MOUNTAIN TOP, LUCERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Every October, millions of people across the country celebrate programs that keep children safe and keep them learning after they leave school. 28/22 News Reporter Emily Allegrucci appeared on Mt. Her Top’s After School program to talk about this week’s celebrations.
After-school programs will be held across the country on October 26th.
The Starry Knights Learning Center at Mountain Top dedicated the past week to the program and what it does best. Educate and protect local children.
A day in October is set aside each year to recognize programs that focus on children every day of the year.
“I would love to stay home and be a stay-at-home mom, but unfortunately we all have jobs and living expenses,” said Emery Mercado, a Mountain Top resident.
Millions of people will gather on Thursday for #lightsonafterschool. A national evaluation of community after-school programs.
Mountain Top’s Starry Nights Learning Center hosts festivities all week long.
Their goal is to show government officials how these programs change the lives of children and their families.
“If they didn’t have an after-school program, they would be going home alone. Kids need this, kids need a safe place,” said Starry Nights Learning Center owner. said Melody Glazenski, president and CEO.
Centers like Starry Night provide a fun and educational environment for children.
“We were just on the bus. We had a long, long day. It’s really fun to have a great place to relax and learn,” said Ella Delesio of Mountaintop.
While also keeping them safe.
“I really enjoy the fact that it’s safe here. I know they’re going to keep them safe, nothing’s going to happen, and if there’s any problem they can call us right away. I’m sure they’ll give it to me,” Mercado said.
The focus of National Celebration Week is to spread awareness about the dangers of smoking and vaping. A message the Slabinski sisters are ready to share.
“Here you learn not to vape, you learn not to smoke. It’s all very bad,” Mountain Top resident Rosalie Slabinski said.
The goal is to educate youth before they are exposed to such risks and provide them with a safe space after school where these factors are absent.
“It’s in public and they watch and play video games. It’s in video games. That’s how they understand the importance of not doing it.” Glazenski said.
The Knights of the Starry Sky will be putting on information displays this week from 5pm to 7pm each night, and tomorrow they will have a drug van ready to answer questions and provide help if needed.