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St. Lucie Shines the Light On Afterschool Activities

October 14, 2016
St. Lucie Public Schools unites with other communities across the nation on Monday, October 17, 2016 to spotlight afterschool programs and activities. During this rally for program awareness, afterschool programs and activities throughout the county are expected to participate in Lights On Afterschool.

Two locations are earmarked for the rally in St. Lucie County according to organizers Terrance Platt and Kimberly Roberts. The Fenn Center in Fort Pierce and the Port St. Lucie Community Center in Port St. Lucie will open their doors from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM in order for parents, students, and community members to become familiar with afterschool opportunities. Representatives from a host of organizations including library services, area churches, tutorial services, sports programs, mentoring services, service organizations, parks and recreation programs, and much 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.

Roberts said, “This is an opportunity to 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

The mission of St. Lucie Public Schools is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information visit St. Lucie Public Schools' website www.stlucieschools.org; Facebook www.facebook.com/stlucieschools; Twitter@StLucieSchools; or contact Kerry Padrick at kerry.padrick@stlucieschools.org.