What's Happening at East End House
August 2013 Newsletter

Preschool Graduates Head to Kindergarten

On Wednesday, August 28, the sound of Pomp and Circumstance floated through the air as 14 preschool children marched into the East End House gym for their Preschool Graduation. Each child received a diploma, year book, and a backpack full of school supplies.

Our evaluation data show that 100% of the graduates are school ready!

Backpack Drive Prepares Youth for School

East End House wants every child to be successful in school. Sometimes this means fostering academic skills, healthy lifestyles and social-emotional competencies, and sometimes it means providing simple, physical items like backpacks, pencils and notebooks.

Thanks to the generous support of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Arrowstreet, CambridgeSide Galleria, Constellation Pharmaceuticals, the Torstensson Family, and the many individuals who contributed to this effort, East End House was able to distribute over 150 backpacks, filled with classroom necessities, art supplies, and more. All the youth we serve will be starting school next week prepared for success, excited to kickoff the new school year.

Health and Wellness at East End House

Last month's newsletter highlighted the many ways East End House supports youth for academic success and counters the trend of summer learning loss. Yet achievement in the classroom depends on more than a high-quality education; children need to be healthy, fit and social-emotionally prepared for their brains to flourish.

The following articles look at some of the ways East End House encourages children and youth to develop lasting healthy habits. From tooth health to nutritious eating to physical activity and more, East End House is working to help this generation of children grow up healthy and strong.

Smile for Dental Health

"This is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth. This is the way we brush our teeth so early in the morning," sings a smiling chorus of preschool children, dental hygienists from Cambridge Health Alliance and a plush green frog puppet.

Many children dread a trip to the dentist, but East End House makes tooth health fun, and brings it right into the classroom where children are comfortable. Read more �

Dancing Your Way Fit

"Can I show you my dance?" I'm sitting quietly in the classroom corner waiting for the science activity to start when I'm startled by the polite question of a smiling school age student.

"Of course," I answer, impressed with her confident request.

She starts smoothly, lifting her right leg easily and maintaining beautiful balance. Then she bends and quickly twists into the air in a giant leap, but her footfall is barely audible despite my close proximity.

Grinning, she tells me, "If I had my ballet shoes on, it would be even better." Read more �

Healthy Eating Done Right

Every day throughout the summer, East End House's Food Specialist prepares a healthy breakfast, lunch and snack for children in the Child Care and School Age Programs. The agency focuses on providing fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy products, as well as a variety of grains at every meal to significantly enhance children's nutrition. Children are engaged in growing and eating fresh food from the garden in East End House's backyard, including fresh kale, peppers, basil, parsley and more. Check out this great recipe that kids love! Read more �

Childhood Obesity by the Numbers

The CDC reports that obesity has doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years.

Now, over 33% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese.

Our Mission

East End House community center uses a holistic approach to promote the well-being, academic achievement, and successful transition to adulthood of children and youth from under-resourced families in Cambridge and surrounding communities. As part of the approach, East End House provides support services to a diverse population, from infants to seniors, to strengthen family and community.

Current Opportunities Calendar

Child Care Spots Available

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013 7:30 AM - Friday, June 13th, 2014 5:30 PM

East End House delivers a high quality, affordable childcare program for children 15 months to five years of age, designed for working families. The Child Care Program implements best practices to create a safe, nurturing, and academically rich environment for toddlers and preschoolers. Space is currently available in the 3 year old classroom. For more information contact Camille Platt at [email protected] or call 617-876-4444.

Sign Up Now: School Age Program

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013 2:00 PM - Friday, June 13th, 2014 6:00 PM

Sign up now for East End House's out-of-school-time School Age Program! Activities incorporate multicultural and interdisciplinary activities, computer skills, math and science classes, sports, reading and literacy projects, dance, cooperative games and much more. Children also receive structured homework help. To learn more, contact Catharine Downs at 617-876-4444 or [email protected].

Middle School Program Now Enrolling

Monday, September 30th, 2013 2:00 PM - Friday, June 13th, 2014 6:00 PM

The Middle School Program is now enrolling for fall. Hands-on, project-based curricula are designed in collaboration with schoolteachers with the goal of preparing youth with the academic, social and leadership skills they need for a successful transition into high school. STEM learning, leadership development and service learning are major components. To enroll, contact Sam Healy at [email protected] or call 617-876-4444.

Sunrise Senior Activities Program

Every Monday and Every Wednesday
Monday, September 2nd, 2013 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

The Sunrise Senior Activities Program is a group of seniors who meet twice a week for activities designed to foster social engagement and physical wellness. It is open to all seniors in the community. Participants enjoy activities and games, guest speakers, presentations, luncheons and field trips. For more information on senior programming, contact Tim Severyn at 617-876-4444 or [email protected].

Family Playgroups

Every Tuesday
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Bring your 0-5 year old for a fun morning of games, puzzles, and more. No need to sign up, just drop by. Playgroups are a great way for parents and children to socialize. When weather permits, playgroups will take place in the East End House backyard garden. A healthy snack is provided. For more information, contact Camille Platt at 617-876-4444 or [email protected].

Other News

Annual Summer Block Party a Fun Time for All!

On August 21, over 450 people enjoyed East End House's Annual Summer Block Party. Check out the article about the event that was printed in the Cambridge Chronicle. Read more �

Become an Academic Support Volunteer and Help a Child Succeed!

We are seeking volunteers who can make a regular commitment to supporting the academic success of the youth we serve. Volunteers can work on literacy activities, tutor, assist with homework help in our learning centers, or do STEM projects with children of all ages. For more information on volunteering in this and other roles at East End House, contact Tim Severyn, Director of Community Programs, at 617-876-4444 or [email protected].

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For more information about East End House, please visit our web site at www.eastendhouse.org.
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� 2013 East End House, Inc. | 105 Spring St. | Cambridge, MA 02141 | 617-876-4444