On a recent evening in Gasconade County RII, the school was buzzing with energy, not from a typical school day, but from something just as powerful: a night of connection, community, and celebration. The Excellence in Extended Learning (ExcEL) Afterschool Program, a 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grantee, hosted a family night on Pi Day, bringing families and students together.
There were activities for kids and parents: games, pizza, and mini pies. The book fair 
stayed open late, encouraging families to browse new stories together. But beyond the games and good food, the evening served a greater purpose. The Missouri AfterSchool Network (MASN) was there to listen, specifically to hear from parents about how the ExcEL program has impacted their families, and why afterschool programming is more important now than ever.
For many parents, the ExcEL program bridges school and home, isolation and connection, struggle and support. One parent described how the program has created a space of belonging for their child:
“The program is important to me because my son isn’t really into sports, and it gives him an opportunity to find peers like him that are into things like Dungeons & Dragons.”
ExcEL isn’t just an afterschool program for his son—it’s a place where his interests are celebrated and he’s found friends who share his passions. That kind of community can be life-changing.
Another parent spoke about the academic and emotional growth they’ve witnessed in their daughter since joining the program:
“It helps with my daughter’s homework and for her to be more vocal in class. She needs extra help sometimes, and she’s very shy, so it’s good to have that support and socialization.”
This theme of support came up again and again. For many families, ExcEL isn’t just a convenience—it’s a cornerstone. It provides structured time for homework help, emotional guidance, and social learning that continues after the final school bell.
“[My son] has something to do and gets to be more social after school,” one parent said. “If he wasn’t here, he’d be home playing PlayStation by himself.”
In communities where resources can be limited and transportation is a challenge, afterschool programs are often the only consistent extracurricular option available. For some families, these programs offer more than just enrichment—they offer peace of mind.
“There’s a lot for my son to do. It’s somewhere that’s supervised, and they have tutors to help with homework. The best part is that he isn’t at home by himself.”
Other parents emphasized how the program helps kids stay safe, focused, and engaged during those crucial afterschool hours.
“I love ExcEL for the extra learning experiences. And it gives her something to do other than being out on the street. If this program weren’t here, I know a lot of these kids would be getting into trouble.”
Another parent shared how the program has been especially meaningful for children reentering the school environment after time away:
“My foster children are in the program, and they’ve been out of the school system for a long time. This gives them support and helps integrate them back into school. They get tutoring, on top of friends, on top of fun.”
That’s the power of afterschool. It’s not just about keeping kids busy—it’s about keeping them seen, safe, and supported.
Programs like ExcEL are made possible through local commitment, dedicated staff, and strong partnerships. At MASN, we strive to support programs across the state, work to elevate stories like these to bring awareness to just how far-reaching the benefits of afterschool can be. From academic support and social development to crime prevention and workforce preparation, the impact is clear, and the voices from Gasconade County amplify that.
ExcEL is part of a growing movement across Missouri to reimagine what education can look like beyond the classroom. By extending learning into the afternoon hours, afterschool programs provide a critical safety net and an expansive learning lab. Whether a child can learn how to code, explore art, build friendships, or simply get a hot meal, these moments matter.
For the families at ExcEL, it’s simple: the program fills a need that nothing else does. It’s trusted, consistent, and built around the needs of the community it serves.
In small towns like Owensville, where the middle school ExcEL program is based, community ties are everything, and the program has become an anchor. It’s a place where parents feel seen, kids feel valued, and education doesn’t stop when the school day ends.
So while the evening may have had some Pi Day flair—pizza slices, sweet pies, and clever games—the real takeaway wasn’t about numbers.
It was about connection; the kind that happens when families gather to celebrate, share their stories, and lift each other.
These programs remind us that every hour after school is an opportunity to support, uplift, and empower. And when that opportunity is met with care, creativity, and community, it’s nothing short of excellence.
View the YouTube clip: https://youtube.com/shorts/ku2wa535cX0?feature=share
