School looks to enrich after-school programs Green Bay Gamblers player Dan Sturges demonstrates puck-handling skills for Aaron Lodl during the afterschool enrichment program at Langlade School Monday (photo by H. Marc Larson). By Anna Krejci News-Chronicle The "thwack" of hockey sticks slapping pucks across floor filled the Langlade Elementary School gym on Monday as students got an afterschool floor hockey lesson from the Green Bay Gamblers. About 30 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders whacked and tapped plastic pucks across the gym floor under the tutelage of the city's junior hockey team in of eight afterschool enrichment programs Vickie Patterson, director of enrichment programs and vice president of the school's Parent Teacher Organization, will coordinate throughout the year. Outside of the PTO's efforts, Langlade Elementary School does not have afterschool programs. Other elementary schools in the district, with the help of 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, have more. Trina Lambert, extended learning coordinator for the district, said in the 2003-04 school year, 41 after school programs were offered to students at the district's 12 schools eligible for the grants. To be eligible, 40 percent or more of students must qualify for a free or reduced lunch program. Much support for the district's programs comes from 40 nonprofit organizations. Langlade Elementary School has drawn from other sources. It has a before-school program, houses a YMCA program and relies on the PTO for support. "Our PTO actually has put together several offerings of enrichment type opportunities for children after school, so I think it's a real plus for our school community," said Langlade Elementary School principal, Pamela Haugh. The PTO program has invited students' parents for speakers, but Patterson said she is inviting more organizations, such as the Red Cross and the Brown County Library, to present activities to the children. "I wanted to bring more of the community ... into the schools," she said. Kim Kapla, a parent and Allouez resident, said she is happy with the PTO's programs. "It's diverse. It hits everybody," she said. "Those who aren't in to sports can do something else," Kapla said. She cited last year's programs, which included cheerleading, tile-making, Christmas cards, karate andjewelry-making. On Monday, Green Bay Gamblers team member, Corey Couturier, identified with young fans. When asked what was the best thing about visiting students in their schools, he said, "We're kids too, and we're playing a sport. And the way they (the students) are so intrigued by us is pretty neat," he said. Hockey is increasingly becoming a woman's sport as well, locally and nationally. "The U.S. women's team is really good," Couturier said. Tayler Hanold, 10, said she wants to play on a hockey team. The Gamblers' visit was great, especially for kids whose families do not see them perform at the Resch Center, she said. Couturier said the sport can have a broad impact on kids and society. "If something really hits them, they really like the game, maybe it'll keep them out of trouble," he said. Max Boyle, 10, said hitting the puck gives him the greatest thrill. The visiting hockey players live inspiring lives, said parent and Bellevue resident, Bill Rouse. "It's an impressive program, it really is," Rouse said. "You just look at where these kids have gone on to - the players from the Gamblers - and how many kids are now playing Division I college hockey," he said. Patterson and Haugh said increased after school activities would be welcome at Langlade Elementary. "In a perfect world it'd be great to say that we had all kinds of things here, but I also understand that we only have so much money, and our children are very blessed that they come from, you know, environments where the parents are able to provide a lot more of those things on their own," Haugh said.