The school provides supervision only between the hours of 7:25am and 2:35pm and during official school events and programs that occur before and after school. If you are interested in after-school child care, please see below.

The Howard Elementary BEST after-school program will serve approximately 85 1st through 5th grade students. BEST provides an extended academic program, along with enrichment activities and a meal…all delivered in a safe and welcoming environment. 

Students enjoy enrichment activities such as:

• Strings
• Rock climbing
• Technology
• Gardening
• Art
• Sports activities

BEST partners with many community organizations who provide staff and services to help make this program a success!

Check out BEST on these pages:

BEST+ Afterschool Program

BEST Coordinator: Lily Hamiton; (541) 517-7769;  hamilton_li@4j.lane.edu

What the YMCA has to offer you and your student:

• After school care: grades K-5 (until 6 pm)
• Childcare for non-school and early release days
• State certified, fun and energetic staff
• Safe and secure environment
• Healthy snacks provided

Through a fee-based program, all Howard students have the opportunity to take part in after-school child care. During their YMCA time, your child will have the opportunity to explore, interact, and play with fellow students, while engaging in projects based around monthly themes.

If you are interested in the program, please visit the YMCA After School Programs website or follow this link to a YMCA flyer and registration form or the YMCA  at (541) 686-9622 or by e-mail at youth@eugeneymca.org.

Howard has the largest Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestra (ESYO) Strings 1 and 2 classes of any school in the Eugene/Springfield area.

In String Academy class, your child will…

• Become proficient in one of four string instruments: violin, viola, cello, or bass
• Learn to read notes and play full songs.
• Get familiar with proper technique and posture.
• Perform in two concerts in front of a live audience!
• Make new friends and meet students from many different schools.

Why does this matter?

• Children with music instruction scored higher in spatial and arithmetic skills.
• Students who participate in orchestra have the lowest levels of use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs amongst any group in our society.
• Nine out of ten adults and youth who play instruments agree that music making brings the family closer together.

What if I don’t own an instrument?
No instrument? No problem! ESYO rents quality instruments from our own inventory for a very modest rental fee.

How do I sign up?
Click HERE (Best Strings at Howard) for Best String Academy Classes, or call 541-484-0473. Return your forms to ESYO, PO Box 5666, Eugene, OR, 97405.

If you would like more information, please contact the BEST Coordinator or visit the Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestra website.