For all the statistical and historical reasons that measure the value of quality after-school programs, the music at Meadowmere Elementary School’s celebration in Grandview captured the heart of it all.

• See more videos and photos at kclinc.org/lightson

The kids dancing to the beat wouldn’t know Sister Sledge and the R&B vocal group behind the song, but joined the happy chorus:

“We are family . . .!”

In the school cafeteria, the LINC team at Meadowmere, with the help of many community partners and families, had prepared an array of meals celebrating the school’s ethnic diversity.

LINC Caring Communities Coordinator Adrian Wilson was speaking to his Meadowmere families, but could have been speaking for all of LINC and the more than 45 after-school Caring Communities when he said:

“Thank you, thank you so much for allowing your students to be in our program.”

The annual Lights On celebrations all across LINC’s sites in between Oct. 19 and Nov. 2 highlighted Kansas City’s commemoration as part of the Afterschool Alliance’s nationwide recognition of the value of after-school programs.

In the Alliance’s collection of statewide studies, Missouri rates in the Top Ten in satisfaction surveys that overall show a nation that sees the importance of strong programming for children and families outside of the regular school day.

By overwhelming numbers, the studies show, Missouri parents agree that after-school programs:

• help children become more excited about learning and interested in school

• help parents build connections to their child's school day education

• provide children valuable homework assistance

• provide children opportunities for reading or writing

• allow kids to build positive relationships with caring adults

• provide kids opportunities to learn life skills, like the ability to communicate and work in teams

• provide a safe environment for their children

• provide children with a knowledgeable and caring after-school staff

• provide kids opportunities to be physically active

• give working parents peace of mind

• help working parents keep their jobs

At Gladstone Elementary School in Kansas City, the Lights On event was a chance to showcase what LINC offers and how the school and the community all work together, Gladstone Principal Dana Carter said.

LINC, the school staff and partners collaborated to provide a giant meal, games, face-painting, prizes and music, Carter said.

“We have a lot of fun activities for the families, so families can see how the kids are enjoying LINC and the all the offerings that we have,” she said. “We have a lot of community members coming out to support the families such as the library, and we have some health resources . . .”

The music sounding from the gym was coming from a band that included many former Gladstone students who had come back for the annual celebration, and that, Carter said, was her favorite part.

For more videos and photos of the 2023 Lights On Afterschool celebrations, go to kclinc.org/lightson.