National PTA President's Letter
September, 2004

From Vision to Reality: Keeping Kids Safe After School

While today’s students spend their after-school hours in a variety of ways, more than 14 million of the nation’s children spend their afternoons unengaged and unsupervised—heightening their risk of poor grades, truancy, substance abuse, and other destructive behaviors. You can play a vital role in guaranteeing that these kids are no longer isolated and idle at the end of the school day.

Studies show that children who participate in after-school programs are likely to improve their attendance and academic performance and are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, engage in sexual activity, or become victims of crime. With all these benefits, you would expect after-school programs to be readily available. However, a majority of parents have difficulty finding quality, affordable after-school programs.

So, how can you make a difference? You and your PTA can join forces with parents, the school administration and community organizations to create a safe haven for kids after school. Consider working with local groups that already run existing after school programs, like your YMCA or Boys & Girls Clubs, to bring a program into your school. Work with your school’s principal, apply for grants to fund the program, hold an orientation for parents, collect community donations of items for the students – you can make it happen for your students.

Very likely, there are kids in your community who are alone taking care of themselves at the end of the school day and parents in your community who don’t have access to after-school programs. By connecting families, school, and communities, you and your PTA can play a vital role in creating safe and enriching places for children when the final school bell rings.

  Linda Hodge
  President, National PTA