Rochester, N.Y. – The program pitched and promoted by Wegmans for a city school has hit a snag.
Not enough volunteers are signing up to support an extended school day at Northeast College Preparatory High School, according to Adam Urbanski, president of the Rochester Teachers Association.
“(Teachers) were frustrated that they didn’t see much of the presence at the school,” Urbanski said.
The Wegmans initiative had students staying at school for 11 hours and receiving 3 meals a day.
With fewer volunteers showing up than expected, Rochester City School District Superintendent Bolgen Vargas says the school has knocked down the school day to 10 hous.
“Like any new initiative you have adjust and we’re adjusting as we go,” Vargas said.
Both Vargas and Urbanski continue to support the model and believe it can deliver a quality education.
Student and Wegmans employee Evay Randall says she has already noticed a postive impact.
“It keeps (the students) out of trouble and helps them with homework with tutors and stuff,” Randall said.
Vargas says Wegmans is already trying to recruit more volunteers while district employees step up to fill in any gaps.
Asked whether Wegmans should provide funds for the program Urbanski said, “I don’t know if additional funding is necessary, but I know additional attention is necessary.”
