TE Connectivity, school district team up for 'Cool Kids' event

Thousands of children, parents, business and community leaders from across the country are coming together this month to mark the 14th annual "Lights On Afterschool" celebration that has been observed annually since 2000.

On Tuesday evening, the Cool Kids Club/No Limits, in conjunction with TE Connectivity, Sidney Public Schools and 4-H marked the month with a free chili feed at North Elementary School for CKC/NL students and their families. Along with the dinner, a technology extravaganza was held for all attending.

TE Connectivity donated $5,000 for the purchase of a new "Fab Lab."

"The purpose of the Fab Lab is to promote technology, creativity and collaboration between students," said Rick Meyer, Sidney Public Schools K-6 tech facilitator. "The funds purchased computer software, various building kits (Lego, marble runs, blocks, etc.), and many programmable robots."

These materials enhance the focus on STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) in after-school and 4-H programs, and were showcased and dedicated during the event.

"Lights On Afterschool celebrates the work being done by the staff and students who attend our afterschool programs," said Sidney Chief of Police B.J. Wilkinson. "It is a reminder that afterschool programs keep children safe, inspire them to learn, and relieve working parents of worries about how their children spend their afternoons. Unfortunately, we still have too many students home alone in the afternoons or out on the streets where they can be exposed to crime or at-risk behaviors. We must support CKC/NL."

The Sidney program opened in 2001 with a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The celebration this month is a chance to focus on the achievements of after-school students and draw attention to the need for more after-school programs to serve the millions of children nationwide who are unsupervised and at risk each weekday afternoon. More than 7,500 such events across the nation are planned, emphasizing the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open for after-school programs.

Cool Kids Club includes students in grades kindergarten through 3rd grade, and No Limits serves students in the upper grades through high school. This past summer, 200 students were enrolled, and at that time CKC/NL became part of the University of Nebraska 4-H program.

This fall, the daily attendance has been close to 110. CKC/NL provides homework assistance, mentoring, tutoring, recreation, robotics, sewing activities, field trips and dozens of other activities.

"We are all very proud of our afterschool students and staff," said Coleen Langdon, program director. "There's no reason that learning should stop at 3 p.m., particularly if the alternative is unsupervised time in front of a television set, or any of the dangerous or unhealthy behaviors that can ensnare children in the afternoons."

Cool Kids Club/No Limits is supported by parent fees, donations and the school district.