SHINE celebrates its success with after-school programs
Mary Edith Rhoades has followed the SHINE after-school program since her late husband, state Sen. James Rhoades, became a driving force behind the program in the early 2000s.
Mrs. Rhoades, who was a teacher in the Mahanoy Area School District for 31 years, was more than impressed with the after-school program’s annual “Lights-on” program Thursday in Jim Thorpe.
“Some kids just don’t get what they need after school. But this is much more than just getting something after school,” she said. “You can tell how happy they are.”
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More than 400 SHINE (Schools and Homes in Education) students from eight different schools took the stage Thursday evening as part of the annual variety show celebrating after school programs. Students from Palmerton, Tamaqua, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton and Panther Valley school districts sang, danced and performed. Their songs often referenced the topics which they learned in the SHINE program, which in Lehigh and Carbon counties, is a project of Lehigh Carbon Community College.
The students represented a little over half of the 700-plus students who attended SHINE after-school programs over the last year.
The annual Lights-on show encourages support for after-school programs nationwide. SHINE Director Rachel Miller Strucko said after-school programs are essential for students and their families.
“They keep them safe, inspire them to learn and help children and youth discover their talents and passions,” she said.
In 2017-18, SHINE opened two new centers, at Tamaqua and Shenandoah Valley, conducted 1,400 home visits, served 26,000 hot meals, and 1,800 parents attended at least one session.
According to a classroom survey, 81 percent of SHINE students improved academically, 80 percent improved their homework completion, and 98 percent were promoted to the next grade.
Dr. Thomas Meyer, Vice President for Academic Services and Student Development for LCCC, said the community college is very proud to lead a community movement like SHINE.
“Truly all of us are helping to build the workforce of tomorrow one student at a time. Thank you to everyone for helping us to keep the lights on, and continue to keep them on,” he said.
Jim Thorpe Area School District Superintendent Brian Gasper voiced his support for the program in his opening remarks. Several elected officials presented letters of congratulations for the SHINE program, including the Carbon County Commissioners, state Rep. Doyle Heffley, and staffers for state Sen. John Yudichak and U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta.
Strucko said she is proud to stand with the students, teachers and legislators who have helped “keep the lights on” at SHINE programs around the area.
“Together we have kept our SHINE lights on for 14 years, and together we will continue to keep our lights on here in Carbon and Schuylkill for many years to come,” she said.