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After the Bell RingsDallas AfterschoolA Lights on Afterschool ProjectYouth, Families, and Community Leaders on Why Afterschool Matters Message

After the Bell Rings is a Lights on Afterschool Project published byDallas Afterschool. Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool isthe only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and theirimportant role in the lives of children, families and communities. Lights on AfterschoolContributorsDallas AfterschoolDallas Afterschool works to level the playing field for children of all racesand economic backgrounds by increasing access to high-quality out-of-school-time programs.We envision a community with the resources and the will to provideimpactful learning beyond the school day for all children.Thank you to our partners Dallas Park and Recreation, Wesley-Rankin, Big Thought, Project Transformation North Texas, andVoice of Hope for contributing to the After the Bell Rings publication. DALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 2

To the amazing people making quality afterschool a reality in our community:This book is dedicated to everyone who brings the power of afterschoolprograms to life. From the wonderful staff members who create engagingactivities every day and change life trajectories for those in their care to theinspiring directors who guide these programs with passion and thekindhearted, generous donors who make it all possible – your dedicationlights up the lives of young people.Research has proven repeatedly that high quality out-of-school timeprograms positively impact social, emotional, and academic developmentwhile providing a safe and supportive environment. Since children spendapproximately 80% of their time out of school, free and low-cost programsprovide opportunities for parents to stay in the workforce and know theirchildren are safe and thriving. All of these factors have a tremendous impacton our entire community.Thank you for your hard work, creativity, and generous spirits. You're makinga world of difference, one afterschool program at a time!DEDICATIONWritten by Janet Mockovciak Co-Founder of Dallas AfterschoolDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 3

Anahi, 6th gradeCrisdely, 7th gradeDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 4Youth on Afterschool

Kimberly, 5th gradeYouth on AfterschoolDaniel, 1st gradeDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 5Mia, 2nd grade

No matter the income level, parents who work full time need a safe,high-quality space for their child to receive homework help, asnack/supper, and to be supported in exploring new opportunitiesand activities. Afterschool programming is vital to parents, and it isno small feat for parents to entrust others to care for their preciousgems, their children. Funding this sector is vital to our region, city,economy, and most importantly to our children. When that lastschool bell rings for the day, it is our hope that each child has theopportunity to seize a new future because of the opportunities theirafterschool program has afforded them.Liz Curfman,Program Officer, The Rees-Jones FoundationHigh quality, out-of-school-time programs are essential for school-age children to cement their learning and social-emotionaldevelopment. The kind of excellent training that Dallas Afterschoolprovides to afterschool programs supports good outcomes for kidsacross Dallas.Aimee Cunningham,President & CEO, The Boone Family FoundationDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 6Out-of-school-time programs provide a continuum of enrichmentopportunities for so many students in our community by providing asafe, inclusive environment for youth to learn in a fun and engagingenvironment. Learning does not stop at the end of the school bell;therefore, it is important for all of us to support and partner withorganizations like Dallas Afterschool.Ben Leal,President, The Addy FoundationFoundation Supporters on Afterschool

Education is a great equalizer, empowering struggling communitiesand addressing society’s most pressing challenges. However, thisprocess of sharing and acquiring knowledge can’t be contained inthe walls of a school. Support outside the classroom is essential inensuring student success. That’s where Dallas Afterschool comes in.Their mission to provide impactful learning beyond the school dayperfectly aligns with UWorld’s dedication to positively impactingeducation in the communities it serves.While education is key, afterschool programs go well beyondacademic support. They provide a wealth of opportunities forstudents to build community with peers and connect with adultmentors. These face-to-face interactions help develop critical socialskills, giving students the confidence to navigate life’s successesand challenges. Mentors play a pivotal role by offering guidance andinspiration, helping students see what’s possible so they can achieveit.High-quality afterschool programs also support economic mobilityfor families by providing a safe, enriching environment for youth.That frees up caregivers so they can focus on advancing their careersand potentially breaking cycles of poverty with new opportunities.Chandra S. Pemmasani, M.D.Founder and CEO of UWorldAs a mother of two school-aged children, I see Dallas Afterschoolprograms as an invaluable investment in our community's future.Investing in Dallas Afterschool programs is investing in our children'sfutures. It's a way to ensure they have the opportunities they need tosucceed academically and socially.Stari Ewert,Senior Project Manager, Community Impact, VizientDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 7Corporate Supporters on Afterschool

Andrea, 4th gradeIsabella, 3rd gradeYouth on AfterschoolDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 8

Hellen, 10th gradeYouth on AfterschoolDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 9

