"PRIDE" BRINGS DEL EL COMMUNITY TOGETHER!!
… By Christina Pickard
Like most students in A+ schools, the kids at Del City Elementary enjoy an active day of math, social studies, science, reading, and the arts. But when the bell rings at 3:15, their day is far from over, and the fun is just beginning. After a healthy snack, a quick recess, and a chance to finish some homework, PRIDE begins.
"Panthers Rally In Developmental Enrichment" was the vision of Del City Principal, Ruth Kizer, who wanted something exceptional and "far-reaching" for their after-school program. She wrote a five-year grant and created it, with PRIDE.
For nearly one third of the Del El community, this after-school program is an enriching, integral part of their school day, and it involves a seven-day rotation which incorporates fourteen different classes. From archery to cooking, math enrichment to drama, robotics to storytelling, the classes are varied and engaging.
The small classes of eight to ten give each learner time to experience a subject more deeply, receive one-on-one help from the instructor, and to try something that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore. Aside from being a great way to enrich each student's learning, Principal Kizer said that PRIDE has really brought the Del El community together and given teachers the opportunity to become acquainted with students from other grade levels.