[Newark, NJ – October 21, 2016] Newark Public Schools (NPS) participated in a national celebration of afterschool programs called Lights On Afterschool highlighting the positive impact afterschool programming has on Newark’s young people.
“It is essential that our students have access to enriching afterschool activities,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of NPS. “Afterschool programs keep our children safe and inspire them to learn. We are committed to making sure Newark students have access to positive afterschool programming to further advance their academic and personal growth.”
Students put together “Public Service Announcement” videos about how afterschool activities have impacted their lives and uploaded it to YouTube to educate others about the importance of afterschool programming.
“Newark Public Schools has so many afterschool programs that young people can benefit from,” said Sarah Cruz, Special Assistant of Expanded Learning Time of NPS. “We know that afterschool programs have a positive influence on our students, and we look forward to helping more children sign up for activities.”
In addition, Nearly 30 people attended a legislative bus tour on Wednesday with elected officials, community leaders and philanthropists from across the city to showcase the wide-variety of afterschool programs in which Newark students participate. The tour included visits to Luis Munoz Marin Middle School, University High School and the South Ward Youth Development Center. The event was hosted by the Office of Expanded Learning Time, NJSACC: The Statewide Network for New Jersey’s Afterschool Communities and Newark Thrives! the Newark Out of School Time Network.
Over 7,300 students throughout the district participate in the Office of Expanded Learning Time’s afterschool activities. Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in afterschool activities can www.nps.k12.nj.us/elt or call 973-412-1910 for more information.
In America today, over 11 million children are alone and unsupervised after school. Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. They provide opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults.
Lights On Afterschool, launched in 2000, is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their role in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn and helping working families. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and annually sees more than 1 million Americans celebrate at more than 8,000 events nationwide.