"After-school" Program at Community Center

The Parks & Recreation Department is offering an "After-school Program" for grades K-5 at the new Clayton Community Center that features daily tutoring, recreational activities and arts & crafts.

Activities also include an "Enrichment Program" one day a week offering month-long specialized classes in pottery, art or sports skills.

"We have some amazing programs here at the Community Center, and we want everyone to see and experience all aspects of what we have to offer," said Program Supervisor Susan Jenkins. "We're really looking forward to the After-school Program, and what we have planned. The Summer Playground Program went very well in its first year at the Center, and we're excited about the After-school Program, too."

The Program, which costs $128 per month for residents and $155 for non-residents, will run daily from the end of the school day until 6 pm. It will be open as well on early release days and from 8 am to 6 pm on teacher work days for a small additional fee. The registration fee is $10 a year.

Students at West Clayton Elementary School will get free transportation to the Center each day. Students at other schools must provide their own transportation.

The "Enrichment Program" could prove valuable to many young students, Jenkins said.

"We feel like the academic side is very, very important, but the art side needs attention as well, and we can provide it here," she said. "For instance, some kids might not know they're a good potter until they take the class. Other students might get a lot out of learning sports skills."

In the Pottery classes, students will make glazed and functional items such as coil pots, mugs, tiles and trays. The Art sessions will feature painting, drawing, creating mosaics and learning about using levels. The Sports Skills classes will be teaching volleyball, basketball and tennis.

The Program begins Tuesday, Sept. 7 and runs through the school year.

For more information, please contact Jenkins at 919-553-1550 or sjenkins@townofclaytonnc.org