Clanton Elementary and Clanton Intermediate schools took their after-school care up a notch this past year, and they are inviting more students to be a part of it.

The after-school program, called Tiger Trails, is funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Grant and operates at CES from 3:30 to about 5:30 p.m. each school day.

Tiger Trails provides students time to complete their daily homework with academic tutoring in math and reading if needed.

Additionally, students can “follow” different trails each week for extracurricular activities such as fitness, art, music, dance, gymnastics, nature exploration and community outreach.

As part of the fitness component of the program, children will receive a healthy snack every afternoon.

Linda Anderson, a second grade teacher at CES, said the program serves about 130–140 students.

Children involved last year will be offered spots first, and registration after that will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We wanted to serve as many as we were able to,” Anderson said. “I think there is a need out there for this.”

Local businesses and community service groups are encouraged to participate in Tiger Trails too.

Cornerstone Fitness and Wellness and the Chilton County Arts Council partnered with the program this past year and led students in exercise and painting activities.

Also, Anderson incorporated the Snack Sack Ministry she started at Clanton First United Methodist Church, allowing students to assemble bags of food for children in need.

“It’s really neat for us to be able to provide enrichment opportunities for children who normally wouldn’t be able to be involved with those activities because of working parents,” Anderson said.

Children must be students of CES or CIS to participate in the program.

For more information, call (205) 280-2730 or go to Clanton Elementary School’s website and click on the T.I.G.E.R. Trails Blog.