As school year begins, so does the fun

DAYTON - The kids come home from school, and the bouncing off the walls begins.

Dayton parents who want their kids to burn off energy before coming home have several options for before-and-after-school programs.

Ballet teacher Carolyn Oliver is getting ready for her new students. Her classes begin on Sept. 8. Last year, she had as many as 50 students. She is looking forward to their eagerness.

"There are some wonderful dancers and wonderful talent in Dayton," Oliver said Wednesday.

Her new lyrical dance class is a combination of modern, jazz and ballet. Oliver, a former Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo dancer, has taught ballet in Carson City for 40 years and 11 years in Dayton. Oliver helped start the careers of many professional dancers and showgirls.

Dance and martial arts classes, sponsored by Central Lyon Park and Recreation, are open to kids and adults.

Martial arts instructor John Watermolen said the classes improve self esteem, self discipline and physical fitness.

"It's a tool to do well in school," he said.

Don't worry if your child isn't a dancer, or can't hack karate. Central Lyon Park and Recreation also offers a before-and-after-school program called Just Kids.

Starting Monday, before-school programs at Sutro and Dayton elementary schools are 6:30-8:30 a.m. The after-school program is 3-6 p.m.

Parks and Rec Director Jannette Hoffert said Wednesday they are also offering an after-school teen program for the first time.

"The kids will help design the program, and they will name it," she said.

The program is for ages 11 to 14. Hoffert said they will emphasize positive-action programs, which teach kids how to make decisions. They will also have a homework time with tutors available. The program will be at the Dayton Intermediate School from 2-6 p.m.

"The whole idea is that we offer a safe and fun place for kids," Hoffert said.

She also is looking for classes to sponsor. If you have a skill or hobby you would like to teach, contact Parks and Recreation at 246-6227.

Just Kids before- and after-school program

Sutro and Dayton elementary schools, starting Monday.

6:30-8:30 a.m. and

3-6 p.m.

For 5 to 11-year olds

Cost: $40 a week for one child, less for two or more

For more information, call Central Lyon Parks and Recreation, 246-6227;

Sutro Elementary, Just Kids 246-3192, 190 Dayton Village Parkway; Dayton Elementary, Just Kids 246-7266, 285 Old Dayton Valley Road

Teen Club

Dayton Intermediate School, 315 Old Dayton Valley Road

2-6 p.m.

For 11 to 14-year-olds

Cost: $12 per week

The Dayton Dance Project

Classes begin Sept. 8 for children age 5 and up and adults.

At the Dayton Community Center, 170 Pike St.

Mondays and Wednesdays

For registration, contact Carolyn Oliver at 883-0903 or the rec department at 246-6227

Cost: $42 a month, discounts for families

Martial Arts

Classes ongoing for children age 5 and up and adults.

At the Dayton Community Center

Tuesday and Thursdays.

For registration, contact John Watermolen at 246-4010 or 745-5117

Cost: $35 a month, discounts for families

Contact Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.