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How this afterschool program is helping students in Arkansas

The IGNITE program provides students with a daily snack, teacher-assisted homework time, and enrichment classes.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Afterschool programs are a crucial part of any student’s success not only in the classroom but socially as well. At eStem Charter School in Little Rock, they are putting a new twist on their afterschool program.

Lori Smith is the executive director of elementary schools at eStem where they’ve created the IGNITE program and said “it is immensely important that kids have a place to go and something to do after school.”

Smith added "it’s very important for us to provide something those students can be engaged in and something fun.”

IGNITE provides students with a daily snack, teacher-assisted homework time, and enrichment classes. 

However, these are not your ordinary activities. 

Cher Fields is a co-coordinator of the program and explained they have "a crocheting class, we have mixed sized robotics, marketing, and chess." 

"We also have a game master’s class, and we also have a class called mindful movement. Finally, a class called the love for learning," Fields said.

Karen Bradley-Fulton is a behavioral therapist with the school whose grandson is in the program. She said "when I leave early he’s in tears because he does not want to leave.”

Her grandson particularly loves the game master’s class. “He loves the teacher who is teaching it and he loves the games.”

Now these programs may sound like they’re designed for high school students, but their popularity amongst the elementary school and parents is sky high.

“I’ve had several parents reaching out and still wanting their students to be a part of this program.”

Although the activities may some complex the goal for the kids is simple. “We’re hoping that we can peak their interest and get them learning in something that will be a lifelong activity for them to do.”

If you are interested in your child attending eStem and participating in the IGNITE program you can apply on their website.

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