ASAP, its providers, and staff wish everyone a happy and safe Holiday season! During this fun season, several ASAP programs have been putting special Holiday programs on for their students. Click any of the links below to see some photos from the events!

• Mann Elementary's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
• St. Frances Cabrini Academy Santa Visit
• Woerner Elementary's Holiday Performance "Where's Santa?"
• Herbert Hoover Makes Gingerbread Houses

James A.R. Nelson, a 12-year-old 5th grader at Hanrahan Elementary, has aspired to play the snare ever since he first heard the sounds of drums in his church choir.

“When I was little I liked the sound of the church drums,” he said. “I have wanted to play ever since.”

Since 2008, the ASAP after school program at Hanrahan Elementary School (operated by Provident, Inc.) has given the opportunity for their students to be involved in an afterschool drumline program. The drummers range from nine to 13 years old, all from the Jennings School District. Together since this past January, the drummers “really look forward to drumline practice and have really worked hard this year,” said Nicholas McDowell, Drum Instructor and Site Director at Hanrahan Elementary.

The program has worked with over 150 students from Hanrahan Elementary and Gary Gore Elementary “teaching them respect, leadership, camaraderie, and the basics of musicianship,” according to McDowell. Currently, there are 12 students, among them eight new faces this year

On October 12, 2011 a new "memorandum of agreement" was signed by Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS), St. Louis for Kids, and St. Louis Public Schools that outlines the management duties for the After School for All Partnership (ASAP).

The agreement details the strategic management and operating duties of each organization with ARCHS providing financial, provider contract, reporting/data, technical support, evaluation, and fund raising management services; St. Louis for Kids providing technical assistance and professional development expertise; and SLPS providing classroom space, transportation, and staff liaisons.

ASAP's 42 programs are hosting a variety of fun and educational activities to showcase the importance of after school throughout the year. Watch for updates and pictures.

ASAP is proud to be to be one of 27 after school programs profiled in a national report on innovative after school efforts issued by the National League of Cities. ASAP is led by ARCHS, St. Louis for Kids, and Saint Louis Public Schools - providing free after school services to more than 4,000 area students.

Furthermore, ASAP was specifially one of five after school programs mentioned in the report's Executive Summary: "St. Louis, Mo., where the mayor's vocal support for after school has bolstered and drawn attention to the St. Louis After School for All Partnership's success in creating 3,200 new program slots for children and youth."

To read the report, click HERE.