Representatives from Cornell Cooperative Extension work with students during a recent family night for the Bush Elementary School after-school program, held in partnership with the Jamestown YWCA.

Filled with dance parties, DIY crafts, and nutritious food, Jamestown Public Schools recently hosted a series of vibrant family nights at Bush, Jefferson, and Ring schools , drawing an impressive turnout of students and parents involved in each building’s after-school programs.

The centerpiece of each evening was a hands-on educational workshop on nutrition led by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Designed to bring wellness into the home, these sessions provided families with practical tips for healthy living before transitioning into a community pizza dinner.

Following the meal, students and parents participated in various creative and physical enrichment activities led by the programs’ partner agencies, the Jamestown YWCA and the Jamestown Area YMCA. Jefferson Middle School families created seasonal snow globes, Bush Elementary families hit the gym for team-building games, and Ring Elementary students in the “Ring Outstanding Kids” (ROK) program enjoyed a dance party in the gym.

“Our family engagement events are a wonderful way to bring our school community together,” said Heather Meyer, JPS 21st Century Grant Program Director. “They provide an opportunity for families to see firsthand the enrichment their students are experiencing in our after-school programs, while also participating in fun, educational activities that strengthen the bond between home and school.”

JPS offers after-school programs at each of its elementary and middle schools, supported by the New York State Education Department’s 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. These programs are designed to extend learning beyond the final bell, providing students with safe, supportive environments to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

“Through this support, we are proud to be able to offer a combination of academic tutoring, recreational activities, and community partnerships that help students build confidence and strengthen connections with both peers and caring adults,” Meyer said.

For more information on the district’s after-school programs, visit jpsny.org/afterschool. To enroll, feel free to reach out to your child’s school.