After canceling its after-school programs in the fall due to staffing issues, Rochester Memorial School has reinstated the programs for students. And, the Rochester School Committee is out to ensure that a similar situation doesn’t happen again.

Last week, the committee formed a new sub-committee to review the organization of the after-school programs.

The school’s Parent Teacher Organization currently runs the activities, which are funded by the fees collected from participating students.

The PTO cancelled the programs in the fall due to a lack of staff available to supervise, said Superintendent Doug White.

Since the start of the school year, the teachers have been working without a contract while negotiations continued with the School Committee.

However, White said the contract negotiations had no bearing on the programs being cancelled in the fall and that the teachers recently signed their contracts.

There are 13 after-school programs currently run at the school, said sixth grade teacher Danni Kleiman, who also helps oversee the programs.

The programs include sports such as basketball, flower arranging, geocaching, and the annual Shakespearean play performance by the students.

Of student participation, Kleiman said, “It always turns out to be a good amount.”

There are roughly 185 students that participate in the programs, and with the activities reinstated, Kleiman said the enrollment is on the rise for winter classes.

School Committee member Tina Rood volunteered to be on the newly formed sub-committee, which will also include members of the PTO and Rochester Memorial Principal Dr. Moira Rodgers.

“We’re fortunate to have the programs,” Rood said.

“This is a really great program for kids. The kids love our school and they love to be a part of it. I know we will get there.”