Afterschool program offers students a safe place to have fun and do homework

The Weiser afterschool program is facilitated by the Weiser Police Department, with Ange Goodwin as the newest director. Goodwin was hired on at the beginning of March and said she has yet to see the “normal” because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 “[The kids] are cute and they’re fun,” said Goodwin. “They’re good kids.”
 Goodwin said she spends the workday at the police station then leaves for the afterschool program at the Greenhouse at 2 p.m. The program runs from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. and Goodwin stays until 5:45. The program follows the school day, running after school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
 The summer program runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and attendees can receive a meal with the school lunch program and with the help of the recreation department, children can swim and participate in more activities.
 The program runs through a free sign-up system with permission slips and a review of behavior for parents. Students signed up for the program are not obligated to attend every school day. The program accepts students between age 7 to 14 and Pioneer Elementary School, Park Intermediate School and Weiser Middle School are represented. Between 20 to 25 students attend on a regular basis.

“I like kids, I totally support our police force and our community,” said Goodwin.
 When children are in school, the afterschool program is scheduled for the end of the day. Goodwin said the program works to stay consistent for both parents and students. She said she hopes to partner with different organizations in the community for education and programs for students. She is looking to utilize the community and invite different individuals in the area to work with the students, such as artists and creatives.
 “[We want to] get the community involved, too,” said Goodwin.
 The program began through the police department to give young students a place to go after school for help with homework, receive a healthy snack and enjoy fun activities, she said. The program has established a positive relationship between Weiser police officers with school aged children, allowing the children to learn about the vocation as well as develop trust and understanding with law enforcement.
 “Positive influences have been good, too,” said Goodwin. “It’s nurturing those positive influences and I think that is really important.”
 The program offers everything from a study space to sports equipment and video games. There is an arts and crafts room separate from the game room, where students can access art supplies and more.
 The program accepts volunteers from the community to help students any way possible. Current volunteers visit the program and help students with their homework and other projects. High school mentors are also welcome to work with students. Anyone wishing to help are welcome to volunteer their services, Goodwin said.
 “It’s been kind of punt for a while,” said Goodwin. “What we do there is offer to help them with their homework, provide opportunities for them to excel and get their homework done…mostly just offer a safe place that they can play and hang out with their friends.”
 The afterschool program has been cancelled for the time being as a safety precaution due to Idaho’s move to a modified Stage Two.
 The afterschool program and the Weiser Police Department can be reached at (208) 414-2244. In the case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.