The Zone after-school program in Kuna is wrapping up a successful and busy year.
Since the beginning of the school year, The Zone had 1,500 individual visits, with 194 students having checked in at least once, according to Zone director John Hisel III.
During the winter, as many as 100 to 125 students will visit The Zone, with about 75 kids coming in the nicer weather.
Even though the weather was nice last Friday, dozens of students poured into The Zone, which held a “Safety Day” for the students, complete with a visit from the local police department, a barbecue courtesy of Paul’s Market and a bounce house that took up what usually serves as The Zone’s homework room.
“I like how we have all the fun games that I can’t get at my house,” said Curtis Abel, a Zone regular. “Like, pool tables, the gumball machine, air hockey.”
The Zone, housed in the Kuna Life Church building across the street from Kuna High School and right next to Reed Elementary, is benefiting this year from a pair of grants, one a $34,500 grant from the Idaho Department of Juvenile Justice and another $10,000 grant from the Fred Meyer grocery store chain. Because of a lack of funds, The Zone was forced to shut down during the 2009-10 school year, but reopened in September 2010.
The Zone, open from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the school year, gives kids a fun and safe place to hang out after school.
1 comment:
The ZONE sure is a wonderful program for our kids. I didn't realize how much of a contribution they have made. I finally have great grand children who will be able to attend. There's not a lot to do for the kids and teens in this size of a community, but it does seem, that thanks to the Zone and others... there is a need being filled...every bit helps, and sure glad we have such a great community and caring individuals, doing what they can!!!
Where would our kids be without them and all those who care about our future generations.
DUFFY
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