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Greetings!
This is the December 3rd edition of a weekly report to the LINC Commission. Our board is deeply interested in our work and wanted to learn about -- and share with others -- the great things LINC is helping to accomplish.
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LINC continues to invest in program quality, staff development and evaluation
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"When the kids see the blue shirts, their eyes light up. LINC should be proud of how their staff connects with the kids in the school. Their presence makes such a difference in those kids' lives."
- Ann Ditty, Licensing Consultant |
Now in its eleventh year of offering Caring Communities Before and After School programs, LINC continues to invest in site licensing, staff credentialing and quality standards.
This fall brings the next level of SACERS (School Age Care Environmental Rating Scale) assessments to LINC Before and After School program sites. SACERS assesses program quality by measuring 49 items related to space and furnishings, health and safety, activities, interactions, program structure, staff development, and special needs. Assessments are conducted by the Francis Institute with help from LINC licensing consultant Ann Ditty.
LINC also provides program staff with opportunities for professional development. This fall staff are training to receive youth development credentials through classes offered by the Francis Institute at Metropolitan Community College - Penn Valley. The classes are an opportunity for staff to gain college credit and professional recognition for demonstrating their competence and knowledge. Credentials are awarded by the Missouri School Age Community Coalition.
This fall LINC also sponsored leadership development for site supervisors and coordinators through a two-day Strengths-Based Coaching seminar offered by the Francis Institute at Penn Valley. The seminar focused on transforming staff relationships, inspiring motivation and commitment, and achieving and sustaining quality improvements.
Finally, school staff and teacher surveys have been received for inclusion in an independent evaluation being conducted by Georgia State University. LINC has a longstanding relationship with GSU, working with Dr. Chris Heinrich who oversees evaluation of LINC Caring Communities sites receiving 21st Century Community Learning Center funding.
Next spring Ditty will represent LINC at the National After School Association's 23rd annual national convention, where she will give a presentation on "Building Your Program from the Bottom Up and from the Top Down." |
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Foreign Language Academy LINC students create student newsletter
Students at the Foreign Language Academy LINC Afterschool Program have found a creative way to help keep their neighborhood informed.
 This November, more than 20 students produced the first issue of The L.I.N.K - Literature that Informs Neighborhoods in KC, a four-page newsletter featuring school news, a book review, health advisory, LINC news, and more.
The newsletter is written by LINC students in the Journalism Club under the guidance of LINC staff Delores Hernandez.
The group of 4th-8th graders plan to produce a newsletter every month. Stories in future issues will be accompanied by photos, as the students are now equipped with cameras.
The club will also produce promotional materials such as event programs, and are planning a LINC Yearbook for families and children. |
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HomeSharing staff can assist seniors with Medicare questions and needs
The LINC-supported initiative HomeSharing is now able to help seniors with Medicare questions and issues.
HomeSharing staff Bill Thebo was among several in the community who recently received extensive training through the CLAIM (Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri) program.
CLAIM provides free, unbiased information about Medicare to Missourians.
LINC is supporting development of a new community CLAIM center at Swope Ridge Geriatric Center.
Swope Ridge hopes with LINC's assistance to develop and train a cadre of volunteers and trainers that can provide this service for all community members, particularly those in the 64130 zip code.
One of the first events is a community session on Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., providing expert help to residents eligible for the Medicare Part D prescription drug program.
Assistance includes information on the supplementary program Extra Help, which can help reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
LINC provided HomeSharing an organizational home two years ago. The effort matches seniors willing to share their homes with persons needing housing. More information is available at www.kclinc.org/homesharing. |
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LINC Chess students meet Kasparov, renowned chess master
Garry Kasparov, considered by many to be the greatest chess player in history, was in Kansas City on Dec. 1 to discuss his efforts to promote democracy and liberty in Russia and around the world.
 The event, held at the Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch, was attended by several LINC chess players.
Some (such as Maddy McBride, right) had a chance to talk with Kasparov after his speech.
LINC believes chess is a great way for children to learn to think strategically.
LINC supports active chess clubs in afterschool programs at many LINC Caring Communities sites and at community locations including Kansas City Public Library branches.
To learn more about LINC Chess visit kclinc.org/chess |
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Landon Rowland recognized with Southtown Kansas City civic award
LINC chairman Landon Rowland will be recognized Dec. 9 with the Southtown Foundation American Citizen Award.
The Southtown Council was formed in 1982 and has worked collaboratively on community improvements in south Kansas City.
The luncheon chairs are Carl DiCapo and LINC Commissioner Anita Gorman. |
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Barber and Beauty Day set for Attucks
Attucks Caring Communities is organizing a Barber and Beauty Day at Attucks Elementary School so students can receive free haircuts and hairstyles to look sharp for the holidays. On Monday, Dec. 20, stylists from 21 barber shops and beauty salons will volunteer their time for the event.
This is the second year for the Barber and Beauty Day. Last year, students at Longan Elementary benefitted from the generosity of the stylists.
Again this year IBEW Local Union 124 is arranging the donation of materials and labor to upgrade the electrical capacity of the gymnasium to accommodate the stylists' equipment. |
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Helping Hands provide safe emergency shelter for Buckner kids
The new Helping Hands program in Buckner will provide a safe place for children when they need adult assistance during emergencies such as being lost, frightened, injured, or ill.
 Children walking to or from school or playing can go to designated homes if they are bullied or scared or if weather or other emergencies threaten them.
Helping Hands homes will prominently display a sign in a front window. The signs will be issued to homeowners by the Buckner Elementary School office after the homeowner and anyone living in the home have been approved by the Buckner Police Department.
The program is sponsored by the City of Buckner, Buckner Elementary School, and Buckner Caring Communities in cooperation with law enforcement and emergency responders.
Information meetings will be held in January so families can learn more about the program and sign up to be Helping Hands homes. |
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Contact Information
Brent Schondelmeyer, Director of Communications
phone: (816) 410-8350
email: bschonde@kclinc.org
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