The program would provide middle school students a safe place to go to hang out with friends, get homework help and participate in exercises to stay physically fit while having fun.

This spring, kids could have a new place to go after the last school bell rings.

State Rep. Steve Santarsiero, D-31, hopes his proposal for "Z Period" will be welcomed by the Pennsbury and Council Rock school districts. He's presenting the idea to Pennsbury administration, teachers, the school board and community members at tonight's board meeting.

Z Period is designed to provide preteens in middle schools a healthy outlet that would keep them away from negative influences and provide them with academic, athletic and social opportunities between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., one day a week.

"If we can provide a safe place for kids to be and prevent them from taking the wrong path, this program would be so important for their development, and for building up a stronger school support system," Santarsiero said Wednesday.

He hopes the districts can start an eight-week pilot program in April, in cooperation with Z Period's founding partners, including the Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth, the Pennsbury LYFT Coalition and the United Way of Bucks County. These partners are also reaching out to other local youth organizations and businesses for support.

Students would attend programs that include "Coffeehouse," a safe and supervised area for them to spend time with friends. The program would also serve as a gateway for greater involvement in other activities. For example, guest speakers could be brought in to talk to students about topics that interest them.

"Homework Help" would involve high school students, retired teachers, current teachers and other volunteers who would give students a boost with schoolwork. A third element - called "Get Fit" - would offer a chance for students to have fun while staying physically active.

If Z Period becomes a reality, it could be expanded to more days per week and more programs, Santarsiero said. It would take place at Newtown Middle School and one of Pennsbury's three middle schools.

Expenses would be minimal, because the program would rely heavily on volunteers and donations, according to the proposal. If districts recognize Z Period as a school-sponsored program, it could be added to each district's liability policy without a premium increase, founding partners hope.

Santarsiero anticipates formally presenting his proposal to Council Rock in February and hopes to get final approval from both districts later that month.

In the meantime, the founding partners want to get ready by organizing a student survey, finding volunteers, working with districts to find Z Period coordinators, finalizing logistics and facilities use and raising needed funds. If approved, the pilot program is scheduled to start in early April.

"If it works, it could serve as a model for other districts," said Santarsiero, a former teacher.