‘Nature Cat’ from WQED with Terry Martin, second-grade teacher with SHIM’s After School program
South Hills-Mon Valley Messenger – The South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) After School Program teachers, staff, volunteers and their families participated in a parade on Thursday, May 25 that drove past the homes of all 75 of the program’s students.
With COVID-19 upending the school year for thousands of children in our region, SHIM wanted a safe way to celebrate their After School students before summer vacation.
The parade began at 5:00 PM at Whitehall Presbyterian Church and followed the After School bus routes. In addition to the parade, students received “After School kits” that included books, activity books, crayons, frisbees, bubbles, bandanas, posters and various food items. ‘Nature Cat’ mascot from WQED also made an appearance.
To ensure everyone’s safety, proper social distancing was implemented throughout the event.
SHIM’s After School program offers support to students in grades K-5 at W.R. Paynter Elementary School that they might not receive from their foreign-born parents. Students have access to one-on-one homework assistance, study weekly themed lessons, complete various activities, and enjoy fun opportunities such as movie days, pizza parties and outdoor games.
