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 | Upcoming Trainings
 FREE: Getting Started with the "Healthy Out-of-School Time Framework" Webinar April 22, 2014 | 10am   OregonASK is excited to announce a new collaboration with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to encourage before, after and summer programs across the state to utilize the Alliance's Healthy Out-of-School Time Framework. Any out-of-school time provider can utilize the Alliance's Healthy Out-of-School Time (HOST) Framework, a science-based framework that helps programs create environments where youth are encouraged to eat healthier and move more. The HOST Framework is built upon the National Afterschool Association Standards for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity.    Click here to register for this FREE training now!   | 
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                  | | Faces & Places:   Growing the World of Widgetarians
By Bethany Thramer  
Looking for a place to send your child to explore the virtual world of Minecraft? Or just a place where they can enjoy technology alongside friends? Fidgets2Widgets may be just that place. It was created out of the desire and need to provide youth with a productive, balanced outlet for their high-energy curiosities. Co-Founders Pam Simon and Sydney Ashland watched as their own children lacked engagement in school, constantly separating the knowledge of life from their school education. In an effort to engage youth in their own learning, Fidgets2Widgets has found a niche meeting students where their interests lie; technology. Pam and Sydney set out to create an environment where youth would be challenged to incorporate essential life skills into the creative world of technology. Fidgets2Widgets was founded on the idea that students need a balance of technology, physical exercise and cooperative collaboration outside of the school day. In a world where technology is no longer just the future, it is the present, they have made technology a part of everyday learning.  They focus on digital citizenship, project-based activities and maintaining a balance in all aspects of life as students learn and grow in this digital age. They have started the only program in Oregon that incorporates Minecraft.edu into a physical learning environment where students become friends in person and virtual allies. Students, age 9-14 years old, are given time each day to build a virtual world within Minecraft, collaborating with peers to create all that they can imagine. Each day also includes time for physical activity and topical studies in geography, reading, math, etc. using a variety of educational apps as group activities and individual study. Click here for the rest of the story... For more information about Fidgets2Widgets program opportunities, you can visit their website here.    | 
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CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE LIAS LEARNING PRINCIPLES:   Deborah Vandell, Ph.D.  Educator and OST Researcher These  two videos (4 and 7 minutes) feature an interview with Deborah Vandell.  Dr. Vandell is a well-known researcher of OST programs and is the Dean  of Education at the University of California, Irvine. She discusses the  LIAS learning principles and describes them as core to people's  learning, from pre-K through the university.    The  Learning in Afterschool & Summer learning principles are helping to  shape the design and implementation of youth programs throughout  California and the country. These videos are excellent training tools  and can be viewed by clicking below. They are a production of Temescal Associates and Change Agent Productions. |  |  | Deborah Vandell and the LIAS Learning Principles, Part 1 | 
   |  |  | Deborah Vandell and the LIAS Learning Principles, Part 2 | 
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 | Need Help with Inclusion?  Inclusive child care just means that children and youth with and  without with disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, or special  health care needs are all together in child care or out-of-school time  programs. It also means that all children and youth participate in all  of the setting's daily routines and activities. If you have questions  about inclusion the Inclusive Child Care Program  can help with consultation, training and resources. Visit our website here  to find more Inclusion resources. | 
 | Resources & Opportunities
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 |  Marion & Polk Youth Garden Educator WorkshopSaturday, April 5, 2014 |  9:30am-3:30pm
 
 Youth  garden educators, volunteers, parents and those who are interested in  starting a youth garden program will join together at the Marion and  Polk Youth Garden Educator Workshop. Participants will receive  curriculum resources, exchange ideas, visit gardens, develop leadership  and basic gardening skills. Click here  to view flyer for more information and to register.  | 
 | Grants Available to Help Feed Kids in Summer and Afterschool Programs    
     Do you work for an afterschool or summer program that struggles to feed kids?   Oregon has grant funds available to help organizations cover start-up and expansion costs to increase participation in the Afterschool Meals and Snacks & Summer Meal Programs.   Who Can Apply?
 A current, approved Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Program Sponsor, ORAn organization wanting to provide Afterschool or Summer Meals through the ODE meal reimbursement program
 How Much Money Can Be Requested?Requests for funds can be up to $20,000 per organization.
 
 
 When Are Applications Accepted?
 Application are being accepted on the following deadlines OR until all funds ($448,000) have been expended:
 2014: April 15, June 2, Sept. 15, Dec. 152015: Feb. 17
 How To Apply:
   Oregon Department of Education & Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon are equal opportunity providers. | 
 | Child Hunger Prevention Roadshow Please join us for PHFO's annual Child Hunger Prevention Roadshow on April 11th in McMinnville, Oregon.
 
 The  Roadshow is a fantastic opportunity to network with partners around the  state who are feeding Oregon's children all year long. Enjoy  interactive workshops, get practical resources and toolkits, and learn  about innovative new approaches to serving meals through federal child  nutrition programs. 
 
 And don't miss this year's keynote address from U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici.  Serving Oregon's 1st District, Representative Bonamici is a great  champion of our work and a tireless advocate for protecting Oregon's  children. 
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 | 2014 Summer Food Service Program Webinar Series
 It's time to start thinking about Summer! Join any  or all of these  interactive webinars  about the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to learn how you can get  involved with this wonderful program that feeds hungry children during  the summer.   Or simply join the webinars to share your experiences and connect with  other interesting people.  SFSP is a very creative program and it allows  everyone to have a role whether you are a parent, business owner,  non-profit, school employee, elected official,  or concerned individual. For more information about SFSP please visit:  www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp. | 
 | SAFE: Screening Applicants for Effectiveness  How does your organization screen and select safe volunteers to work with kids?  The SAFE workshop is being offered in several communities throughout the upcoming school year. Join youth development leaders in your community to learn what you can do to stop child sexual abuse.  The remaining upcoming dates are:
Thursday, April 10th - The Dalles  Friday, April 11th - La Grande      RSVP at: https://oregonmentors.wufoo.com/forms/safe-training-rsvp/. For questions or comments, please contact Meghan Perry at meghan@oregonmentors.org or 503-517-8990 x 201.   | 
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