Written by: Jessica Aparicio - RASP Director Assistant
It was a spooky dark night at the Hagen building on October 28th, 2021. Inside the building, little feet were running around in costume, playing carnival games, trying to see who could win the most candy. At the same time, others were walking through the haunted hall with floating candles, scary blinking eyes, and a masked member jumping out for a scare! Hot dogs were the main dish, along with pretzels covered in orange chocolate and LOTS of Halloween sprinkles. The main event this year was the costume contest; many kids entered for a chance to win big! The winners for the younger group were the Candy Land Queen and DJ Marshmello. The older group winners were Venom and an Angel! There was also an art show displaying the artwork of many students from full day the week prior!
This was RASP’s 5th annual Lights on Afterschool Halloween party. Are you wondering what Lights on Afterschool is? “According to lights on afterschool network, Lights on Afterschool (LOA) is the only nationwide celebration of everything afterschool programs can do for students, families, and communities across our state and nation. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum recognizes the important work of afterschool in ND and shows his support by proclaiming October 28, 2021 Lights on Afterschool Day in North Dakota.”
Nationwide there are 7.6 million students who are alone or unsupervised at home. Afterschool programs help parents by keeping their students safe while also giving them fun educational experiences. We celebrate afterschool programs because of how essential they are in our students’ lives. Students at RASP have 65% educational stem lessons, homework help, snack, recess, and computer time. We educate students in a safe and fun environment allowing parents to stay at work.
This year there were 5000 events celebrated across the nation. We celebrate as one, as we all have the same goal and know how imperative our programs are for the nation. It is important to keep the Lights on Afterschool and keep our youth safe! Thank you to our parents and partners for everything you do for our program. We are excited and look forward to growing the LOA events in the years to come!