School stops, learning doesn't

COEUR d'ALENE — Caryn Zimmerman has led the after-school program at Fernan STEM Academy for seven years and said her goal is to make every participant feel like they're worth a million bucks.

"Anything going on in the outside world doesn't matter while they're here," she added. "We want them to have everything they need, to feel safe, and to keep them here as long as possible."

Whether it's homework assistance, or bringing in a guest to discuss an educational hobby, Zimmerman's focus is on enriching the educational and personal development of approximately 30 kindergarten through fifth-grade students each day. She told The Press that watching the students grow and develop is a blessing that furthers her support for getting more children involved in afterschool activities.

On Thursday evening at Fernan, students, teachers, and public figures celebrated Lights on Afterschool Day. The event at Fernan, sponsored by CDA 4 Kids in Coeur d'Alene, was one of 62 that took place throughout the state, along with thousands nationwide, to promote a simple message — kids need adults to keep the lights on and the doors open after school.

According to a press release, 80 percent of Idaho's after-school programs offer enrichment lessons in science, technology, engineering and math. The national average is 68 percent, and the release adds that only 8 percent of Idaho children are enrolled in an afterschool program.

"By bringing learning opportunities to them each day after school, we're able to give them chances to learn that they might not have otherwise had," Zimmerman said of the school's free after-school program.

Since 2000, Lights on Afterschool has been spearheaded by the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization that works to ensure all children have access to quality after-school programs. The events that took place in Idaho on Thursday were made possible through the efforts of the Idaho Afterschool Network, a statewide program that was founded last year to promote the benefits of after-school programs.

Each celebration was unique and at Fernan the children were treated to a science lesson using balloons and hex-nuts, appropriately named "Screaming Balloons." Shantel Goodall, the North Idaho regional coordinator for the Idaho Afterschool Network, began the lesson by placing a hex-nut in a balloon, which was then inflated.

By moving the balloon in a circular motion, Goodall and the students were able to get the hex-nut moving and making "screaming" noises. The exercises, she added, are a practical lesson in friction and Newton's First Law of Motion.

"You guys definitely have to use your muscles for this one," Goodall said as a chorus of screaming balloons echoed throughout the classroom.

After the science lesson, Coeur d'Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer presented the "North Idaho Lights On Afterschool Champion" award to Dick Swartz. Swartz has served in the community for more than a decade in various roles with the Boy Scouts of America, as well as volunteering his time at the Coeur d'Alene School District's CDA 4 Kids after-school program.

"His endless dedication and commitment to our children has made a positive impact in their lives and the future of our community," Widmyer said after presenting Swartz with the award.

Swartz, who wasn't aware he was receiving the award and was told Fernan's after-school program needed extra help, told attendees that he was honored to receive the award. He gave special thanks to not only the kids in attendance, but the multitude of other children he has worked with over the years as well.

"I think I have more fun then they do," Swartz said. "We've learned about leadership and teamwork and have been able to develop a lot of things."

For more information on the benefits of after-school programs, and to learn how to get involved, visit www.idahoafterschool.org.