The Early ISD ACE program will sponsor a Lights On Afterschool Open House event on October 22nd, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The event will be one of more than an expected 8,000 such events around the nation that day, the annual Lights On Afterschool, organized by the Afterschool Alliance. The event will take place at the Early Middle School gymnasium, located at 700 Sunrise in Early. All ACE campuses will come together at the Middle School for a rally.
Speakers have been invited to call for expanding afterschool opportunities so that every child who needs a program has access to one, and discuss the benefit of afterschool programs, including inspiring children to learn, keeping them safe in the sometimes perilous afternoon hours, and relieving working families of worries about their children’s activities in the afternoon. At the event, parents and supporters will sign a petition that urges lawmakers not to deny or divert funding for afterschool programs.
Invitations have been sent to several congressmen to visit the Early ISD ACE Program during the Lights On Afterschool event. The event will spotlight the range of programming available at the Early ISD ACE Program, including its dedication to 21st century activities, activities focused on STEM, academic support, physical fitness, and activities with our community partners. Hundreds of parents, supporters, and community members are expected to attend.Parents, community members, and supporters of afterschool programs are invited to attend. Early Mayor, Dr. Robert Mangrum will speak at 5:00 p.m. about the importance of afterschool programs
The Early ISD ACE Program opened in 2014 with a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the U.S. Department of Education. It now serves 345 children, providing homework assistance, mentoring, tutoring, and classes and clubs in sports, recreation, and dozens of other subjects. The Early ISD ACE program is a collaboration between Early ISD, Howard Payne University, Family Services Center, Heart of Texas Martial Arts, Central Texas School of Etiquette, Early Police Department, Brown County Sherriff’s Department, and many other community partnerships.
The Aftrschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children have access to quality afterschool programs. More information on Lights On Afterschool is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.
