PIERRE, S.D. – Lights On Afterschool, a nation-wide rally to support afterschool programs, will take place on Oct. 16, 2008. More than 1 million children, parents and community leaders are expected to take part in celebrations across the country, including a variety of activities in South Dakota:

• In Sioux Falls, Oscar Howe Inc. will hold a talent show featuring participants in their afterschool program. Student artwork will also be on display.
• In Belle Fourche, Camp Oasis will host a free family concert and pasta supper. The music will be provided courtesy of a local band, and a $5 goodwill donation is encouraged.
• The Ipswich Tiger Post Afterschool Program will hold its third annual Fall Fun Day. All elementary students are invited to attend the after-school festivities, where Ipswich High School football players and cheerleaders conduct mini-camps for the students.
• The Jungle School-Age Program in Huron is hosting a family meal and science expo, where students will explain and demonstrate their favorite science activity to parents and members of the community.
• The Enemy Swim Day School Afterschool Program will invite community organizations to provide information and activities, including parent workshops on Conscious Discipline, a free-throw contest and free dinner provided by the Culture Club.

Afterschool programs keep children safe and healthy, and inspire students to learn while helping working families. Children who participate in afterschool programs have a safe place to go, a range of fun and challenging activities to participate in, and supervision by adults who help them learn and grow.

“Afterschool programs are critical to the continued education and safety of children in South Dakota,” said Deb Bowman, Secretary of the Department of Social Services. “Quality afterschool programs provide opportunities for children and youth to develop social, emotional, physical and academic skills.”

The South Dakota Out-of-School Time (OST) Program provides resources for schools and communities who want to offer structured and safe environments for children when they are not in school through grants, training, technical assistance and program development. The South Dakota Department of Social Services' Division of Child Care Services encourages school officials to work with their communities to build programs that positively impact K-8 children during their out-of-school time. 

Sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool began in 2000 as an event to recognize the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, their families and communities. A complete list of South Dakota afterschool programs holding events in conjunction with Lights On Afterschool can be found at www.afterschoolalliance.org.