FKO Partners with Healthy Peabody Collaborative to Launch FKO L.E.A.D.S Program

For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO), a leading provider of out-of-school time (OST) care, is proud to announce its partnership with the Healthy Peabody Collaborative, a program of the Peabody Police Department and to introduce the FKO L.E.A.D.S program (Learn, Empower, Advocate, Discover, and Serve). This innovative enrichment program is designed to promote leadership qualities and empower children to become active and responsible members of their community.

Sandra Drover, a dedicated officer from the Peabody Police Station, will lead the FKO L.E.A.D.S program. Officer Drover is well-known in the community for her work in launching the Above the Influence (ATI) program, specifically tailored for 7th and 8th graders at the Higgins School in Peabody. The ATI program focuses on helping young individuals rise above the influence of negative peer pressure by emphasizing positive actions and choices.

Officer Drover has extensive experience in working with children and has been instrumental in supporting them in developing leadership skills. The FKO L.E.A.D.S program represents a new venture for her, as it is geared towards 5th graders, with the aim of nurturing leadership qualities and encouraging active community involvement.

Last school year, the FKO L.E.A.D.S program primarily allowed Officer Drover to familiarize herself with the 5th-grade population and gain insights into creating a customized curriculum that aligns with the program’s goals, including service learning.

This school year, the FKO L.E.A.D.S program will shift its focus to empower 5th graders as leaders within the program. The sessions will take place every Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:15 PM and will commence with a 15-minute working snack period. Officer Drover, who already serves as a guest reader for the Carroll 5th grade, has a strong rapport with many of the children, making her a natural fit for leading this initiative.

FKO is excited about this partnership with the Healthy Peabody Collaborative, as it represents a unique opportunity to inspire leadership and life skills development in 5th graders. This program not only enriches the lives of participating children but also strengthens the community’s bond by involving them in local events and service-learning opportunities.

“We believe that FKO L.E.A.D.S is an excellent opportunity for both the children of Peabody and our community as a whole,” said Patricia Namey, Peabody District Director, at For Kids Only Afterschool. “We are grateful for the collaboration with the Healthy Peabody Collaborative and look forward to seeing this initiative grow and make a positive impact with the support of the community.”

For more information about the FKO L.E.A.D.S program and how you can get involved or offer support, please contact Patricia Namey, District Director, at pnamey@fkoafterschool.org.