USD 259 summer latchkey programs now full

USD259 sent out a notice to parents that all summer latchkey programs are now full. They're encouraging parents to check their ParentLink email and voice message for alternatives.

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USD 259 is making some changes to its summer activities for elementary-aged students in an effort to maintain a safe environment for students and staff.

The district is offering a summer latchkey program, but in a limited capacity. Summer latchkey will be offered June 1 through July 24 at five schools across the city. Those schools are Christa McAuliffe Academy, College Hill, Enterprise, Horace Mann and McCollom Elementary Schools.

Usually, latchkey is offered at 19 schools.

"With people going back to work, I think something needs done about it," parent Amy Fleming says of the change limiting latchkey availability.

Online enrollment for summer latchkey is set to begin 8 a.m. Thursday (May 21) Parents can enroll here

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Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The district says families of students who are accepted will be called to verify enrollment no later than May 26.

The program will accommodate 150 children, 30 at each school. Normally, sites would have anywhere from 45 to 120 children.

With fewer students allowed in the program, the price will increase from $16 per day to $25. Another change due to COVID-19 is a restriction on what students will get to experience with the program this summer.

"We won't be able to go on field trips or anything of that nature like we have in the past,"says Wichita Public Schools spokeswoman Susan Arensman.

Beyond the latchkey program, there are other options for children of working parents in the Wichita community. Parents can call Child Start to get information on other programs available for elementary students. Child Start can be reached at 1-877-678-2548 to get information or on the web at

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