Clarkson Elementary School welcomed members of the school’s Family Resource Center (FRC) as they celebrated Lights on Afterschool Day on Thursday.
The event is designed to celebrate the power of afterschool and summer programs to help young people learn, grow and thrive.
“In America today, 7.6 million children are alone and unsupervised after school. Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. They provide opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults,” Afterschool Alliance.org said.
“FRC staff and FRC council members enjoyed milk and cookies while socializing with parents and students,” said Ann Brooks, Clarkson FRC Coordinator.
Students and parent also wrote, on paper light bulbs, why Clarkson afterschool programs are important to them. The display was then placed on the walls of the school cafeteria.
Joining Brooks at the event were Christy Buckles, Scotty Gore, Angie Petty, Tonya Whobrey, Dana Paris, and Brenda Paris, all Family Resource and Youth Services Center Council members. Also joining in the celebration were Shelby Decker, Oliva Paris, Ella Decker, Miley Skaggs, who are dedicated FRC staff.
Parents praise afterschool programs as an outstanding way to build social skills and responsible decision-making, as well as allowing parents to remain employed and in some cases, work more hours.
Lights On Afterschool was launched in October 2000 with celebrations in 1,200 communities nationwide. The following year, 3,600 events took place. Today, more than 8,000 Lights on Afterschool celebration are held annually, attracting one million Americans.
(Headline photo standing l-r: Ann Brooks, Angie Petty, Scotty Gore, Christy Buckles, Tonya Whobrey, Brenda Paris, Shelby Decker, Olivia Paris: seated l-r: Ella Decker, Miley Skaggs, Dana Paris)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
