"LIGHTS ON AMERICA"
Celebration at Putnam County
by Debbie Fischgrabe
October 22, 2008
Several people met in the elementary gym last Thursday evening to celebrate “Lights On America," a national celebration of before and afterschool programs across America.
Statistical data from the Afterschool Alliance shows that more than 14 million school-age children (25 percent) are on their own after school. Among them are more than 40,000 kindergarteners.
In Missouri, 32% of K-12 youth are responsible for taking care of themselves, and more than 29% of K-12 youth in self-care would be likely to participate in an afterschool program if one were available. According to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System for 2001, published in 2006, juvenile violent crimes peak between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Twenty percent of juvenile crimes occur from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and when days are divided into school and non-school days, the 3:00 p.m. peak occurs only on school days. Fortunately for the citizens of Putnam County, we have the S.O.A.R. Before and Afterschool Program available to all K-8 students within our district.
Nearly 16,390 of Missouri’s kids are counting on the before and afterschool programs supported by the U.S. Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers Initiative, the only federal program dedicated to afterschool. Putnam County received their 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant in August, 2007.
Other guests attending included, Representative Rebecca McClanahan, Naomi Boss (a representative from Congressman Sam Graves’ office) and Thom VanVleck attended the celebration, sharing their understanding of the needs in our county and offering their continued dedication and support for the children of Missouri.
Investing in afterschool programs doesn’t cost—it pays.
Afterschool is a cause that parents, schools, area businesses, law
enforcement, politicians and the community at large have deemed
important. Afterschool stabilizes our communities and produces
positive outcomes for children across Missouri.
"LIGHTS ON AMERICA" - OCTOBER 16, 2008
