By Amanda Moses
The Spring Creek After School Program hosted their Annual Lights On Afterschool on November 22nd, a cross country initiative that rallies together thousands of parents, students and teachers to spread awareness regarding the importance of afterschool programing for communities.
Launched in 2000 by the Afterschool Alliance, this celebration honors afterschool programs dedicated to providing safe and affordable access to educational activities for children. The Afterschool Alliance reports that these initiatives spark interests in students and encourages them to learn more, develop better grades, and improves the children’s classroom behavior.
“Every year we are happy to share specific activities that have been a part of the Lights On After School celebration since the year 2000. During this special event it allows the community and the families to witness the learning culture of our program and the moments that we have created. This is why we shine a light on After School,” Randi Ray said, the Assistant Site Supervisor Of Spring Creek After School Program.
This year’s event was entitled ‘Spring Creek After School’s Family Funzone’ and was hosted by group leader, Ms. Alicia, who skillfully coordinated the program activities, group schedules and more. Many staff members lauded Ms. Alicia’s efforts, stating that the event was a success thanks to her efforts.
“The highlight of this event for me, as always, is seeing how many families and community members come to show support for our program and spend quality time with their child(ren). The parental engagement this year was phenomenal,” Ms. Alicia said, “Not only were we elated to see such a great turn out of families, but we were also grateful for the amount of fathers who attended the event and graciously extended a helping hand in any capacity necessary.”
“This will be my last program wide event servicing the Spring Creek After School Program and I’m filled with joy that this is how I will make my exit,” Ms. Alicia added.
Additionally, approximately 40 parents participated in the festivities (many of whom were father figures). Program Director, Jeremy Williams shared that the presence of fathers uplifted the event even more and showcased how important it is for male figures to be involved in a child’s life.
Andrew Wright smiled as he helped his five-year-old daughter create a turkey-like figure out of a paper bag. He believes that the most important thing he could possibly do for his child is to be continuously present in her life, especially her education.
“It’s important just to be present in the same space as her and how she interacts with her peers along with her teachers,” Wright said. “Since she has been in the program, I’ve noticed her willingness to share with other children. Her being the youngest child that’s often difficult to do, but it’s open her up to produce a new sense of sharing.”
For Wright, he is impressed with the Spring Creek After School’s interaction with the parents.
“I like their interaction with the parents. It seems very youthful, very educational. They have a clear line of communication,” Wright said.
Monique Williams sat with her eight-year-old son, as they worked on a STEAM-based project to “protect the turkey” (creating a small cage for the bird) with his classmates. Williams shared that she is impressed with his increased socialization skills, which she credits the After School Program for and has seen in just a few months his progress.
“I want to show support for him because, remember, it takes a village [to raise a child]. I’m here to support him and let them know that we are here, and we care,” Williams said.
While the younger students participated in creative activities inside, the fourth and fifth graders took part in a Community Scavenger Hunt/Turkey Bowl (this involved the children splitting up into two teams, where they tried to score football touchdowns.)
As Keart Newman watched his twin 10-year-old sons dodge other players to grab the football, he lamented the importance of being a supportive father . Both boys have been members of the After School Program since they started school and during that time created a close niche of friends—something Newman finds to be integral.
“We support them because they want to be football players. They practice all the time, so it’s always a good thing to be with your kids,” Newman said. “We love the After School. It’s nice to see them close to their friends. I grew up with their parents, so it’s become a routine thing. It’s just them being together that’s great.”
Photos by Amanda Moses
