The care and feeding of the early adolescent (10-13) is a very special and challenging mission. An age-appropriate after school program must include activities and opportunities that meet the needs of these children and  provide a safe and consistent environment. At USN, our program enables the students to determine their afternoon activities within a framework of acceptable alternatives.

The MSAS program transforms the cafeteria [and side rooms] each afternoon into a comfortable area where these young people can relax, chat, eat, and play games. There are opportunities for advanced crafts, cooking and relaxed socializing. If they choose, they can sign out to the gym, blacktop, soccer field, or library. Whether organized or acting independently, each of these students is monitored closely by attentive staff members, who give them freedom of motion and a feeling of privacy. We are very comfortable with this "neighborhood" setting and believe that the children benefit from the experience of being able to direct a few hours of their very busy day.

Since one of USN's goals for the students is to encourage them to be compassionate, tolerant, and mutually respectful, they are expected to respect other people's rights and property and to be courteous and well mannered. It is important for the early adolescent to understand that there are predictable consequences for inappropriate behavior. The MSAS staff involves students in the process of establishing rules and expectations in order to promote their developing sense of responsibility and self-control.