Island Rec’s “Study Time and Afternoon Recreation” program is expanding its hours and introducing new discounted fees. STAR is an enriched daily after school care program for youth in grades kindergarten through sixth grade held at Friday Harbor Elementary school.

Beginning in January, STAR will be open from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and on school holidays — starting with martin Luther King day on Jan. 16.

Early dismissal fees have been reduced from $26 to $21 a day with a 20 percent additional sibling discount. Parents can have their kids drop into the program rather than pre-registering — Island Rec will invoice parents at the end of the month.

Island Rec has been operating STAR since early September 2011 and although there has seen a steady increase in enrollment it has not yet reached capacity, according to staff.

“As the word gets out that this an Island Rec program and the kids are having fun, the more it attracts new families,” said Sally Thomsen, recreation director.

Two qualified staff members develop and implement a well rounded program that includes a variety of games and activities that focus on developing social and recreation skills along with snack, free time, study time and home work assistance.

In addition to Island Rec, STAR is supported by San Juan Island School District and San Juan Island Prevention Coalition.

Contact Island Rec at 378-4953 or www.islandrec.org to apply for STAR.

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