September 21, 2020
Media Contacts:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Anna Hunter, Marketing and Public Information Superintendent, Department of Recreation & Parks, 410-313-4686
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks has announced the launch of its new “Schools Out” programming, featuring art, cooking, drama, nature, LEGO and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) activities geared predominantly towards students, grades K through 5th. Offered this fall and only on Wednesdays when students have asynchronous school days, each program will be treated as a one-day event, allowing participants to pick and choose which weeks and activities they’d like to try.
Programming will be offered at several County-owned buildings, including the Robinson Nature Center; North Laurel, Gary J. Arthur and Roger Carter community centers; Kiwanis-Wallas Hall; Schooley Mill and Cedar Lane Parks’ activity rooms; and Pfeiffers Corner School House, as well as at Pump It Up of Elkridge and the Drama Learning Center. Programs will run all day, starting around 8:30/9:00 a.m. and ending between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m., with a few half-day options also available. Costs will vary from $60 to $115 per class.
“This is just another way our Department of Recreation & Parks is striving to provide our youngest residents with a safe outlet to interact with their peers while schools are virtual this fall,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “I’d like to thank our Recreation & Parks staff for continuously thinking outside the box during this trying time, and local and national businesses who have partnered with us to make these program offerings possible."
All COVID-19 safety protocols will be enforced, including groups of 15 or less (13 students and two adults), temperature checks upon arrival, self-screening questionnaires, cleaning procedures and more.
“These one-day events provide children a safe and fun environment to try new activities without committing to an entire session,” said Recreation & Parks Director Raul Delerme. “Children can try building new LEGO sets one Wednesday, build a robot the next week and then see if they have a passion for art or drama another week.”
As space is limited due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, Recreation & Parks encourages residents to register today to secure their child’s spot. For a list of these special, Wednesday programs and/or to register, visit Recreation & Parks’ registration website and search "asynchronous." You can also register by calling Recreation & Parks’ Program Info and Registration line at 410-313-PARK (7275).
To learn more about Recreation & Parks’ COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap or contact the department at 410-313-4700.
County Launches New In-Person, Wednesday Programming on Asynchronous School Days
Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks has announced the launch of its new “Schools Out” programming to be offered this fall on Wednesdays only when students have asynchronous school days and featuring art, cooking, drama, nature, LEGO and S.T.E.A.M. activities geared predominantly towards students, grades K through 5th.