Crane program expands learning outside classroom hours

The final bell usually signals the end of the school day, but at Crane Elementary, it marks the beginning of something many students look forward to – afterschool tutoring. Yes, that’s right – afterschool tutoring. Throughout the week, students can stay after school through the district’s Pirate Pals program, have a snack, and receive help with things like math and reading but in fun, small-group environments.

“If we haven’t learned something, we get to learn it now,” says 10-year-old Alli as she counts out change to her teacher one Tuesday afternoon.

Unlike the traditional school day, tutoring offers a slower pace and focused instruction that helps students strengthen skills, build confidence, and experience greater success, explains teacher Kara McKnight. She is one of nine educators who lead the program.

“Programs like this not only support students academically, but they also help build confidence and give students the opportunity to experience success in their learning,” she explained.

Pirate Pals, which is funded by a grant from Silver Dollar City Foundation, provides students with a small-group setting and an opportunity for teachers to adjust pace, address specific skills gaps and provide meaningful feedback, shared Superintendent Dr. Kelli Rogers. Without the grant, Rogers said, the program would not be possible.

“This focused approach allows staff to build strong relationships with students and provide individualized academic and personal support tailored to their specific needs,” Rogers said.

For 10-year-old Bentley, Pirate Pals makes the regular school day feel easier and it gives him more time to enjoy his favorite subjects.

“It’s fun and we learn,” he said with a smile.

McKnight added that the benefits of the program go well beyond academics.

“One of the best outcomes we are seeing is the relationships that develop during tutoring,” she said. “The small group setting helps build friendships, empathy, and confidence among the students. It’s rewarding to see students grow not only academically but also in confidence and in the way they support one another as learners.”

Silver Dollar City Foundation provides grant funding to the 14 public school districts serving Stone and Taney County children. These grants empower districts to address local needs ranging from early childhood education to literacy programs, behavioral support, social services, student and family engagement and more. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, Hope Grant projects positively impacted nearly 3,000 students.

Visit SilverDollarCityFoundation.com to learn more.