Scot Lehigh's column "A school reform long on common sense" highlights one school's efforts to bridge the worlds of school and after-school to improve student success (@issue, April 15).

Research shows providing time for students to participate in the arts, engage in community projects and explore college and careers is critical to student success. Yet these activities are often eliminated from the regular school day due to budget constraints and competing priorities. By creating partnerships to deliver an extended school day, schools and community organizations can provide multiple approaches to learning, engage students in enriching environments and help ensure youth are safe, healthy, educated, employable and connected.

JILL J. RIEMER
Riemer, of Atlanta, is executive director of the Georgia Afterschool Investment Council.