SLSF provides scholarships for STAR Academy After School Program
Rolling Meadows, IL: Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF), the fundraising arm of Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) recently announced that scholarships will be made available for the new NWSRA STAR Academy After School Program. "SLSF recognized the need for assistance from so many families throughout the northwest suburbs who require after school care for their loved one. We truly appreciate the outstanding support of the Foundation, and their efforts to ensure equal access for all" NWSRA Executive Director Tracey Crawford stated.
In August, Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA), will open the doors to the STAR Academy after school program, that will serve students with disabilities throughout the northwest suburbs. STAR stands for Students in Therapeutic Afterschool Recreation. As an introduction to the new STAR Academy after school program for students with disabilities, Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) has invited all to attend one of two Parent Information Nights. The first Parent Information Night will be held on Monday, July 10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rolling Meadows Community Center, NWSRA entrance at 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. The second night will be held on Monday, July 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rolling Meadows Teen Center at 3000 W. Central Rd., Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.
In 2016, NWSRA completed its Comprehensive Strategic Plan process, and through its Needs Assessment, the community responded overwhelmingly that increased after school services are needed for working families of students with disabilities. To address this increased need, NWSRA formed the STAR Academy to enhance its existing after school offerings. In order to serve the unique needs of these students, STAR Academy curriculum will focus on three core elements; Recreation & Leisure, Health & Wellness and Social Skills. The Recreation & Leisure component will focus on developing gross and fine motor skills, experiencing cultural arts, dance, drama and music, as well as participating in passive and active recreation. The Health & Wellness component will focus on developing skills to enhance a healthy lifestyle, improving one's physical health, self-respect and self-image. Finally, the Social Skills component will focus on expanding communication skills, enhancing interaction with peers and developing interpersonal skills.
NWSRA is a partnership of 17 member Park Districts in the northwest suburbs, including western suburban Park Districts such as Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Palatine, Inverness, Streamwood, Bartlett and Hanover Park.
Many public school districts in Illinois are unable to provide after school services specifically for their students who participate in Special Education classes, leaving many families in desperate need of services with limited financial options. Through the collaboration between NWSRA and the local School Districts, the NWSRA STAR Academy provides an innovative approach to after school programming.
The program, held in Rolling Meadows, will provide a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) who will oversee a variety of educational, social and recreational activities daily. STAR Academy will run throughout the school year following the NSSEO school calendar, after school until 6:00 p.m., 5 days a week and will serve students of all ages. Transportation may be provided for students attending NSSEO and District 15 schools. Students that do not attend an NSSEO or District 15 school are welcome to attend the STAR Academy but will need to arrange transportation to the program. Registration has already begun and will end on Monday, July 31.
For more information or to RSVP for one of the Parent Information Nights, visit www.nwsra.org/academy or contact Brittany Johns at 847-392-2848, ext. 225 or e-mail bjohns@nwsra.org.
About NWSRA:
NWSRA has enriched the lives of children and adults with disabilities as a partnership of 17 northwest suburban Park Districts by providing outstanding recreational opportunities for over 40 years. NWSRA holds the distinction of Distinguished Accredited Agency from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and won the National Recreation and Park Association Excellence in Inclusion Award for national leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives. If you are interested to learn more about NWSRA's programs and success stories, please visit our website: www.nwsra.org, or contact Brian Selders at 847-392-2848.