BOISE — McMillan Elementary School is keeping its doors open for kids after school, giving them a safe place to play and learn.
“We have probably a good portion of our students who go home to an empty house or what we would’ve considered ‘latchkey kids’ when I was growing up,” said principal of McMillan Elementary School Kris McGrath.
Starting this week, the community school welcomed kids for its new after-school program, which gives kids a place to do homework or learn until 6:30 p.m. while their parents are at work.
"We are one of nine or 10 high-poverty schools in West Ada School District and our free, and reduced lunch population is about 58 percent,” said McGrath.
While part of the West Ada School District, the school itself is within Boise city limits, soo the Boise Parks and Recreation department is stepping up to help.
“This is our first after-school program in the West Ada School District,” said recreation manager for Boise Parks and Recreation Emily Kovarik.
The department already offers an after-school program at eight Boise School District locations. Each night, four-to-six staff from Parks and Rec supervise and assist as part of the program at McMillan.
“Art projects, homework help, games in the gym, outdoor games, playground. But just a fun place and safe place to be after school,” said Korvarik.
As of Thursday, 88 kids are signed up. The school has 250 kids in total.
