WHETHER IT’S PENT-UP DEMAND OR THE DRAMATIC INCREASE IN FAMILIES LIVING IN THE JERSEY SHORE, DSN’S AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS LAUNCHED IN NOVEMBER WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CHILDREN SIGNED UP, EVER!
DSN is motivated by two main goals in this season’s after-school programs: safety and fun. Parents seem to agree with DSN Board Member Sandra Sutton who explained, “Now more than ever, our children need an outlet and DSN is here for them. Through specialized classes such as art, gymnastics, tennis, sports, karate, basketball and STEM classes, each child is able to participate in a social, fun and nurturing activity while adhering to all the guidelines set forth to keep them safe”.
DSN services over 400 children that are enrolled in these programs. The children are brought to DSN after their school day is complete. All programs are executed safely with COVID precautions. Children receive temperature checks before entering DSN. Masks are worn for every activity, and participants are spaced out to maintain distance from others.
DSN’s Chairperson of Youth Programming, Linda Hakim, remarked, “DSN once again has risen to the challenge by providing the community’s children with a wide variety of after-school programs to engage, stimulate and promote their social and emotional wellbeing in these unprecedented times.”
The largest program once again is DSN’s Dance Academy. Over 120 girls are signed up. Under the leadership of Dance Director Danielle Hanan, the Academy has various types of dance instruction, including hip-hop, jazz-funk, ballet and tap.
DSN parent Caleigh Silvera explained her daughter’s excitement, ”My daughter is unfazed by the new rules. She took it upon herself to wear her mask in the car ride to DSN for her first dance class so that she would be ready right away. She came home begging me to send her back the following day. I could not be happier!”
Frieda Shamah, DSN’s Youth Programming Director, was ecstatic to see the children back in the building. “These kids bring life to DSN. We are so happy to have them back in the building, having fun as always in the safest way possible!”
This season’s programming at DSN includes the popular Grace Esses Gymnastics, Little Silver Tennis Club (yes, the tennis instructors and tennis nets all come to DSN) and Jill Levy Art. The programming is for grades Pre-k through 8th grade. Programs last from 12 to 20 weeks.
DSN, true to form, has gone above and beyond. They have given out light wands along with Sylvia’s candy bags to all participants, a special treat for special circumstances. The Dance Academy participants received specialized bags with logos on their masks and water bottles and pink light wands. A backdrop banner was stationed in the DSN hallway for the girls to take pictures in front of, with a sign that said “I had the best time at Dance Academy!” One doesn’t have to see behind a mask to know the sweetness is not just in the candy, but in the smiles on their faces.
DSN’s Executive Director, Sammy Sitt, summarized, “Our staff has tirelessly put their hearts and souls into our youth programming for the past 6 months. We completed a very successful summer, running 3 separate camps with 260 campers, organized fall sports leagues with a record 700 players and have launched after-school programs with over 400 children. We are humbled by the community’s trust in our ability to keep our children safe, while still having fun. With our passionate staff and supportive board, it’s a recipe for continued success for years to come!”
