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Dear BOOSTers,
It's BACK TO SCHOOL time, and we can't be more excited! Our summer was full of travel around the country training amazing out-of-school time leaders- so many inspiring staff doing great work with today's youth. Working with new and seasoned programs continues to drive us be more relevant in our work and we always appreciate an opportunity to support you in meeting your needs.
We look forward to working with you throughout the year and wish you the best in all of your endeavors.
Thank you for all the work you do to support children, youth, families, and communities,
Tia Quinn
Executive Director
BOOST Collaborative
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OST Highlight
Expand Your Reach and Effectiveness with Expanding Minds and Opportunities
By Steve Fowler, Terry K. Peterson and Tia Quinn
Have you ever wished there were one source that could provide what you need to expand your reach, make the case, or improve your programming and partnerships?
Expanding Minds and Opportunities: Leveraging the Power of Afterschool and Summer Learning for Student Success is a powerful collection of nearly 70 articles that present bold and persuasive evidence demonstrating how afterschool and summer opportunities are yielding positive outcomes for authentic student, community, and family engagement in learning.
This groundbreaking compendium comprises studies, reports, and commentaries by more than 100 thought leaders including community leaders, elected officials, educators, researchers, advocates and other prominent authors. In addition, it offers examples and approaches to engage young people in expanding their learning and highlights opportunities that could be of particular interest to afterschool and summer learning staff and educators. Combined with involvement in local, state, and national networks, this excellent resource can help you advocate for and improve your program offerings... Read More
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BOO ST Buzz
Interview with Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D
BOOST Collaborative's Program Coordinator Rachel Ruiz had the pleasure of interviewing Scott Barry Kaufman, an all around funny and inspiring guy with a Ph.D in Cognitive Psychology from Yale University. Kaufman proposed the Theory of Personal Intelligence, which redefines intelligence as the dynamic interplay of an individual's engagement and ability over time in the pursuit of personal goals. With this broadened definition, passion and persistence become essential elements of intelligence.
Q- What sparked your interest in the topic of child giftedness?
A- When I was young I had a learning disability, an auditory disability, and I was placed in special education. I always wondered: What does it mean to be gifted? What does it mean to be learning disabled? I always looked at people of varying ability levels in the classroom. I remember early on I was fascinated with the causes of these differences and how mutable they were.
Click here to read the full interview.
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NEW: BOOST Gear Shop Now on Square Market
The BOOST Collaborative Gear Shop is now on the Square Market! Check out our fresh new look and pick up some cool BOOST Swag!
Click here to purchase your BOOST gear today!
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Program Highlight
Girls Give Back
Jewish Family Service San Diego, CA
Girls Give Back is a leadership, empowerment, and service learning program for high school teens in San Diego County. Young women learn about girls and women's issues, develop leadership skills, and then plan projects that give back to the community in a meaningful way. This summer, the teens have been busy creating a 30 ft. mural for the San Diego Airport. The Girls Give Back project is focusing on femininity in western culture and the struggle for women to find their place between traditional and modern ideas of what it means to be a woman. We partnered with Art Reach San Diego, who helped us with the technical aspects of creating a 30 ft. mural. Our piece includes a large central panel that the girls created collaboratively and then individual pieces centered on a positive word about women that each teen selected. Girls Give Back teens have championed the importance of media literacy for youth and have designed peer-education curriculum to empower other young women to look at the media critically.
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Viviana Hernandez-Saint Louis
Affiliate Coordinator
Kids Included Together
San Diego, CA
Viviana serves as the overall coordinator of Kids Included Together's affiliate program. She provides professional development support to various affiliate organizations by providing live training, coaching, technical assistance, site consultations and resources on inclusion. Viviana has been in this field for over 14 years, she received her B.S. in Human Services with an emphasis in Youth Development and Leadership from Springfield College. She also serves as the VP for the California School-age Consortium San Diego Chapter.
It was 2003 when she served as a program director at a local before and after school program in San Diego that she first partnered with KIT, and embraced the journey to inclusion! Viviana was asked to become an inclusion trainer after continuously attending all of the KIT trainings offered by her organization and applying successful inclusion practices at her site. Viviana explains, "Inclusion is not a program, it is a belief, a philosophy that everyone has the right to belong. It is a way of life that embraces and respects differences in the world."
Viviana leads with a service heart! She supports the teams she works with through coaching, modeling and empowerment. We are so thankful to have her on our team as she brings us together as one big family!
To learn more about Kids Included Together, please click here.
Submitted by:
Emily Libby
Communications Coordinator
Kids Included Together
San Diego, CA
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BOOST Breakfast Club
Click on blog title to read more!
