OHIO
Keeping the “Lights On” for kids after the school bell rings
Students in Ohio are joining more than a million others across the country today to rally for after-school programs. "Lights On Afterschool," is a national event, in its 11th year, aimed at drawing attention to the importance of quality after-school programs for children of all ages.
Director of the Ohio Afterschool Network (OAN), Liz Nusken, says the hours after the school bell rings are critical to a child's development and their safety. "Typically, parents don't get home from work until 6 or so; schools get out at 2:30 or 3. Those after-school hours are important in terms of keeping kids on track." Nusken adds it's not just about keeping children out of trouble. Quality after-school programs can improve academic performance and help kids stay active and healthy.
Most after-school programs are for elementary students, but the Whitehall City Schools near Columbus also has middle school and high school programs. Director of Community Partnerships Peggy Martinez says most programs are funded by grants, not from school funding dollars in the state budget. And she says there is no guarantee of long-term funding.
"There's all kind of talk of whether or not these funds are going to be available in the future. However, there's no direct line item in a state budget that says this money has to go to after-school programs. And it's a definite need."
According to the OAN, 30 percent of Ohio's school-age youth spend their time beyond the normal school hours in unsupervised "self care."
Over 120 "Lights On" events, including open houses and parties, are being held throughout the state, and 7,500 across the country. More information is available at www.ohioafterschoolnetwork.org.
Mary Kuhlman
21 October 2010
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/16591-1
