Lights On Afterschool at Owyhee
The 21st Century Braves After Hours held its annual Lights On afterschool at the Owyhee Combined School. The Lights On program has been held yearly since 2000 and is intended to showcase the opportunities and benefits students have when attending safe and engaging after school programs.
Many booths were set up and included Slime, Art, bracelet making, building blocks, coloring/cutting shapes, information and a large table of books for the families to take home. Because of the date, a few booths focused on Halloween and the Day of the Dead.
We had a great turn out with families and their children from pre-K to 12th participating and trying something from all the booths. They enjoyed hot cocoa on a cold wintry evening.
The primary purpose of the 21 CCLC program is to offer students a broad array of services, programs, and activities (before and after school) designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program through providing activities that significantly or are likely to increase improvement of academic outcomes for participating students. (doe.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/ndedoenvgov/content/Grants/2019)
The 21 Century Community Learning Centers Program provides grantees with an array of options to support the specific needs of their student populations. Programs can be designed in a variety of ways around the three federally required components (SEC. 4201of ESSA): Academic, Enrichment, and Family Engagement. (doe.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/ndedoenvgov/content/Grants/2019)
A proclamation from 2022 from the governor of the State of Nevada states in part, “afterschool programs have risen to the moment to support youth in addressing the social and academic needs as they recover from the pandemic. Afterschool programs continue to provide innovative, hands-on opportunities for youth to reengage in their learning and connect with caring adults and peers in a safe and supportive environment; “ ~ Governor Steve Sisolak. (gov.nv.gov)
Currently the 21st Century at OCS covers grades Pre-K through 8th grades and includes STEM, computers, dance, learning games. The students receive nutritious snacks after school and before starting their after-school program. 21st Century has classes on Friday mornings from 8-12. Coordinator Paula Whiterock says, “We need teachers. Everyone has something to offer. Please consider giving your time and sharing your skills with our students.”