Wanna' Motivate Your Staff?
Blog written by Julia Gabor, Senior Programs Director, Tiger Woods Foundation, Irvine, CA
Blog written by Katie Brackenridge, Senior Director, Partnership for Children and Youth, Oakland, CA
for more information on how to join this amazing group of bloggers today!
To view other Breakfast Club Blogs click here.
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Instant Challenge - Will It Stick
What are DESTINATION IMAGINATION Instant Challenges?
Instant Challenges are Performance Based, Task Based, or a combination of the two performances. Performance Based challenges require the participants to devise some kind of acted out solution to the challenge which can sometimes involve materials and sometimes not. A Task Based challenge will often require some readily available supplies and the participants will be asked to create something for their solution. Often they will also have to present their creation.
Additionally, most Instant Challenges incorporate components of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and the Arts, which align with the 21st century skills learning model as well as the Common Core standards used by educators.
Activity time: 10 minutes
Grade level: Grades 2-12
Group size: Small Group
Environment: Indoor area with table tops large enough for materials and 18" x18" space
Objective: Instant Challenges require teams to engage in quick creative and critical thinking. During an Instant Challenge participants are able to work together to find solutions to presented scenarios. The participants must think on their feet by applying appropriate skills to produce a solution within a short time period of usually less than 10 minutes. These Challenges easily fit into any schedule.
Materials needed:
* 2 Sheets of Paper * 5 Straws * 6 Mailing Labels * 3 Twenty-four Pieces of String * 1 Paper Cup * 8 Twist Ties * 5 Paper Clips * 10 Rubber Bands
The mailing labels may NOT be attached to the board. Your team will also have a yardstick (meterstick) to use but this may NOT be part of your structure. 18" x 18" x 1" wooden board Also, keep in mind that you can easily modify challenges to better meet the needs of your group or the materials you have on hand.
Preparation: Assemble the materials, and make a copy of the activity instructions to give to the team so they can follow along as you read the instructions. Directions: Your TASK is to build a structure that is as tall as possible on a wooden board. The structure needs to stick to the board when the board is turned upside down. You must build your structure on the wooden board. After 6 minutes (or sooner if you want), the Appraisers will measure the height of your structure. You then will have a chance to turn the wooden board with the structure upside down to see if your structure will stick to the board. When turning the board upside down, you only may touch the board. You will receive additional score if nothing falls off your structure for 10 seconds after the board has been turned upside down. Time: You will have up to 6 minutes to use your IMAGINATION to build your structure.
Processing Questions: After facilitating a challenge with the group, it is important that the participants discuss the experience. The leader's job is to facilitate the discussion as necessary, without telling the team exactly what to do. By processing each challenge, the team will begin to self-assess and become better at both understanding their strengths and working on their weaknesses.
Real learning takes place during processing, so do not skip this important part. Destination Imagination Instant Challenges are written so both the participants and facilitators can benefit from Processing Questions.
Below are some examples for both teams and facilitators: For the participants the questions might be: What was fun about this challenge? Would you change anything you did? What new things did you learn? For the facilitators: Was it fun for the group? Why?
Resources:For more instant challenges, contact [email protected] and visit extremecreativity.org/instant-challenge.
Submitted by:
Richard Penny Executive Director
California Destination Imagination
San Diego, CA
To learn more about CA Destination Imagination, click here.
Do you have a youth activity that is fun, engaging, and easy to implement? Let us know about it and we may feature it here!
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September 15, 2013
Regional Grants available for select cities/states, focus is on healthy food choices and activity. Projects may include school-based or after-school nutrition and fitness programs.
Target Field Trip Grants
September 30, 2013
Teachers, if you've got an idea for an engaging, out-of-class trip for students but don't have funding, consider applying for Target's Field Trip Grants. Note: These grants get a lot of exposure, so make sure your application is well-written and presents a clear need, as well as a creative field trip idea.
October 15, 2013
National grant opportunity for organizations and agencies supporting early childhood education and development.
The Awesome Foundation Grant
Rolling
Apply today to fund your project with aim to bring communities in your area together. Awesome ideas "spark an instant of joy and delight and inspire a long-term hope for a more awesome future." Submissions are reviewed and grants of $1000 are awarded monthly.
To see more funding opportunities, click here.
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Click here to read more news!
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Early College, Early Success: Early College High School Initiative Impact Study
This study assesses whether attending Early College High Schools increased post secondary outcomes. In this study Early Colleges are defined as high schools that partner with local colleges and universities to offer students the opportunity to take courses towards earning a degree. Key findings include topics surrounding high school graduation, college enrollment, and college degree attainment.
