October 27, 2014 at 2:22 p.m.
Lights on Afterschool spotlights importance of after-school programs
Lights on Afterschool spotlights importance of after-school programs
Old School has celebrated Lights on Afterschool for the last four years - the event has been held for about 15 years around the country - as a way to celebrate the importance of after-school programs.
"It's a nationwide celebration to promote and recognize after-school programs, to show that kids have a safe, happy, bright place to go after school," said Louise Perreault, operator of Old School.
"In the old days, they used to call kids latchkey kids and they would have a chain around their neck with their key for when they would go home and their parents were working and be home alone. This is to show that there are places, quality places, where kids can go after school where somebody is waiting for them."
Support for the event has grown over the years as other organizations throughout the community are also celebrating Lights on Afterschool. Perreault said she sees that as nothing but a good thing.
"I think it's wonderful. We've had our families come and stay a little longer than normal to celebrate with us," she said.
"The good and the bad news is there are other events going on around the community so some of our families are participating in those, but it's great to see there are so many activities for families. We're happy to be part of this community of offering services to children and families."
At its heart, Old School is a place where kids can go to learn life skills that will prepare them for the world.
"We provide a lot of hands-on activities - arts and crafts, science and cooking projects, things that the kids can learn from," Perreault said.
"It's all about helping them learn life skills. For us, that's what it's about - social time, learning to get along with each other and life skills - so that when they leave, it's almost like an early intervention to help them prepare for when they are going home on their own. That way, parents can feel comfortable knowing their kids are ready to take care of themselves when they leave us."
For more information about Old School, Perreault or one of her assistants can be reached at (715) 420-0300.
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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