In 1999, Howitt Middle School won a grant to help create The Place, a multi-recreational evening activity offering members the opportunity to play team sports in the gym. At that time, The Place was offered to seventh and eighth grade students at Howitt. Participants enjoyed a variety of sports, including dodgeball, whiffleball, soccer, basketball and others. The cafeteria was also open to members at The Place to socialize with friends, listen to music, dance and play board games. On some nights, classrooms were converted into movie rooms to watch videos and debate a topic. Craft rooms were available to members to work on various projects. There were also special events planned, such as theme nights, talent show and dances with a DJ. Active trips were also held.

The Place continued through June 2003, many times attracting over 250 teens on a given night. A key to maintaining order is the understanding/agreement once a parent drops off their teen and they sign in, they cannot leave the building unless they are signed out by a parent.

Each event is held on a Friday and/or Saturday night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. during the school year. This activity is supervised by a team of adults, college and high school leaders. It offers a safe indoor evening activity, promotes positive behavior and teamwork. Member input has been extremely important to the success of The Place. It is the member's input that helps to shape the nights events. The Place will now be looking for teens with ideas to join their Youth Advisory Board.

Students can pre-register for the first session in the coming school year by filling out the registration form that was mailed home and/or pick one up from the school offices. Registration forms are to be returned to The Place Box located in the school offices. (Forms are available at the Howitt School Main Office and online at FDALE.com, click on announcements, click 'At Howitt students' ).

Due to the budget constraints last year, this program went unfunded. Therefore coordinators are forced to charge a registration fee of $25 for the fall program, however students are being encouraged to sign up and help The Place by participating in a simple fundraiser (details on the registration form). All are asked to please help bring back this popular program.

This program will be run by ASC Inc. and sponsored by Farmingdale's Project COPE with the support of the PTAs and the school district. Teens are asked to talk to their friends, join as a group... don't miss out.

Sixth, seventh and eighth graders of the Farmingdale School District are invited to The Place. There will be two preview events this school year. On Friday, May 21 and again on June 11, the multi-recreational teen evening activity will make a comeback with plans for a full schedule in 2004-2005. So don't miss out on the program preview on May 21 at Howitt (west building), beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information call Chuck at 346-7411.