Clearing Mom Launches New, Fun After-School Group
By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post
Midway-area moms and dads looking for a fresh alternative in afterschool programs for their children have a new choice, thanks to Afternoon All-Stars Academy, now open at Hale Park, 6258 W. 62nd Street.
The group is described as a “safe, structured space where younger kids can wind down after school with homework help, creative play, games and more” by Alyssa Diaz, a Clearing mom who heads the effort.
The Academy runs on CPS school days (August to June) from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. and is designed to serve boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Parents of children attending nearby Hale School may take advantage of free pickup from the school. But children from all schools are welcome.
Tuition is as low as $200 a month and includes homework help, arts and crafts, sports and other play, snacks and outside activities (weather permitting).
Diaz is no stranger to Hale. She attended Hale School and later Kennedy High School, graduating in 2016. She went on to Eastern Illinois University and earned a degree in business management. Today she works in a company’s human resources operation, with a flexible schedule that allows her to be involved in the neighborhood.
Many in parents Clearing know her as the leader of the summer basketball program at Hale Park. In fact, she started working for the Chicago Park District at age 16, at Lawler Park.
She also revived the basketball program at Hale School, serving at multiple levels and coaching the Hawks to a league championship. It was a homecoming of sorts, since she was a guard on Hale’s winning teams years ago.
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| Alyssa Diaz |
On top of all that, Diaz is a new mom. She says her six-month-old daughters, Analiese and Autumn, “have given me a whole new perspective on child care. More than ever, I understand the importance of having a safe, supportive program that fosters creativity, encourages children to be confident and active, to learn and grow together, and which reinforces good lessons children learn at home. That’s what I’m building with Afternoon All-Stars Academy.”
She also is grateful for support from Midway area businesses, most notably Geno Randazzo from All Exterior Contractors.
“I’m always pleased to help our local boys and girls, moms and dads, teachers and schools,” Randazzo says. “Afternoon All-Stars Academy sounds like a group that will make the neighborhood a better place. Alyssa Diaz deserves our support.”
“I’m always pleased to help our local boys and girls, moms and dads, teachers and schools,” Randazzo says. “Afternoon All-Stars Academy sounds like a group that will make the neighborhood a better place. Alyssa Diaz deserves our support.”
For more details or to enroll, call/text (773) 793-3970 or visit Afternoon All-Stars Academy on Facebook. Spots are limited.
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