October 2007 News

Thursday, October 18, 2007

A-OK Program to Join October 18 National Celebration of Lights On Afterschool

Today, a celebration will take place across the nation and at military bases in different parts of the world, where thousands of communities rally in support of afterschool programs that keep children safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families. According to Afterschool Alliance, more than 14 million children have no place to go after the school day ends.

In a unique show of support, this year the Empire State Building will be part of the celebration the building’s yellow lights are turned on for Lights On Afterschool.

Lights on Afterschool is organized by Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy group working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger continues as the Lights On Afterschool chair, a position he has held since 2001.

In the Santa Barbara School Districts, the A-OK Program will hold a Family Math and Program Partners’ celebration at Franklin School on Thursday, October 18. A math game extravaganza will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. At 6:00-6:30 p.m. there will be guest speakers, prizes, and refreshments.

Each school day, the A-OK Program provides three hours of afterschool academic enrichment as well as homework and reading support for 500 elementary children. Established in 1999, A-OK operates a remarkable afterschool program each day for children in grades 1-6. The students are served a healthy snack before one hour of enriching, academic-boosting fun activities. They then participate in an hour of homework and reading aloud or, on a special day, they might take part in a community field trip. The program is located at Adams, Cleveland, Franklin, Harding, and McKinley elementary schools and linked to a newly expanded La Cumbre Junior High School afterschool program that serves 100 students daily in grades 7-8.

According to Theresa Weissglass, A-OK/Healthy Start director of programs, A-OK owes it success to dedicated staff and a longstanding collaboration by Santa Barbara School Districts, Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation, Police Activities League and school personnel as well as strong support from community partners such as Rabobank, Kiwanis groups, United Way, Bragg Foundation, business donations and parent support. This year, the Ridley-Tree is providing a special series of three ten-week arts activities sessions for A-OK children. An After School Education and Safety Program grant from the California Department of Education provides major funding for A-OK and the La Cumbre after school programs.