ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools unites with other communities across the nation for a two-day spotlight on afterschool programs and activities during the 3rd annual Lights On Afterschool showcase. Over 30 program coordinators from across St. Lucie County representing a variety of interests from academic and athletic to artistic will rally for program awareness on October 2nd and again on October 12th.
Two locations on two separate days are earmarked for this year’s event in St. Lucie County to give more parents and community members a chance to participate, according to organizers Terrence Platt and Kimberly Roberts. The Port St. Lucie Community Center located at 2195 SE Airoso Blvd. in Port St. Lucie will open its doors on October 2nd from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Representatives from a host of organizations including library services, area churches, tutorial services, sports programs, mentoring services, parks and recreation programs, service organizations, and many more will man booths in an expo-style setting. Students will perform, attendees will have opportunities to win door prizes, and hands-on activities will be available. Mirroring this opportunity on October 12th, the PAL Center located at 903 S. 21st Street in Fort Pierce will host the second event.
Roberts said, “Both venues will help our community showcase all afterschool, weekend, and summer programs and activities in our community. Afterschool activities give our students outstanding opportunities to explore their skills, grow their talents, and provide service to others. Our children benefit tremendously from programs such as these and many are provided at minimal or no cost.”
Superintendent E. Wayne Gent agrees with the afterschool programs’ positive impact on students. He said, “Our schools offer quality afterschool programs including our 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and there is a rich variety of additional offerings in our community that will benefit our students as well. Quality afterschool programs refine students’ skills and broaden their perspectives on opportunities available to them.” Gent also affirmed the fact that afterschool activity involvement contributes to improvements in attendance, behavior, academic achievement, and more.
The Lights On Afterschool effort is in collaboration with Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children have access to quality afterschool programs. For more information about Lights on Afterschool, contact Terrence Platt or Kimberly Roberts at 772.429.3617 or 772.429.3957 respectively.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools is a B rated District with no failing schools proudly serving the students as the second highest ranking School District on the Treasure Coast. The mission of SLPS is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information, visit, http://www.stlucieschools.org.
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