After school program, McAllen Parks and Recreation, McSports, youth, MISD, enrollment
Staff Report
McAllen TX - The McAllen Parks & Recreation Department is accepting enrollments for its After School Program, which operates at eight McAllen Independent School District campuses and runs until 6 p.m. each school day.
PARD coaches meet participating children at dismissal and guide them into the program, which remains on campus at the following locations:
Alvarez Elementary
Escandon Elementary
Fields Elementary
Jackson Elementary
McAuliffe Elementary
Sam Houston Elementary
Wilson Elementary
Garza/Lark Community Center
The program costs $25 per semester. Students must be actively enrolled at a participating school to attend its After School Program. Pre-K students may participate when an older sibling is enrolled.
“Our children have so much to discover beyond the classroom, and we want to make sure they have places where they can learn, play and grow,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “The After School Program gives McAllen youth that space while bringing City programming directly into the communities where our families live and work which is something we can all be proud of.”
Activities include arts and crafts, outdoor recreation and McSports, which offers Run4Success, Punt-Pass-Kick and Pitch, Hit & Run.
“Every part of a child’s day is an opportunity to help them thrive, and the hours after school are no different,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “We want our children to have a place where they feel safe, supported and encouraged to be active, have fun and build healthy habits. Having our Parks & Recreation team there each afternoon shows we are investing our time and resources directly into the young people who will shape the future of our community.”
“For us, the After School Program is about creating a place where children feel like they belong,” said Parks & Recreation Director Denny Meline. “Our coaches lead activities and become familiar faces that children see, trust and look forward to bonding with each afternoon. It is through those relationships that we see children begin to open up, build confidence and create connections, whether it is finding the courage to join a game, asking for help or cheering on a teammate. Those small moments can stay with a child long after they leave the program and that’s what makes this work so meaningful.”
Families can register online at mcallenparks.net or in person at the PARD Main Office, 2001 Trophy Drive, or at the Lark, Las Palmas and Palm View community centers. For more information, call (956) 681-3320.
Source - McAllen Parks & Recreation Department