St. Johnsbury Afterschool program

Expanding Opportunities at CatCH

At St. Johnsbury School, learning doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. The Catamount Community Hours (CatCH) After-School Program provides free, engaging opportunities for students in grades 1–8, fostering academic support, social-emotional growth, and physical well-being. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and diverse programming, CatCH connects youth to their school, community, and personal growth opportunities.

A Message from CatCH Director, Teresa Gould

"Since joining the CatCH program in September 2024, I have been inspired by our dedicated instructors, staff, and volunteers. In partnership with local organizations, we continue to provide meaningful enrichment opportunities that allow students to explore new interests and build essential skills. I look forward to growing this program and ensuring that all students feel empowered to learn, create, and connect."

Program Highlights

🔹 Diverse & Inclusive Learning –
Three 12-week afterschool sessions (Fall, Winter, Spring) and a five-week summer session ensure year-round opportunities. CatCH is open to all St. Johnsbury School students, as
well as those from independent and homeschool settings.
🔹Strong Community Partnerships –
Collaborations with community partners including the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, REC Fit, Adaptive Sports Partners, Northeast Prevention
Coalition, and others provide students with dynamic learning experiences.
🔹Real-World Skill Building –
Students engage in unique programs like rock band, carpentry, cooking, speech & debate, and the Catamount News Network
(CNN) — a student-led newscast. Middle school cooking students even compete in Jr. Iron Chef!
🔹Social-Emotional & Academic Support –
Licensed educators lead literacy and math programs, while wellness initiatives promote physical and mental well-being.
🔹Celebrating Student Success –
Each session concludes with a Community Showcase where students proudly display their achievements.

A Championship-Winning Program

The Catamount Speech & Debate team made headlines this year, winning the Vermont Middle School Speech & Debate Championships for the second consecutive year. Competing against top students from across the state, the team demonstrated exceptional communication skills, a testament to the high-quality instruction and mentorship they receive through CatCH.

Looking Ahead

CatCH remains committed to expanding opportunities for students by increasing program diversity, youth empowerment initiatives, and community involvement. Our ability to provide free, high-quality programming relies almost entirely on grant funding, including the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant and other competitive funding sources. As we work to strengthen both funding and recruitment strategies, our goal is to ensure afterschool programming remains accessible and impactful for all St. Johnsbury youth.

CatCH… Explore, Learn, Create!