By Venessa Stacy, Coordinator of Special Programs, After School Director
Partners After School @ Grantsville (PAS) recently purchased athletic shoes for their participants at Shoe Dept. Encore in LaVale, Maryland.
PAS emphasizes mental and physical health for Grantsville Elementary School students in 3rd through 5th grade. Participants earn their club uniforms while acquiring life skills and improving their physical fitness.
“The youth earn their yellow t-shirt on the 15th day they attend PAS. The athletic shoes are earned by participating in the running tests we use to measure improvement in their physical health,” explained Assistant Director Cara Jones. “Having a uniform gives the participants a sense of belonging to a team that works together.”
“Participants are practicing setting and reaching goals as they earn their t-shirts and shoes,” added Assistant Cortney Miller. “Marking the checklist of accomplishments on the back of the t-shirts throughout the school year builds their confidence in tackling the next challenge.”
Funding for the club t-shirts and athletic shoes was provided by the Department of Human Services / Garrett County Social Services.
Partners After School @ Grantsville is supported by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission and administered by the Garrett County Health Department’s Health Education and Outreach staff. For information about this program as well as other PAS programs at Friendsville, and Yough Glade elementary schools, call the Health Education and Outreach unit at 301-334-7730.
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Pictured above are many of the Partners After School @ Grantsville participants after they picked out the new shoes they received through the program. Some are also wearing the PAS t-shirts they earned. Also pictured are Shoe Dept. Encore staff Paula Wilkins and Tyler Deatelhauser in the last row from left to right.
Contact: [email protected]
