R. S. Payne Elementary School is lighting up in celebration of Lights On Afterschool Day.
Governor Bob McDonnell has signed a proclamation officially recognizing October 18th as “a celebration of afterschool programs promoting the critical importance of quality programs for youth by ensuring lights stay on and doors remain open for all youth during the out-of-school-time hours. Therefore, I do hereby proclaim October 18, 2012, as Lights On Afterschool Day."
The U.S. Senate has also unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing Lights On Afterschool celebrations and the importance of afterschool programs to kids, parents and communities. Senators Barbara Boxer (CA), Susan Collins (ME) and Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) co-sponsored the resolution that re-emphasizes the Senate's support for afterschool, before school, and summer learning programs.