Norman Event to Spotlight the Importance of Afterschool Programming

Metro Families Invited to Participate with Free Games, Activities, Speakers and Dinner!

Imagine involving a child in something that improves their grades, school attendance, behavior, and dramatically reduces risk factors, all at once. Volumes of research correlate all of these things to afterschool programs. The Afterschool for All Event, a collaborative effort between the City of Norman’s Parks & Recreation Department and Loveworks Leadership, will spotlight the power of “4-6 p.m.” by walking families through an afterschool program and connecting parents with free resources.

The Afterschool for All Event will take place from 4-6:30 p.m. May 12 at the Loveworks Leadership Campus, 151 12th Avenue SE, in Norman. The schedule includes:

  • 4:00 p.m. - Snacks
  • 4:30 p.m. - Enrichment Activities
  • 5:00 p.m. - Storytime 
  • 5:30 p.m. - Speakers
  • 6:00 p.m. - Dinner, snow cones, face painting, balloon animals

“The City of Norman and local organizations provide great afterschool programming directly connected to life skills and academics, usually in an experiential way,” said Harold Lee, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Norman. “We hope parents take advantage of this great opportunity to plug into these resources.”

The City of Norman is proud to partner with Loveworks Leadership on this venture, a longtime provider of afterschool programs relating to leadership development and youth entrepreneurship. Loveworks Executive Director Michael Hirsch was recently named a National Afterschool Ambassador by the Afterschool Alliance.

“The After School for All Event will provide a powerful experience for both kids and parents,” said Hirsch. “Kids will walk through an afterschool program connecting them with passion projects. Parents will hear from state-level leaders in the afterschool movement and plug into local afterschool opportunities. This really is a must-attend event for families struggling with what to do when school lets out each day.”

During the event kids will connect with passion projects including art with the Pioneer Library System, music with Heart Studios, robotics, cooking, gardening and entrepreneurialism. Speakers will include Norman Councilwoman Brandi Studley, Oklahoma State Department of Education Chief Innovation Officer Kathy Dodd, and Loveworks Leadership Director Michael Hirsch among others.

An RSVP is required and can be made at www.loveworksleadership.org/events or by calling (405) 480-9139.

The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. More information is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org. 

Loveworks Leadership, Inc. is a leadership organization committed to equipping students for REAL life by giving every student an opportunity to lead. Since 2011, they have reached more than 15,000 students from a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Learn more at www.loveworksleadership.org.

City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to providing fun and engaging parks and recreational activities for the citizens of Norman. Learn more at www.normanok.gov. 

 

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