Helping Children Thrive While Parents Work 

For working families, the hours before and after school can be among the hardest parts of the day to manage. 

Parents need dependable care that fits their work schedules, and children need a safe, welcoming place to learn, explore, and build relationships. 

That’s why Morristown Central School, United Way of Northern New York, and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services collaborate to provide the Green Rockets Rising Extended Day Program. 

Green Rockets Rising provides free before- and after-school care for students in kindergarten through sixth grade on days when school is in session. Children receive an after-school snack, and Morristown Central School provides transportation home at the end of the program day. 

During the summer, Green Rockets Rising offers morning programming from 8 a.m. to noon, with breakfast and lunch provided at no cost to families. 

More Than a Place to Go 

Green Rockets Rising offers children opportunities to discover new interests, stay active, and connect with friends and caring adults. 

Students participate in enrichment clubs, physical activities, special family events, and community service projects. Daily activities help children build confidence, communicate effectively, manage emotions, solve problems, build positive relationships, and learn to care for others. Homework assistance provides additional support when students need it. 

Families value the experiences their children receive. As one parent shared, “Our daughter loved learning about dinosaurs, and arts and crafts. Also, exploring and playing outside!” 

A Partnership That Supports the Whole Family 

Green Rockets Rising succeeds because each partner brings important resources and expertise. 

Morristown Central School provides a familiar, accessible space for the program and school-year transportation home. 

United Way of Northern New York manages the program, including staffing, finances, operations, quality improvement, and ongoing oversight. 

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services provides funding through the Learning and Enrichment After-School Program Supports (LEAPS) grant and establishes requirements that help ensure safe, high-quality programming. 

Since the partnership began, local and regional organizations have also helped expand what Green Rockets Rising can offer. These community partners bring specialized knowledge and hands-on experiences in literacy, health and nutrition, conservation, physical activity, creative enrichment, family engagement, and community service. Their involvement connects children with caring adults and resources beyond the school building while creating opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to access in a rural community. 

Together, these partners provide consistency for children, valuable opportunities for learning and growth, and peace of mind for parents. 

Making It Possible for Parents to Work 

For Morristown families, Green Rockets Rising is more than a convenience. It is an essential source of dependable childcare. 

In the 2025–26 Parent Survey, nearly every responding family reported relying on at least one part of the program to work or to travel to and from work. Ninety-two percent relied on after-school care, 69% relied on before-school care, and 77% relied on summer programming. 

The program also served 99 students across 190 days, while students who participated regularly demonstrated encouraging reading growth. 

When families have reliable childcare, parents can remain in the workforce, household finances are more stable, and children have a safe place to learn and belong. 

Green Rockets Rising shows what is possible when Morristown Central School, United Way, state partners, families, and community organizations work together to help children thrive while supporting the people who care for them.