South Tama Elementary students begin with a snack at the newly launched pilot after school program. STC Elementary counselor Anita Townsley interacts with the students as they are eating their snack on Wednesday, March 4 in the STC elementary cafeteria. Chronicle Photo/Allison Graham

When school is released on Wednesday’s at 2:30 where does your child go? For 60 children at the South Tama County Elementary that question has an answer, at least for certain days in the coming months. On Wednesday, March 4 a trial run after-school program was launched at the STC Elementary. It is a pilot program for five weeks for kindergarten through fourth grade students. All families in the district were eligible to sign up their kindergarten through fourth grade student. A letter went home and students returned the completed forms to the school. 75 spots were available for the trial run.

According to STC Elementary Assistant Principal Stacy Stull, STC Superintendent Kerri Nelson gave a challenge to the staff to offer more programming and opportunities for our students. “Sometimes it’s a struggle when school gets out at 2:30 for parents to find a safe place for students to go. So we thought we would try this to see how it goes,” said Stull.

The program runs from 2:30-5:00 p.m. on select Wednesdays in March, April and May. During the after school program students start off with a snack, then take part in activities such as crafts, a physical activity, reading and technology activities.

The program is currently being led by STC specials teachers including school counselors Melanie Kemper and Anita Townsley, librarian Brenda Husak, music teacher Marilyn Rippy, P.E. teacher Lon Wilkerson and art teacher Jessica Miers.

“I thought the first one went excellent. The kids and staff really had fun,” said Stull.

Each week has a different theme and with the legendary author Dr. Suess’s birthday falling on March 2 the first theme was Dr. Suess. The remaining themes include “Our Favorite Authors”, “Me on the Map”, “Recycle Re-use”, and “Gardening”.

The cost to parents for all five weeks was just five dollars and registration for this year’s program is now closed. However, with a successful kickoff the organizers of the program are already making plans for next year. While nothing is set in stone they hope to run the after-school program four days a week next year.

According to Stull the program has applied for a grant through the Tama County Community Foundation to help support the program for next year. Funds from the grant would go to supplies, snacks and wages for staff. If your child enjoys spending time with their favorite teacher they may get more time to do that. Elementary classroom teachers and associates are set to run the program next year.