Osage families with children attending the Wah-Zha-Zhi Youth Academies are now being required to pay.
According to a letter that went out to parents on July 24, the Wah-Zha-Zhi Youth Academies (WYA) are available for children K-12th and will now be charged a daily rate.
Osage children and children of Osage Nation employees will cost $5 per day. Other children attending will pay a $10 daily rate. During the summer, daily rates for Osages or Osage Nation employees will be $10 per day; all other children will be $15 per day.
“After much discussion and investigation, the Task Force believes it is not in the best interest of all Osage children to allow a few in our near vicinity to attend for free. We are charging a minimal charge for after school care. If a child has a membership card, they can attend for $5 a day. This is very minimal if you check other after school programs,” said Melvina Prather, Education Task Force member. “Some hold spots and do not have children that attend on a regular basis which prevents other Osage children who would attend from attending full time. We felt a $5 fee would not deter parents from sending children that were looking for a structured after school program that was both filled with educational activities and fun.”
Renewal of membership will begin Aug. 1 and Osage preference will be applied. Operating hours during the school year will be 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The schedule for WYA school year:
Fairfax:
July 31 – last day summer program
Aug. 5 – first day of new school year
Hominy:
Aug. 14 – last day of summer program
Aug. 20 – first day of new school year
Pawhuska:
Aug. 14 – last day of summer program
Aug. 20 – first day of new school year
For more information call (918) 287-5300.
By
Osage News
Original Publish Date: 2015-07-31 00:00:00