The Significance of Afterschool Programs in the Rio Grande Valley: A Spotlight on IDEA Schools
This month, scholars, parents, and community leaders in the Rio Grande Valley are uniting to raise awareness for afterschool programs during the annual event Lights On Afterschool. This nationwide initiative celebrates the successes of afterschool initiatives while highlighting the crucial need for structured supervision for the millions of children who remain unsupervised every weekday afternoon.
What Are Afterschool Programs?
Afterschool programs are essential extensions of the school day, providing a safe and structured environment for students to learn and grow outside of traditional classroom settings. At IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley, these programs encompass a variety of activities, including homework assistance, mentoring, tutoring, and extracurricular classes in sports, music, mathematics, and chess, among other subjects.
Lights On Afterschool
IDEA Public Schools is celebrating 26 unique afterschool events this month, part of the broader initiative of approximately 8,000 nationwide. These events underscore the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open after school hours, ensuring that all children have access to enriching experiences following their school day.
Dena Shaath, the Family Engagement Specialist at IDEA, emphasizes the transformative impact of these programs. "At IDEA, we believe that learning doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. We set high standards for our afterschool programs because every child deserves a safe and enriching place to go when the school day ends," said Shaath.
A Variety of Programs in the Rio Grande Valley
The Rio Grande Valley boasts a diverse range of afterschool programs, with offerings tailored to meet student interests and needs. These programs span from Brownsville to Rio Grande City, fostering engagement and creativity in students across the region.
IDEA Palmview College Prep Cheerleading
A prime example of how afterschool programs can instill qualities like confidence and teamwork is the IDEA Palmview Aggie Cheerleading team. Viceny Garcia, a 10th-grade student, shared, “Being a cheerleader reminds me that I am strong, capable, and resilient. Every time I hit a move or finish a routine, I feel proud of myself, and that confidence carries into everything I do.”
Cheer coach Alexis Garza noted the remarkable transformation students undergo: “It’s fulfilling to see students evolve from nervous beginners into confident performers. Beyond the impressive stunts, it’s about building teamwork and resilience.”
IDEA Tres Lagos Academy Arts & Crafts
At IDEA Tres Lagos, the Arts and Crafts club allows students to express their uniqueness creatively. Instructor Elizabeth Cantu highlighted the importance of this program by stating, “It’s amazing to watch their creativity thrive while also improving their confidence and academic skills.”
IDEA Edinburg College Prep Folklorico Club
The Folklorico club at IDEA Edinburg is another shining example, welcoming dancers of all levels to grow as a cohesive unit. Teacher Marco Romero emphasizes the joy of self-expression through dance, inspiring students to take pride in their cultural heritage.
“Whether you are new to folklorico or have danced before, everyone is welcome to join,” he explained, noting the program’s inclusive spirit contributes to a deeper understanding of teamwork.
IDEA Harlingen Culinary Club
At IDEA Harlingen, the Culinary Club stands out for fostering teamwork while exploring the art of cooking. With access to the school kitchen, students learn valuable culinary skills and techniques.
Child Nutrition Program Manager Sergio Ramirez described the club as, “a space for creativity, teamwork, and hands-on learning.” Middle school student Jonah Saldivar expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, “I appreciate all of my classmates, and I will never forget what I am learning here.”
Why Afterschool Programs Matter
The overarching mission of afterschool programs, especially within the IDEA Public Schools network, is to provide holistic support for students during crucial afterschool hours. These offerings not only fill the gap in supervision but also enhance students’ academic skills, build confidence, and promote social development.
To learn more about afterschool programs in the Rio Grande Valley, explore the offerings at IDEA Public Schools’ Afterschool Programs or find your nearest campus for additional details.
Conclusion
With events like Lights On Afterschool, the community’s commitment to enriching the lives of children through structured afterschool programs is clearer than ever. These initiatives not only keep the lights on for countless kids but also offer safe spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Engaging in afterschool programs paves the way for stronger individuals and communities, one child at a time.
