Valley Elementary School’s Afterschool Care Program held a special parent event to celebrate  national Lights on Afterschool day on October 17.  Lights on Afterschool activities were held at more than 8,000 schools across the country.  The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things, while also providing a service for working parents. The events also send the message that millions of students still need access to quality afterschool programs.

Mayor Gary Waters signed a proclamation naming October 17 Lights on Afterschool day in Pelham.  Lighting and Lamp donated a spotlight lamp to highlight the proclamation and to add a special touch to the other “light themed” decorations in the afterschool care classroom. 

Incharge teacher Angela Newkirk greeted each parent and gave them a special tour to explain the types of activities their children typicially participate in during afterschool hours.  She also gave them a preview of special upcoming activities that will be held, including a special Western-themed event to be held October 31, and a spa day that will be held sometime in November.  Cobblestone Shoes and Boots donated a pair of boots for a special display promoting the upcoming Western day. Faithful Hair Salon has donated fingernail polish and other items for the upcoming spa day.

Parents who attended the event were also treated to refreshments provided by Shelby County’s Community Education Programs. 

“We wanted to say thank you to our parents for entrusting their children to us,” said Ms. Newkirk.