In the gym at Beatrice Elementary School, students threw a ball from one person to another, all while clapping in sync.
Mel Voorhis, the associate artistic director for Community Players in Beatrice, said the game teaches kids about cooperation. Community Players, a local theater company, partners with the Beatrice Educational Foundation, which runs the after-school program, to teach students about theater.
“We got to teach each other how to support each other best, how you would in a theater environment,” Voorhis said.
Mel Voorhis with Community Players worked with students in the after-school program. (Photo by Jolie Peal/Nebraska Public Media News)
In early July, the federal government announced it would be withholding billions of dollars to schools for several programs, including after school programs. Later that month, government officials released those funds.
“We’re really not sure what the future holds,” Jami Vater, executive director of the Beatrice Educational Foundation, said. “We’re doing the best we can to be sustainable at the local level, so that we’re not reliant on that funding, and hopefully we can continue to serve our community, the students.”
Vater said the after-school program provides kids a safe place to stay while their parents finish the working day. The Beatrice program serves about 140 students during the school year. Vater said 75% of students in the after-school program are on free or reduced lunch, allowing them to join the program for free.
“Unfortunately, not all of the kids that come to school, come to school with all of the things they need ready to learn,” Vater said. “Our after-school program offers many other supports. They get a snack, they get assistance with their homework.”
Voorhis said she enjoys getting to engage the kids in the after-school program with theater and sees its importance for families.
“Theater and after-school programs keep kids safe,” Voorhis said. “Programs like these keep kids in a safe environment and with safe adults, so they’re great to have around.”
Vater said she enjoys watching community partners work with the kids. Along with Community Players, the after-school program works with the Beatrice Public Library and Homestead National Historical Park.
“Just lots of fun educational activities where the kids are learning but they don’t realize that they’re learning because they’re having fun,” Vater said. “I think that’s great for all kids.”
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