is helping our students be academically successful. We offer tutoring, enrichment activities, social/emotional activities, the arts, nutritional education and physical activities. We provide our programs in a safe and fun environment where students experience the wonder and adventure of learning.