Markham School Age Services reaccredited

Markham School Age Services recently received its third accreditation by the National After-School Association - one of the first formal systems that measures and recognizes quality after school care throughout the U.S.

According to SAS director Johnnie Townsend, this was Markham's second re-accreditation for all it's before and after-school programs. It first received accreditation in 2000 and again in 2005.
She said there are a number of standards to meet to be considered for good standing and that SAS met with no deficiencies - a rare feat for any school.

"That just shows how hard-working and dedicated a staff we have here at SAS," Townsend said. "We're thrilled at this accomplishment and this is another feather in our cap."

Townsend said NAA was most pleased with how Markham incorporates different books and games from different languages, in addition to the work performed by its junior counselors. The school was also noted for having exceptional programs for students with special needs and for overall school security.

NAA also acknowledged Markham's summer program, which will be off and running again this year.

"We have more trips planned this year, mainly to a lot of water parks and a few different museums, like the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.," Townsend said. "Our program is driven by our children and we try really hard to give them what they want."

Children can also try their hand at Captain John Smith's Explorers Camp, which will be held this summer at the Mason Neck State Park, Townsend said.