Practicing Their ABCs Well Into the P.M.

Long after the last class is over at Roosevelt Elementary School, dozens of neighborhood kids are still there. Some are getting help with their homework. Others are out on the field learning the Cub Scout oath.

In a partnership between the city and the Santa Ana Unified School District, Roosevelt recently became the first local campus open to parents and children after hours, up to 10 p.m. If it is successful, the after-school program will be extended to other campuses, officials said.

Julio Salcedo, who coordinates the weeks-old program, said he’s confident the effort will succeed.

“The people who live here are really ready for this type of program,” he said.

The number of activities at Roosevelt is growing, as is interest from residents who live nearby, according to officials.

In addition to tutoring and club activities, neighborhood kids soon will be able to play on soccer teams or take English-as-a-second-language classes. Parents will be able to take parenting or citizenship classes at night. The city Recreation Department and volunteer groups will provide staffing for the activities.

Roosevelt was chosen for the pilot program because the surrounding neighborhood lacks parks and community centers. The neighborhood, bounded by McFadden Avenue and 1st, Lyon and Main streets, is one of the poorest in the city and has the highest crime rate. Residents from the neighborhood are eligible to use the program.

City officials and educators said they hope to accomplish two things by keeping schools open at night: help students improve their grades and curb juvenile crime by giving teens, who might otherwise join gangs, a place to spend the afternoon.