Hallett Elementary expands program

Last year, the Medical Lake School District collaborated with the city's Parks and Recreation Department to offer a before school program at Hallett Elementary School on Friday mornings. The program stemmed from the one-hour late start release time on Fridays, to give teachers additional work and collaboration time. Parents, who live in Medical Lake and had to work in the morning, were concerned because there was no place for their children to go at the time.

This year Hallett and the city have expanded the program to include Monday through Thursday, from 7-8 a.m. The Friday time slot of 8-9 a.m. remains the same as last year.

"We are appreciative of Mayor John Higgins and the generosity of the city," Hallett's principal, Cindy McSmith, said. "This is a great gift."

Ivanna Lomas, who became the city's recreation coordinator in August, runs the program by herself Monday through Thursday, since there is only an average of 2-5 children who currently attend. On Fridays, where there is an average of 20-25 students, Lomas will have a part-time staff member help her plan activities.

"Having one kid here helps out one family, which makes it worth it," Lomas said. "There are more kids signing up and more parents are thankful for this."

After they arrive at school, students will go to a classroom where they can study, finish homework, color pages or play games. Lomas will take them to the gym to play games and get some exercise.

"No one is just sitting there, doing nothing," she said.

McSmith added that students will come up with their own activities.

Toward the end of the hour, students will head to the multi-purpose room to get some breakfast before going to their classroom, 15 minutes before school begins.

Lomas, who comes to Hallett at 6:45 a.m. every morning, notes that running the before school program is only the beginning of what she described as a "long day."

"But it's so worth it," she said. "Starting your day with kids who are energetic is great."

Lomas said kids will attend the program with their siblings. They will also tell their friends about it and bring them. The program has also helped students make new friends.

"Mayor Higgins is getting more supplies for the program," Lomas said. "As it grows, we will grow with it."

McSmith noted that parents who are interested in bringing their children to the program will need to register them.

"This isn't just a drop off, we like to know who is attending the program," McSmith said. "If a child isn't at school, we will call home to see if they are attending that day."

Parents of Hallett students who are interested in registering their children for the program can visit the school office. They can also contact the city's Parks and Recreation Department at (509) 565-5007.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].