Cyrian Foppa Tiankwa ’27
At the Episcopal Academy, the school day does not end when the final bell rings. Through the aftercare program, Upper School Students step into new roles, acting as mentors, playmates, and supporters, providing care and sharing smiles throughout the Lower School. The aftercare program truly demonstrates the values carried throughout the school and how they are implemented, even with the youngest of attendees.
Starting at 2:45 PM, aftercare welcomes Upper School students and additional staff as they report to their designated groupings. They help kids with homework, ask them about their day, and foster an environment where everyone can ease into their time after school. Activities are specialized by grade: the youngest, Pre-K through Kindergarten, often have a greater number of counselors, and are usually seen playing in stations with art supplies, toys, or games. While the older grades finish their homework, they often head out to the playground to expend their last bits of energy from the day.
What stands out the most about the aftercare program, however, is the compatibility between students and staff. Wendy Lingle, Director of Lower School Afterschool Programs at EA, highlights the thought that goes behind each counselor’s grade assignment, with “I like to ask them when they come to interview for the position, what age group they are most comfortable with, and we’ll move people around based on that.” She emphasized how the counselors are chosen for both their interests and strengths regarding the littles that they work with. “We try to figure out what people want and what people like and put them with those groups,” she commented. Lingle believes that this connection between the students and the counselors is what sets EA’s aftercare program apart, strengthening the sense of community across campus.
Photo courtesy of Kamau Kegler ’27
Staff at aftercare express their contentment with the program. Gabrielle McKithen ’27 explains how the Episcopal aftercare program is more to her than just a part-time job. “I show the children good social cues, how to be kind, and how to play together safely.” She shares her plans to continue working for the Program, adding, “I love seeing the kids outside of the designated after-care hours and bonding with them.”
Malachi Walker ’26 also expresses his feelings towards the Program, stating, “I wish people knew it isn’t tedious to spend time with the kids. If anything, I would say that it is rewarding to be around them as you gain experience with kids and get to know new people.” Episcopal’s aftercare program’s effects are seen through the various smiles, hugs, and chants exchanged between Lower and Upper School students not only during aftercare hours, but the school day as well.
The Lower Schoolers also feel the counselors’ efforts. Sylvie Safford ’38 commented on her experience at aftercare. “I like that [the counselors] play with us and do crafts like Rainbow Loom.” The Program gives kids staying late extra supervision, but also inspires and encourages them to be the best people they can be. Safford explains, “Someday I want to be a counselor too because they’re so nice.”
Aftercare is not only rewarding to students, but also to parents and teachers alike. Ayiende Tate, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Upper School Admissions Associate, explains the pros of the program. “Knowing that my kids are close by on campus and supported by some of the Upper School students as well as the aftercare staff, it’s really nice and reassuring.”
Ultimately, Episcopal Academy’s aftercare program is a place where older students learn responsibility, younger ones find friends and role models, and everyone leaves with a smile.