To read more about this study, click here.
State Cyberbullying Laws: A Brief Review of State Cyberbullying Laws and Policies
This research breaks down current cyberbullying policy by state and cites the specific language described in each state's legislation. A table is provided to show the inconsistencies and disparities of such laws across the United States.
Cyberbullying Research Center
To read more about this study, click here.
Progress on Childhood Obesity: Many States Show Declines
The CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) discusses the issues concerning childhood obesity and what can be done to continue this downward trend. The research provides statistics that include forty-three states and helpful info-graphics to digest referenced material.
To read more about this study, click here.
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Did You Know?
Click on the image for a closer look!
For resources on this topic, visit the BOOST Resource Center here!
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Get Connected
BOOST Yourself!
CONNECT with the out-of-school time field and join the conversation by connecting with us online through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Skype, LinkedIn and Flickr.
SHARE your story, promising practices, staff highlights and program successes through the BOOST Caf� or participate in any of our professional development opportunities.
COLLABORATE with BOOST! We are always open to discussing creative ideas of how we can work together to support children, youth, families and communities. Together we can make a difference!
PROMOTE careers within your agency through our Career Corner at no-cost.
GIVE BACK and volunteer with the BOOST Collaborative to make a difference.
SIGN UP for our RSS Feeds including the BOOST Breakfast Club Blog, BOOST Collaborative Monthly Newsletter, BOOST Conference updates, Healthy Behaviors Conference updates. We bring you the latest news, research, trends, funding opportunities and highlight promising practices in the out-of-school time field.
SPONSOR an out-of-school time professional or become a sponsor at one of our conferences or events.
SUPPORT the efforts of BOOST Collaborative by making a donation to the BOOST Scholarship Fund or shop online through one of our affiliate programs- all of the proceeds go directly to the BOOST Scholarship Fund.
ADVOCATE for out-of-school time programs and keep the lights on and doors open for youth during the critical hours!
Learn more here.
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Contact Us
BOOST Collaborative
1286 University Avenue #739
San Diego, CA 92103
619-23-BOOST
(619-232-6678)
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Save the Dates: BOOST Conference 2014, 2015, & 2016
Click here to download your Save-the-Date
Join the nation's largest, most recognized and comprehensive conference for after school and out-of-school time professionals. Set in a retreat-like atmosphere, this extraordinary event will rejuvenate your passion and boost your direction for quality programming. Make sure not to miss BOOST Conference 2014! Mark your calendars today.
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September Poll
Back To School Trivia Time!
How many school-age children (5 to 17) spoke a language other than English at home in 2011?
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September Facebook Contest
BOOST is celebrating going back to school! Post your favorite back to school photo to our Facebook page and you will be entered to win a $50 Visa Gift Card.
The winner will be selected at random but we encourage you to get as many "likes" on your back to school photo as you can!
The contest will run from Tuesday, September 10th- Friday, September 20th at noon. Winner will be announced Monday September 23rd!
To visit our Facebook page click here.
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National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. As educators, we play a significant role in nurturing a child's physical and social health. Click here for inspiration on how to get kids excited about making healthy choices!
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Lights On Afterschool
Oct. 17, 2013
Celebrate the 14th Annual Lights On Afterschool hosted by the Afterschool Alliance! Each October, 1 million Americans and thousands of communities nationwide celebrate Lights On Afterschool to shine a light on the afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. To kick off the planning season, the Afterschool Alliance has completely redone their Lights On Afterschool website, complete with easier navigation, updated resources, new event ideas, and planning tips from both seasoned veterans and first-timers. Click here to get your Lights on Afterschool celebration started! |
Hispanic Heritage Month Poster Contest
Calling All San Diego 5th Graders!
Put your artistic abilities to the test by designing a poster for the 2013
Hispanic Heritage Month Poster Contest!
Theme: Cyberbullying: Recognize, Reject, and Report - Hostigamiento Cibernetico: Recon�celo, Rech�zalo, y Rep�rtalo.
Entries Due By: Oct. 8, 2013 2012 Winner -Hispanic Heritage Month Poster Contest
The contest is part of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's efforts to encourage children to step up against cyberbullying by recognizing, rejecting and reporting these incidents.
The first, second and third place poster winners will be awarded the following prizes:
- First Place: Laptop with accessories
- Second Place: Nintendo DS
- Third Place: Portable DVD Player
In addition, winners will receive a framed copy of their poster to be displayed at their school along with a NCMEC certificate of recognition.
