Events

Lights on Afterschool

The 12th annual Lights On Afterschool is October 20, 2011.  Lights On Afterschool is a local, state and national celebration designed to put the spotlight on the need for and value of quality afterschool programs for Arizona’s youth.  In lieu of planning one major statewide event, the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence encourages afterschool providers  to organize local observances.  Quality afterschool programs are successful because they are important youth development programs that provide children “added value” academic, social and emotional learning opportunities beyond the formal school day.

Providers are encouraged to use this year’s Lights on Afterschool observance to increase communication with your local school administrators, faculty, school boards and city officials.  Your program plays an important role in the developmental growth and success of the children you serve and it is critical that school officials and afterschool providers form strong partnerships working together on behalf of the children.

Some suggestions for getting school officials involved include:

1.     Ask your mayor to issue a proclamation declaring Thursday, October 20 as the official  Lights On Afterschool  day in your community and expressing the city’s support for quality afterschool programs. (Please share copies of the proclamations with AzCASE)   View a SAMPLE City Proclamation here>>

2.     Invite your mayor and/or city council members to tour your afterschool program and plan to highlight the accomplishments and interests of your children during their tour

3.     Invite your local school administrators and faculty and school board members to tour your afterschool program and plan to highlight the accomplishments and interests of your youth during their tour

4.     Follow up with school and city officials after their tours to discuss how you might partner with them and they with you to further benefit the children and youth in your community

Whether you sponsored a local event before or not, it’s easy to get started by visiting www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm which will lead you to an event planning kit to aid you in planning and promoting this year’s celebration.

Getting involved with Lights on Afterschool
Lights on Afterschool (LOA) is the perfect time to highlight the VOICES & FACES of the youth who participate in afterschool. We encourage you to spend some time in your programs over the next three weeks discussing Arizona and having kids write essays about our state. These essays could then be read at your LOA events with parents, administrators, policymakers, and/or community members in attendance. Possible writing prompts include: