CELEBRATE LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL DAY

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has declared today, October 18, 2012, Lights On Afterschool Day!

Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide celebration to call attention to the importance of afterschool programs.  In Idaho, programs will celebrate today and throughout the month.  

Here is the text of Governor Otter’s Proclamation:

WHEREAS, the citizens of Idaho are firmly committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities because they provide safe, challenging, engaging and fun learning experiences to help children and youth develop their social, emotional, physical, cultural and academic skills; and

WHEREAS, the State of Idaho has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children become successful adults; and

WHEREAS, Lights On Afterschool, a national celebration of afterschool programs held this year on October 18, promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, families and communities; and

WHEREAS, 29 percent of Idaho’s K-12 children are responsible for taking care of themselves afterschool; and

WHEREAS, afterschool programs across Idaho have helped to significantly boost student achievement; and

WHEREAS, the State of Idaho is committed to investing in the health and safety of all young people by providing expanded learning opportunities that will help eliminate the achievement gap, promote physical activity and prepare young people to go onto colleague and compete in the global economy;

NOW, THEREFOR, I C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim October 18, 2012 to be

LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL DAY

Learn more about Lights On Afterschool or find a local event near year!  You can join your local afterschool program and support keeping the Lights On and our children safe afterschool.