Afterschool

Swain County Schools

Afterschool Program

2025-2026

Swain County Schools is proud to provide students and families with the opportunity to participate in afternoon care, tutoring, social-emotional learning, and enrichment activities. Participation in this program is considered a privilege and is contingent upon meeting the requirements outlined in the Family and Student Handbook.

Site Coordinators:

Swain East Elementary 828-488-0939: Kelly Carnes - Email Kelly Carnes 

Swain West Elementary 828-488-2119: Cenda Dickey Email Hannah Clemmer

Swain Middle School 828-488-3480: Emily McClung Email Emily McClung

Bright Adventures Pre-K 828-488-1494: Elise Lossiah, Email Elise Lossiah

Swain County Schools Afterschool Director:

Barbara Sneed, 828-488-3129, Email Barbara Sneed

Our Maroon Strong Foundation 501(c)3 is available if you'd like to make a charitable donation to support Swain County Schools STEM programming!

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KEEP THE LIGHTS ON IN AFTERSCHOOL video

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Our Swain County Schools afterschool program is supported by Title and local funding.

Student Responsibilities

As an Afterschool Attendee, I Will:

  • Attend afterschool regularly unless you have missed school on that day or leave early for an appointment.  (After two unexcused absences students will receive a warning and after the 3rd unexcused absence or pick up early, your child will be removed from the afterschool program and placed on the bottom of the waitlist.)  

  • Arrive on time, bring all necessary materials, know what I need to study, and be prepared to work.

  • Respect myself and the rights of others in afterschool, on field trips, during activities, events, and on the bus.

  • Follow my school’s rules and the code of student conduct.

  • Complete all homework and assignments on time.

  • Read every day.

  • Ask my teacher questions if I do not understand.

As a Parent/Guardian of an Afterschool Student, I Understand:

  • Bullying or threats against students or staff may result in my child being uninvited from the afterschool program.

  • Not attending four days per week is grounds for removal from the program.

  • Inappropriate behavior, depending on severity and whether it is corrected, may result in my child being uninvited. Repeated behavior WILL result in removal.

  • I must keep all contact information up to date, including phone numbers, addresses, emergency contacts, and employment information.

Parent & Family Responsibilities

  • Ensure students attend afterschool consistently (4 days per week).

  • Warnings will be issued verbally and in writing; after two notifications without improvement, students may be removed from the program until the following school year.

  • Pick up students no earlier than 4:00 PM (minimum one hour attendance).

  • Support reading at home every day.

  • Be actively involved in your child’s academic efforts and school activities.

  • Support staff in promoting appropriate behavior.

  • Ensure timely pick-up no later than 5:30 PM. One five-minute grace (5:35 PM) is allowed; repeated tardiness may result in removal.

  • For early or late pick-ups, communicate with the district program director or designee in advance.

  • On days of school events, parents must sign their child out from afterschool prior to attending the event.

  • Attend parent meetings, afterschool sessions, conferences, or workshops whenever possible.

  • Communicate regularly with afterschool staff regarding questions or concerns.

  • Check your child’s bookbag and planner daily, respond to correspondence, emails, and phone messages.

Cancellations

  • Afterschool programs are only canceled if absolutely necessary, such as inclement weather or staff shortages.

  • Students must attend school to participate in afterschool.

  • There is no afterschool on days Swain County Schools are closed or have early release.

  • Updates will be posted on Swain County Schools’ social media and website.

The Leader in Me

Swain County Afterschool has high expectations for student behavior. We follow “The 7 Habits for Happy Kids” to encourage thoughtful actions, cooperation, and personal responsibility.  Afterschool staff aim to ensure student safety, well-being, and character development alongside academic progress.

Afterschool does not operate on Friday and is closed on teacher workdays, holidays, and inclement weather days. Please see other parts of this site for additional information.