Three local entities have teamed up to offer a new After-School Program for Pendleton School District elementary students to enrich their time after the school day ends. Pendleton Parks and Recreation, the Pendleton School District and the InterMountain Education Service District (IMESD) will implement the program this fall.

The program is targeted to families who want a fun and engaging experience for their children after the school day ends until 5:30 PM. It is open to any Pendleton School District student in K-5^th grade. Programs will occur at the Pendleton Early Learning Center, McKay Creek Elementary, Sherwood Heights Elementary and Washington Elementary schools. To register, parents pay a one-time $10 supply fee that holds their child’s place in the program for the school year. Cost is $8 per child per day and parents will soon have the option to enroll daily, weekly or monthly.

Jon Bullard, Recreation Supervisor at Pendleton Parks and Recreation, said all of the involved partners are excited to get the program up and running. “Providing meaningful activities for students after school has been talked about for a while in our community, so we are pleased it is coming to fruition.”

Each day of the program has a specific theme: Monday – Sports * Tuesday – Science * Wednesday – Arts/Crafts * Thursday – Music/Theatre * Friday – World News

Each day, the schedule includes free play time, a snack and activities related to the day’s theme. The Pendleton School District will donate the space at the schools, while the IMESD is assisting with curriculum development.  Pendleton Parks and Recreation is responsible for the direct management of the program. Each partner entity has representation on a steering committee that works on the overall philosophy of the program.

The program has received donations from the Pendleton Foundation Trust, The Oregon Retired Educators Association, Oregon Community Foundation and Cycle Oregon. The program continues to search for additional donations to help fund scholarships for families who do not have the financial ability to pay for the participation fees.

For more information and to obtain a registration form, contact Pendleton Parks and Recreation at 541-276-8100.