THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING LIGHTS UP FOR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

This is a view from the Top of the Rock last night showing the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING lit up in yellow to symbolize the importance of the afterschool program.

Scheduled activities from the AFTERSCHOOL ALLIANCE website:

New York, New York: Afterschool Ambassador Megan Demarkis, Harlem RBI’s Real Kids Program, 212-722-1608, mdemrkis@harlemrbi.org On October 17th from 4:30-6:30 PM, Harlem RBI’s Real Kids Program and Nike will host a Lights On Afterschool event at Roberto Clemente Elementary School. A celebrity athlete, a community leader, and a parent will receive a Roberto Clemente Afterschool Hero Award, and students will discuss why afterschool is important. Hispanic Heritage Month will be incorporated into the theme. The event will conclude with a family meal and Nike giveaways. Students, parents, staff and the media are invited. More than 250 people will attend.

New York, New York: Katha Cato, Henry Street Settlement, 212-766-9200, Kcato@henrystreet.org The Henry Street Settlement will hold a letter-writing campaign at all five of its afterschool sites on October 18th from 4:30-5:30 PM. Children, parents, school staff and community members will draw or write messages to about the importance of afterschool. Parents will also sign individual letters and postcards about the great need for these programs. Organizers will send messages and letters to elected officials in an effort to bring greater awareness about the importance of afterschool. More than 700 people are expected.