Thank you for choosing Wisconsin Youth Company School Year Programs!  

Please note: Families are varied and the use of the word Parent(s) refers to the adult(s) who are responsible for the child(ren).  

Wisconsin Youth Company is proud to continue our relationship with the Madison Metropolitan School District to provide on-site after school programming. Please carefully review all tabs on this webpage prior to your first day of school. 

Thoreau Elementary School  |  3870 Nakoma Rd. 

  • After School Program Cell Phone  |  608-445-8038  
  • After School Program Hours  |  Monday 1:45-5:45 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 3:17-5:45 p.m.
  • After School Program Location  |  Gymnasium – The entrance to the program is located off the rear parking lot on Cherokee Drive
  • 2022-2023 Program Schedule
Meet the Staff  
  • Site Supervisor  |  Victoria Hoff
  • Group Leader  |  Finn Sidelle
  • Program Manager  |  Amanda Gartzke  | agartzke@wisconsinyouthcompany.org

All staff have education and/or experience related to working with children. They receive training prior to the start of the school year and are certified in first aid and CPR. All program staff receive additional training with updated health & wellness and cleaning & sanitation protocols.  

Wellness Check  

We ask that families self-monitor and conduct their own wellness checks prior to school each day. If your child(ren) are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 during program hours, our trained staff will conduct a wellness check and request for immediate pick-up. 

Face Coverings

In accordance with MMSD policy, face coverings are optional during After School. Face coverings will be available to those who need or choose to wear one.

What to Bring  
  • Extra set of clothing, as needed 

Please do not send your child(ren) with any unnecessary items. Toys or other items from home will not be permitted. Wisconsin Youth Company is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property, including clothing.  

Please note: Families are varied and the use of the word Parent(s) refers to the adult(s) who are responsible for the child(ren).  

After School Pick–up 
  • Parents will text or call the program phone 608-445-8038 upon arriving to program. We will have both Parent 1 and 2 phone numbers programmed into the program phone. Please confirm the most current cell phone numbers are listed in your Parent Portal. That will serve as our means of identifying Parents. Staff will have children clean up, gather belongings, sanitize hands, and exit the program space. We strongly encourage Parents to meet their child(ren) outside the door.
  • If your child(ren) has not exited the school five minutes after your text, please call the program phone
  • If a different pre-authorized pick-up person is planning to pick-up from After School, please notify our administrative office or the site directly  
Daily Activities  
  • Wisconsin Youth Company staff will create weekly lesson plans tiered to the children’s interests 
  • Our program helps your child(ren) to discover new opportunities through our choice-based curriculum  
  • Within the daily activities, children will have a chance to participate in STEM, art projects, community building games, and other various hands–on activities to expand their developmental growth. Along with developing important life skills such as language, social and emotional skills.  
  • There will be time for daily outdoor recreation (weather permitted) where children will participate in group games and explore the playground 
  • Children are also provided the opportunity to complete homework 
Snack 
  • An afternoon snack will be provided 
  • All snacks served at program are nut-free 
  • All children must wash hands with soap and water before and after eating  
  • Snacks are individually wrapped and will be passed out by staff 
  • Milk will also be served 
  • Please see the Wisconsin Youth Company Program Handbook for more details about snack 
We are anticipating a wonderful program year at After School Thoreau and look forward to serving your family. 

Dear After School families,

As the end of the 2022-23 School Year approaches, the After School team wants to express our gratitude for a memorable year. We enjoyed cooking together, meeting new family members at After School events, perfecting our slime recipe, and learning more about ourselves as a community.

We cannot wait to see you all again in the coming school year, and we know next school year will be just as good as this one. We look forward to more cooking, repeats of our favorite projects, and many new ideas to try out.

Thank you from the After School team at Thoreau,

– Victoria and Finn

Reminders
  • Please do not have children “sign out” or write in the attendance binder.
  • Before your child leaves After School, please help them clean up the toys or materials they were enjoying. 
  • Last day of program is June 8. Please work with program staff to ensure any medications are returned home on your child’s last day of attendance.
  • Please take a few moments to fill out our annual parent survey. Your feedback is valued and will be used as we plan for the upcoming school year. Click here to access the survey.
  • As temperatures warm up, After School programs will spend more time outdoors. Please remember to send your children with the appropriate outerwear. Refer to the attire and weather chart to see what is required for all temperatures.
  • If you have texted the site cell phone for child pickup and are waiting for more than a few minutes, please call instead.
  • Feel free to stay in the program space if there is time before the end of the day. Enjoy arts and crafts, build a Lego structure, or play basketball with your child(ren). We love having families join us! 
  • Please call the attendance message line at 608-276-9898 to report any absences.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are available for children age 6 months and up. Click for more information and to schedule an appointment for your child. (Español).
What's Happening

After School Thoreau

Please note: Families are varied and the use of the word Parent(s) refers to the adult(s) who are responsible for the child(ren).  

Site Cell Phone Number: 608-445-8038  |  This number can be used to call or text Wisconsin Youth Company staff at your child(ren)’s location during program hours. Please note that staff are engaged with children during program hours and may not be able to answer. Please leave a message and they will get back to you.  

24-Hour Attendance Message Line:  608-276-9898  |  Please call the message line when your child(ren) will be absent from program. All absences must be reported. Please leave a message regarding your child(ren)’s name, program, and the date(s) of absence.  

Administrative Office: 608-276-9782 ext. 0  |  If you need immediate assistance, please contact our administrative office. Our administrative office can also assist you with your registration questions.  

Wisconsin Youth Company Email: info@wisconsinyouthcompany.org   |  To communicate with our administrative or registration team or if you have questions regarding your account please send us an email.