For families, afterschool care is a crucial resource that supportsworking parents, providing peace of mind knowing their children arein a nurturing and enriching environment. It fosters a strong sense ofcommunity by connecting parents to the school's mission,strengthening the bond between home and school, and creating asupport and involvement network.For the broader community, afterschool programming helps to builda foundation for future success by keeping students engaged inpositive activities that promote lifelong learning and characterdevelopment. It also encourages community involvement throughevents such as cleanups and partnerships with local organizations,ultimately contributing to a safer, more vibrant community.Joston Collins,Community Program Specialist, St. Philips School & Community CenterAfterschool offers an incredibly unique space that fosters a sense ofcommunity and family among students, families, and staff. Throughindividualized academic and social-emotional support systems,students can tackle challenges and achieve their full potential, bothin and out of the classroom. Afterschool programs provideextracurricular activities that allow students to explore new skills,discover interests, and build confidence, shaping their identity andpreparing them for future success.Natalie Breen, COOWesley-Rankin Community CenterWe are not just an afterschool program, we are a VILLAGE workingfor a better tomorrow through the scholars we serve. Afterschoolprograms and their staff help build confidence, and we makelearning fun while developing social skills and creating a sense ofbelonging.Program Manager, Voice of Hope MinistriesCommunity Leaders on AfterschoolDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 10

Dallas Afterschool Board Members on AfterschoolWhen I was young, I participated in many out-of-school-timeprograms for music, Girl Scouts, sports, and ballet (at which I wasembarrassingly bad!). I did not go every day because my mother tooka job where she could be home when I got out of school and in thesummers. Taking that job limited her career choices and probablychallenged my family’s finances at times. However, that is not anoption for many families. Whether there are one or two wage earnersin the family, today’s economy often requires every penny to makeends meet. This is where having access to high-quality, affordable,educational, and FUN programs for children before school,afterschool, and in the summers is key to helping those children beprepared for school and life while also allowing parents andcaregivers to work. I support Dallas Afterschool because they helpout-of-school-time programs across Dallas do what they do evenbetter than before. Afterschool programs are an often forgotten partof the “village” that helps to raise children, and Dallas Afterschoolhelps that village work better and smarter every day.Dena L. Jackson, Ph.D.,Board of Directors, Dallas Afterschool As a child with two working parents, afterschool programs were amajor part of my life and development. Going to school on the otherside of the city, my parents would not have had the ability to give methe gift of educational options or work toward their respectivepotentials. Our street was not a safe place, and these programs,quite literally, saved my life. They are not a nice-to-have but a NEED-to-have.John HillDirector of Community Relations, Trinity Park ConservancyBoard Chair, Dallas AfterschoolDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 11

Matthew, 4th gradeAdriana, 6th gradeKarina, 5th gradeDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 12Karina, 5th gradeYouth on Afterschool

Isabella, 3rd gradeAzaria, 4th gradeYouth on AfterschoolDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 13

Out-of-school-time programs stabilize the family by providing a safeand enriching environment for children to learn in while parentscontinue to work worry free. These programs support social,emotional, and academic development, building upon what islearned during the school day. This enrichment is key to theprogress of our youth, and organizations like Dallas Afterschool areinstrumental in this continuum of learning.Lynn McBee, CEOYoung Women's Preparatory NetworkDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 14In my experience, afterschool programs help students thrive bystrengthening community bonds where everyone feels involved andvalued. The programs offer a safe space for students to makestronger friendships while having fun and working together onprojects. Students explore their creative sides through arts, crafts,and other hands-on activities, sparking new interests and passions.Mentorship is another big part of these programs. Caring adultsprovide guidance and support, helping kids grow academically andpersonally, which boosts their confidence and positively impactsoutside of the program and in the classroom daily.Katie BenningfieldPrincipal, Dallas Independent School DistrictBoard of Directors, Dallas AfterschoolEducators on Afterschool

Elected Officials on AfterschoolAfterschool programs provide important educational and emotionalsupport in a safe environment for youth across the City of Dallaswhile offering them new experiences, opportunities, and hands-onactivities that help them learn and grow. These programs are criticalto the development of the city’s children. Keeping children safe,especially afterschool, must be a focused priority, and these programsare an essential tool in reimagining student safety after school. Theseprograms are not simply childcare but cornerstones of our futurecommunity development. Council Member Omar Narvaez, District 6, City of DallasAfterschool programs are critical to enhancing the overall well-beingand health of kids by providing fun and enriching activities andopportunities that a student might not otherwise have access to.Every single one of us remembers afterschool activities assomething that we still cherish to this day, and it’s no different forthe tens of thousands of students around the metroplex who takepart in afterschool activities each and every day!Ben MackeyDistrict 1 Trustee, Dallas Independent School DistrictDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 15

DALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 16Families on Afterschool

Families on AfterschoolDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 17

Karina, 5th gradeCorolinaNatalie, 6th gradeDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 18Youth on Afterschool

David, Pre-KYouth on AfterschoolRaydavian, 5th grade John, 6th gradeDALLAS AFTERSCHOOL | Page 19

Copyright © 2024 By Dallas AfterschoolDallas Afterschool 3900 Willow St. #110 Dallas, TX 75226dallasafterschool.orgAfterschool programs are critical in supporting youth, families, andcommunities by providing a safe, enriching environment thatpromotes social, emotional, and academic growth. These programsoffer students opportunities to explore new interests, buildrelationships, and gain confidence while giving parents peace ofmind and enabling them to work without worry. They contribute toeconomic mobility, community safety, and long-term success forchildren by providing learning opportunities beyond the classroom.Afterschool programs are vital in shaping the future by upliftingchildren, supporting families, and creating thriving communitieswhere everyone has the chance to succeed.Marjorie Murat, CEODallas Afterschool