Lights On Afterschool
Rallies across state salute afterschool programs

From Aberdeen to Sioux Falls, Rapid City to Wolsey, nearly 50 afterschool time programs in 30 communities across South Dakota took part in a nationwide rally in October. The event, Lights On Afterschool, brought together children, along with parents and community leaders who understand the need for and value of such programs.

Susan M. Randall, Sioux Falls, is executive director of South Dakota Voices for Children and a member of the South Dakota After School Partnership. She explains that afterschool programs (many of which also operate on school holidays and during summer vacation) keep youngsters in kindergarten through eighth-grade safe while their parents work. ?South Dakota has one of the highest percentages of working mothers in the nation,? she said. ?Those families depend on quality after-school programs.?
Some 12,000 South Dakota children each day take part in afterschool programs, which assure their safety while helping to develop social, emotional, physical and academic skills. ?Quality programs are far more than babysitting,? Randall said.

Jay Johnson, Watertown, is regional director of the Boys and Girls Club of America, which offers afterschool programs. He agrees with Randall: ?Quality afterschool programs offer a focused educational enhancement. They don?t replace education, but they reinforce it.?

Afterschool programs keep children safe and healthy, and inspire learning while helping working families. A range of activities that can include tutoring, fun and fitness activities and supervision by adults who help them learn and grow. Children also receive a nutritional snack.

Sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool recognized the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, their families and communities.

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