JPS School Board Member and New York State School Boards Association President Christine Schnars (center) presents a NYSSBA “Champions Of Change” Award to Heather Meyer, JPS 21st Century Program Director at the June 2, 2026 meeting of the Board of Education. Meyer is joined by JPS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker and Assistant Superintendent Tina Sandstrom, as well as 21st Century Program partners from the Jamestown Area YMCA and Jamestown YWCA for the presentation.

Jamestown Public Schools was awarded a “Champions of Change” Award from the New York State School Boards Association for its “Lights on Afterschool” celebration on Oct. 23.

NYSSBA’s Champions of Change Recognition program highlights the many district and BOCES programs and initiatives that are bringing positive, meaningful change to the students, communities and districts of New York, according to the association’s website.

Christine Schnars, JPS school board member and president of NYSSBA, presented the recognition to Tina Sandstrom, assistant superintendent of instruction and school improvement, and Heather Meyer, JPS 21st Century Program Director during the June 2 meeting of the board of education.

“Lights On Afterschool” celebrated the importance of safe, engaging spaces for students beyond the school day as part of the nationwide celebration on Oct. 23. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, “Lights on Afterschool” looks to spotlight the importance of these programs, which aim to keep kids safe, help working families, and inspire learning

“Lights On After School (program) is a powerful way to highlight the wonderful things happening at our afterschool program sites every day – all year round,” Meyer said. “By keeping the lights on, we keep our children safe, we inspire them to learn, and we give our families total peace of mind every day. Our dedicated staff ensures that our students have access to a rich variety of experiences deeply rooted in academics, enrichment, social emotional learning, and more.”

To mark the day, special events took place at several afterschool program sites at JPS elementary and middle schools including Bush School, whose program helped organize a “Trunk or Treat” event for students and families, Fletcher School, whose program held an open house for enrolled families, and Ring School, whose program participated in the school’s “Fall Fest.” Students at all sites colored and created “light bulbs” to demonstrate what they love the best about the afterschool program.

Jamestown Public Schools currently supports afterschool programs at each elementary school in partnership with the Jamestown Area YMCA and the Jamestown YWCA. Middle school programs are supported by the district through the New York State 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Additional support is provided by the Jamestown Community Learning Council, Chautauqua Striders, and other community partners.

“We are grateful for our partner agencies who help to create these safe spaces for our JPS students,” added Meyer. “Their support allows us to offer meaningful experiences after school — places where students can learn, connect with friends, and continue growing long after the school day ends.”

Program participation is free for JPS students. For more information on the afterschool program available at our elementary and middle schools, visit jpsny.org/afterschool or contact the main office of your child’s school.