Afterschool

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Students enrolled in the Healthy Active Willmar Kids (HAWK) program are playing an important role in feeding families and kids in need this summer by delivering backpacks of food and a book each Friday. Five Willmar programs are working together to supplement weekend groceries for low-income families. HAWK organizers say the backpack program and park activities aim to help keep students healthy and active throughout the summer, the West Central Tribune reports.

Des Moines area middle schools are offering recent Southeast Asian immigrants a chance to learn more about the outdoors and their new homes thanks to a summer program funded from the 21stCentury Community Learning Center programs. The students in the summer program all speak English as a second language, but many have been in the country for two or more years and are no longer eligible for the English language learner summer classes offered by the district. Kathy Winger, a Meredith teacher who is also involved in the school’s learning center, told the Des Moines Register, “This way, they’re not falling through the cracks… They’re still getting programming throughout the summer, still making connections and still practicing their language skills.”

 

The Ironton Tribune in Ohio editorialized in support of afterschool programs last weekend. It said, “Having an education-focused after-school program where parents can be assured their children are both safe and learning would be a significant benefit for many families. In the end, it is the students who will reap the rewards. Although program like this should primarily be paid for by those who use it, a dedicated funding source is needed to establish any after-school program. Parents must do their part, but school districts and the government agencies that fund them must rethink how they view school’s role. Educating children doesn’t start and stop when the school bell rings.”

 

The Spokesman Review reported that the Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County raised enough money at a fundraiser auction last week to complete the construction on a new building in Post Falls and even put away some extra money for future programs. The new Club site is expected to open in December 2012 and will offer afterschool programs to nearly 700 children and teens in Kootenai County. The new building will house a gymnasium, arts and crafts space, learning center for homework help, computer lab, teen area and cafeteria.

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learn more about: 21st CCLC Afterschool Voices Service Summer Learning
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