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Free Webinar: Building Number Sense: Student-Centered Singapore Math Strategies for Grades K-5
Thursday, September 12, 2013 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM EDT
In this complimentary 1 hour webinar, Ricky Mikelman shares how you can inject new life into your current math curriculum with meaningful Singapore Math strategies. See how Singapore Math aligns with your state's core learning standards with math lessons that motivate and engage your learners. There are fun and easy ways to develop strong number sense and solid math thinking to help every student find math success! Register for the webinar here!
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Planet BOOST
Don't forget to pack your BOOST gear for your upcoming travels!
Take a picture in your BOOST gear and send it to us, then you'll automatically be entered to win a FREE BOOST conference registration!
We will be choosing 1 winner at random in celebration of Lights on Afterschool on Thursday, October 17!
Trang Truong, Project Coordinator
Global Initiatives YMCA, Chicago, IL
Photo Taken:YMCA Europe Festival, Prague, Czech Republic, August 2013
Dr. Andi Fletcher, Consultant Sacramento, CA
Photo Taken: Sonoma, CA, August 2013
Kia Reddix 21st Century Coordinator
Booker T. Washington HS/High School for Engineering, Houston, TX Photo Taken: Barton Creek Resort, Austin, TX, August 2013
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Tech Talks WebinarSept. 15, 22, 29 & Oct. 6, 20, 27 8PM-9PM EST
Brought to you by the Niagra Falls City School District, this webinar will help answer your questions about classroom technology and discuss valuable tools you can use in your classroom. These September and October webinars provide great back to school ideas for teachers.
To register for this webinar, please click here.
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With StoryBots Starring You� Books, your child is the STAR of the show! In just a few simple swipes, you can create personalized storybooks that feature your child's face and name. Your child will be enthralled by the great stories, colorful art, and awesome animations in every Starring You� Book. Download the app, turn out the lights, and take your child on a personalized journey unlike anything they've ever experienced before!
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Looking for quality staff? Check out the BOOST Career Corner to post job listings or browse available job listings for free.
Principal Researcher
American Institutes for Research
Chicago, IL
American Institutes for Research
Washington D.C.
San Diego Futures Foundation
San Diego,CA
View more listings here.
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The BOOST Vendor Fair provides out-of-school time professionals access to a wide variety of products and services to enhance their programs. Browse through the Vendor Fair to learn more about the latest products and services for out-of-school time. It is absolutely FREE to use!
Vendor Fair Highlight
Skillastics Camps, School Products, Sports Equipment, Team Building, Other
Corona, CA
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Join the BOOST Vendor Fair
The BOOST Vendor Fair is an online community providing out-of-school time professionals access to browse a wide variety of products and services to enhance their programs.
Click here to browse through the Vendor Fair.
One time fee of $395.00 for an unlimited listing of your profile.
Special rate for non-profits!
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BOOST Speaker's Corner
The BOOST Speakers Corner provides out-of-school time professionals access to a wide variety of speakers, consultants, coaches, and trainer that can help you enhance your programs. Browse through the Speakers Corner to learn more about services that can take your program to the next level. It is absolutely FREE to browse!
Speakers Corner Highlight
Jane Sharp
Private Consultant Arts and Culture, Before and After School Programs, Camps, Child Advocates & More! ConsultantSharp Ideas LLC Allentown, NJ
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Join the BOOST Speakers Corner
Join the BOOST Speakers Corner to take advantage of the opportunity to promote your consulting, training and speaking services to thousands of out-of-school time professionals. It's easy, inexpensive and a great way to market your expertise. Create a profile and get your name out there!
Click here to browse and join the Speakers Corner. One time fee of $395.00 for an unlimited listing of your profile. Special rate for non-profits!
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Free Resource Center
BOOST is proud to bring you free resources to enhance the quality of your out-of-school time program and professional development needs.
* new resources added
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BOOSTOPEDIA
Do you ever sit in a meeting and wonder what all these acronyms really stand for? We have created an easy-to-use guide to help you better understand and decipher common acronyms used in the out-of-school time field. Click the categories below to learn more.
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Free Downloads
Download FREE BOOST Collaborative wallpaper for your desktop!
Click here to view more wallpaper and download them for your desktop.
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BOOST Boot Camp
Are you planning any back-to-school training opportunities for your staff?
Host a BOOST Boot Camp and take your program to the next level.
BOOST Boot Camp includes your choice in a series of workshops in the focus areas listed below:
- Academic Enrichment
- Enrichment Elements
- Building Relationships
- Program Environment
- Program Fundamentals
- Older Youth
View a full list of available training topics.
We will be in several cities around the U.S. We would love to stop by your city!
If you would like to schedule a BOOST Boot Camp in your area, please contact Tia Quinn at [email protected]
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