Green Bay Area Public School District Delivers Vital Afterschool Programming to its Community

With 11 sites serving nearly 800 students, the Green Bay Area Public School District is delivering vital afterschool programming to its community. On Thursday, I had the privilege of meeting the incredible team behind these efforts (Amy Fish and Sara Rathsack) and visiting Nicolet Elementary for a firsthand look.

Yeng Her, who coordinates the program at Nicolet, is doing an outstanding job creating fresh, engaging activities. It was inspiring to see such a wide range of options that not only support academic growth but also introduce kids to entirely new skills. During my visit, students enjoyed dinner, used knitting machines, sewed monster plushies, made puppets, played literacy games, played a game of dodgeball, and even had time to run around outside.

Programs like Nicolet’s are essential because we know the workday doesn’t end when the school day ends. These afterschool opportunities allow parents to continue working with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe, learning, and having fun. The dedication of staff like Mr. Her, along with student employees from UW-Green Bay and St. Norbert College, is evident in the joy and enthusiasm of the kids who clearly love being part of the program.

I’m grateful to the staff for sharing both the successes and the challenges they face. Funding remains the biggest hurdle—whether in large cities or smaller communities. Demand is high, and waitlists, including those in Green Bay, continue to grow. With increased investment, we could expand access, provide more one-on-one support, and strengthen staffing to provide programming for more kids across our state. Right now, for every child in an afterschool program in Wisconsin, four kids are waiting to get in. 

Thank you, Green Bay Area Public Schools, for sharing this experience with me and for your commitment to ensuring that every child has what they need to be successful at school and in life. The dedication by the folks in this work is incredible!