Fayette County recently celebrated three decades of after-school care.
Dozens of elementary-aged children gathered in front of Stonewall School Friday afternoon. They are the current participants in Lexington’s extended school program. The self-supporting program was founded by former Mayor Pam Miller after the need was identified in a “Speak Out’ community initiative. ESP Manager Harold Kouns said the after the school day time offers a safe and caring formula.
“Plus they’re getting positive socialization skills. We’re helping them out with homework and we’re keeping them in a nice safe place. Get them something to eat, and make sure they have a great afternoon. We want their experience to be great so that when they leave and come back they want to come back the next day,” said Kouns
Fayette Schools are on fall break this week. Kouns says there still is programming offered at the three elementary and three middle school ESPs.
These many years later, Camille Brann said her first-grade daughter participates at Stonewall.
“Perfect for my work hours, drop her off at school in the morning, pick her up whenever I get off work and I know she’s well taken care of. She’s at her own school, which is amazing,” said Brann.
Brann said her daughter never has a bad day at ESP.
The extended school program is self-supported through tuition payments. Manager Harold Kouns said it’s licensed by the state. There are some 350 students enrolled in three elementary and three middle schools.
* WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation
