Emerging from a post-pandemic school year, children in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka experienced a weird, and unpredictable future, noticing the transition from virtual to hybrid classes.
Learning and social interactions were sparse, with some experts pointing to academic slide among students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Administrators and directors of the Topeka Boys & Girls Clubs hope to fill in the gaps for youths before they return to in-person classes in the fall. Goals are educational but also social.
Jennifer LeClair, vice president of development, said parents need a place to send their children. Though occupancy was low last year, this year has jumped to about three or four times more youths, although it s still operating at about half-occupancy as part of the safety protocols.