• Studying aerodynamics by making parachutes

• Learning about chromatography by creating paper flowers

• Designing currency to explore financial literacy

These activities are only some examples of the learning opportunities elementary students have in their SPS Kids afterschool programs.

All Shawnee Public Schools elementary sites have received Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. The multi-million-dollar grants have enabled SPS to create community learning centers that provide students academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours.

Each SPS Kids program is open to about 100 students until 5:30 p.m. during the regular school year. Transportation home is available for eligible students.

Knowing that Oklahoma's future workforce depends on students mastering skills in science, technology, engineering, and math, the afterschool program provides learners lots of engaging, hands-on STEM lessons. Students have learned about wind while designing their own wind-powered cars. They have studied botany while making their own compost. They have explored chemistry and evaporation while trying to create unpoppable bubbles.

Students also learn about the importance of giving back to their communities. Students have volunteered with the Community Market and the Salvation Army, among other nonprofit organizations. They also recently made and delivered blankets to residents of Colonial Estates Nursing Home.

Providing SPS Kids afterschool program is only one of many ways Shawnee Public Schools is preparing our learners for a bright future. For more information, contact Vickie Penson, director of the SPS 21st Century Community Learning Program, at vpenson@shawnee.k12.ok.us, or call your elementary school site.