Little Gracie Parker is in constant motion. Dressed in head to toe pink complete with matching tutu, her arms, hands, feet and legs are a bundle of energy, dancing as they wish. And she's not alone.
Around 15 little girls dressed in pink surround her, and just like Gracie, all they want to do is dance, even if it sometimes means not exactly listening to what dance instructor Sabrina Jenkins has to say. But amidst the giggles and the grins, there's something greater going on at building 3153 every Tuesday morning -- learning. And for the SKIES Unlimited Program, that is exactly the point.
SKIES (Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills) Unlimited provides children the opportunity to expand their horizons and develop new interests through class offerings in subjects such as music, dance, art, martial arts and foreign language, all within the safe confines of Redstone Arsenal. Just because school is done for the day doesn't mean the learning has to stop, and that's exactly what the SKIES program capitalizes on, giving kids a productive way to spend their time when they're not in school.
"It establishes a sense of pride, a sense of ownership to something," said Karvellis Lee, SKIES director. "We believe that if a child is provided some sort of enrichment program, he or she is likely to not get into trouble. I think it's a proven fact. Some kids can't be on the football, basketball or athletic team and this is another outlet for them to participate in."
At the SKIES dance class on Tuesday mornings, the little girls age 3 to 5 aren't just having fun twirling in their tutus, they're learning the difference between left and right and practicing their counting, as well as building their basic dance and social skills. For Gracie's mom Michelle, enrolling the little girl in the program has been more than just seeing if her love of dancing at home will translate into a hobby, it's also about the life skills she's learning in class.
"Gracie actually gets to meet other children of all different ages, and she'll also start to learn, hopefully, a little bit of discipline," Parker said. "She's 2 and a half -- at that age they need to learn discipline, respect and to treat the other girls with respect as well."
It's not just the learning aspect, however, that drew Parker to the SKIES program, it's the convenience and cost as well. Students are picked up right from their CDCs on post and transported to the SKIES Unlimited facility, building 3153 next to the Youth Center, in time for class at 10, and are taken back by bus when the dancing is said and done, making it hassle and worry free for parents. At $40 a month for four hourlong classes compared to what can be as much as $48 for a single hour in the community, the savings is undeniable.
"You can't beat our prices," Lee said. "Our prices alone, along with the background checks and the facilities -- you can't beat it. It's the security and the convenience."
Fully aware of how quickly a child can become both excited or disinterested in a hobby, there are no contracts, but rather fees are paid on a month-to-month basis, so kids can come and go as their interests please. All instructors receive a background check and CPR and first aid training, and all facilities have cameras. Anyone with access to the Arsenal is eligible to enroll their children in the program; registration is done at Parent Central Services, building 1500 on Weeden Mountain Road.
"It's just another avenue for children to explore their interests without a long-term commitment. We don't have any contracts. We're month to month, because we realize kids may think they want to play piano, but they might change their mind next month," Lee said.
Current classes offered include martial arts (Taekwondo) and the Tuesday morning dance class, but upcoming classes include piano, guitar, Spanish conversation, art, drumline and drivers education. No matter what piques a child's interest however, the impact of their participation in SKIES can be life changing.
"I've seen kids who were loners and now all of a sudden they have an interest," Lee said. "When they get off the bus they're like, 'hey, can I go play the piano for a few minutes?' You see that. That kid is now not so much an introvert, but a little more outgoing."
Add in the community feel, and it's no wonder why parents choose SKIES.
"The people are friendly," Parker said. "I think it offers a great opportunity for children to learn respect, discipline and they can make friends. You as a parent get to meet people. The hours are great and they have such a variety of programs."
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