STAR Academy hosts Parent Information Nights
As an introduction to the new STAR Academy after school program for students with disabilities, Northwest Special Recreation Association has invited all to attend a Parent Information Night.
In August, Northwest Special Recreation Association will open the doors to the STAR Academy after school program, which will serve students with disabilities throughout the Northwest suburbs. STAR stands for Students in Therapeutic Afterschool Recreation.
Parent Information Night will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, July 24, at the Rolling Meadows Teen Center, 3000 W. Central Road, Rolling Meadows.
"Through our Strategic Planning process, many parents highlighted the growing need for affordable, accessible after school programming for these students," NWSRA Executive Director Tracey Crawford said.
The program will provide services to more than 30 students with disabilities daily, five days a week, throughout the school year.
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 and 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 Specialist, 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 p.m. five 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 the Parent Information Night, visit www.nwsra.org/academy or contact Brittany Johns at (847) 392-2848, ext. 225, or bjohns@nwsra.org.
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 more than 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.
For details about NWSRA's programs and success stories, visit www.nwsra.org or call Brian Selders at (847) 392-2848.