Kids Count After-School Program welcomes back original director

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, August 5, 2006

Assistant Director Tonia Hillman assists Riley Suitor during homework time at the Kids Count After-School Program in Youngstown.

The Kids Count After-School Program returns to the First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown for a second year, and will once again be under the direction of Justina Scarpelli.

Scarpelli, who missed the second half of the last school year to complete her teaching degree at Buffalo State University, is delighted to resume the program’s lead role. Interim director Tonia Hillman will return to her position as assistant director.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to return to Kids Count and to work with Tonia as we continue to build on the strong foundation that we established a year ago,” said Scarpelli, a Youngstown native. “We have worked very hard to create an environment that is entertaining and educational for the kids while also being cost-conscious and providing parents with the sense that their child will be in very good hands.”

Licensed by the state Office of Children and Family Services, Kids Count is open to elementary-aged children, regardless of their religious affiliation. Children are bused to the program following every full or half-day of school. The Lewiston-Porter school schedule will be followed.

Kids Count places an emphasis on providing a vast array of activities, such as playtime, to release pent-up energy, healthy snacks, homework time as well as indoor and outdoor enrichment in the areas of art, music and drama.

For registration information, call First Presbyterian Church at 745-7607.