Lights On Afterschool: Where on earth is Chris Neitzey?

Photo courtesy of Chris Neitzey; Madison Deputy Mayor Sanon addresses the crowd outside the Wisconsin State Capitol. 

For Lights On Afterschool 2023, Afterschool Alliance Director of State Policy Chris Neitzey visited a record-breaking six Lights On Afterschool events across Wisconsin. His report and photos from the field showcase the variety of ways afterschool programs celebrated their hard work, even within one state.

Students at the East Side Boys and Girls Clubs in Green Bay creating their own lightbulbs

Wednesday, October 25: I made a quick trip up to Green Bay to visit the East Side Boys and Girls Club for their LOA celebration today. Their theme for this event was standing up to bullying. Some kids were finishing up a movie they were making about a talking squirrel, others signed a pledge against bullying, and another room was writing a word or phrase that means something to them and putting them into lightbulbs. Madison tomorrow!

Thursday, October 26: This morning was a march around the Wisconsin State Capitol with Madison Out-of-School Time, program providers, a few local foundations, and the Deputy Mayor. The rain held off for the most part and we didn't get drenched. Reuben Sanon, one of the Madison Deputy Mayors, spoke to the crowd about the important role they play and also announced a 7.5 percent increase to city contracted programs, which got a cheers. I got a few cheers myself, when I received my Girls On The Run medal I got for completing the march around the Capitol.

Senator Roys signs autographs for students at Leopold Elementary

After the morning parade around the capitol, I headed to Leopold Elementary, where state senator Kelda Roys was touring the program. The program had been planning to hold their annual Harvest Festival on October 26, but with the rain are rescheduling to October 27. But it was still a great time, with the kids asking the senator questions ranging from "what is a senator?" to "what's your favorite food?" (repeated at least four times) to "how many legislations have you passed?” She answered well and even signed autographs for the kids.

Teen catering business at Goodman Community Center

Later in the evening we hopped over to Goodman Community Center for their annual harvest festival. This place was amazing. The facility is a converted brass works building, with a licensed child care facility in one half and the other half full of community rooms and kitchen space, where teens participate in youth employment programs and have a full catering business. The catering program actually provided the food for the community dinner. They even have a few 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs that we should definitely spotlight when needed. They also had a separate gym space full of activities, many of which were chosen by the middle schoolers to offer to families. The DJ station was a popular spot!

Senator Agard participates in arts and crafts at Crestwood Elementary

Last stop was Lussier Community Center for their annual harvest festival. There were more than 100 community members in attendance. I've never seen more of an emphasis placed on "community" in community center than in Lussier. One of the former students, who is now attending UW Madison, spoke about the role the program played in helping him adjust to life in the U.S. after moving here as a young child. It was wonderful to meet and chat with so many afterschool staff, kids, and community members! Last stop today for a site visit with another state senator.

Friday, October 28: I started the morning off with a tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol, ate some cheese curds, and then spent the afternoon at Crestwood Elementary for a site visit with Senator Agard. It was a typical Friday afternoon program (organized chaos) but I still had a chance to play Spot It with the kiddos. The senator got a chance to connect with the kids and talk about what it’s like to be a senator. Hope everyone had a great Lights On!