SPENCER — PATCH 21, a Spencer community after school program, is expanding its online presence amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to David McCutcheon, executive director, PATCH 21 is loading its Facebook page several times per day with fun, educational and fitness videos for students and children of all ages.

Students involved with the hydroponics program are still dedicating their time to take care of the plants and animals even though school is not in session. However, PATCH is ensuring their safety at all times.

“We have to keep our animals alive and we have to keep our hydroponics going. They’re following it and doing a really good job on it. We appreciated their dedication and diligence,” McCutcheon said.

Some of the online content is centered around yoga, science, reading and at-home fitness.

McCutcheon feels it’s important to keep students centered on academics, especially since they are learning in a different environment.

“We’ve seen a lot of students regress quickly if they’re not academically challenged, if they don’t have that stimulation,” McCutcheon said.

PATCH also is keeping students engaged with reading while at home.

“Reading regression is something that we really want to try to help with. It’s hard to sit down and think of things to do. Our goal is to make that an easier transition, that’s a really big part for us,” McCutcheon said.

So far their live instructional videos are receiving positive feedback. An outdoor science show reaches hundreds of Facebook users, McCutcheon said.

“We’re really impressed with the dedication of the staff and high school students. They’re not complaining, they’re doing their job, they’re working hard at it, making sure they’re being as safe as they possibly can,” he said.