AFTERZONE
LATE SUMMER 2014 

Lights on Afterschool is October 23rd!

Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.

 

The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things-such as science, community service, robotics, Tae Kwon Do and poetry-and discover new skills. The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs.

 

Lights on Afterschool is excited to once again an official partner of Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play on Sept. 20, and we want you to get involved! For more than 10 years, WWDOP has been committed to celebrating the value of physical fitness and active play.

  

Register your Lights On Afterschool event  by Wednesday, Sept. 10 and you'll be entered to win a Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play Gift Pack, including:

  • 50 drawstring bookbags
  • 50 water bottles
  • 50 Frisbees
  • 50 paddle ball sets
  • 50 pairs of sunglasses
Plus, If you've got plans to get kids moving during your Lights On Afterschool event, make sure you check the box on the registration form that says you're featuring physical activity in honor of WWDOP. We'll let Nick know what your plans are once you register, and your program could be listed as a partner live on-air!

Click Here to learn more and to register an event.

 






















Click here for more briefs and resources and to subscribe to the Afterschool Snack.
UPCOMING TRAININGS
 
Afterschool Universe
Sept. 20, 2014
OregonASK Offices
OCDC Training Rm. #3
9140 SW Pioneer Ct.
Wilsonville, OR
Time: 9:00am-4:30pm.
Cost: $49
Click Here for more information 
Follow us yet?
Click below to stay
in the loop!
Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter
Quick Links
OAC Keynote Speaker: Dr. Johnny Lake 
  
OregonASK is pleased to announce Dr. Johhny Lake as the keynote speaker for the Oregon Afterschool Conference on November 8th!  
 
Dr. Johnny Lake is a scholar and presenter focused on teaching and learning around issues of leadership, diversity, race and culture, personal and organizational growth, cultural competency, and communication. Dr. Lake assists individuals and institutions gain critical  knowledge and skills, as well as develop effective methods and strategies to bring about growth and progress, and to build and support productive relationships in the organizations and community. He works with schools, government and business to enhance client services and develop skills to promote and manage productive change. He facilitates the development of skills and resources to help individuals and organizations better meet the demands of a changing society.

Dr. Lake holds a bachelor's degree in history from Willamette University. He has a Masters and Ph.D. in educational leadership, policy, management and organization. Dr. Lake is an Assistant Professor of Education at Northwest Christian University and leads teacher preparation, counselor and administrator classes. He is also an administrator on special assignment with the superintendent in the Eugene, OR 4J School District. Dr. Lake is also a former chairman of the State of Oregon Commission on Black Affairs. 
Registration Now Open!


 
Learning in Afterschool & Summer: Activities, Curriculum, and Environment.


The one and only OAC is returning on November 8! For up-to-date information on the conference, keep an eye on our website at:  www.oregonask.org/oac

Cost: $89 (include lunch and swag bag!)
Location: Chemeketa Community College

Click here to download the flyer-- pass it around to anyone you think would be interested in the conference!
Quality is a Journey, Not a Destination 

The YMCA of Columbia Willamette has been working hard on improving the quality of their already great school-age programs. Earlier this year the YMCA, with the support of OregonASK Quality Improvement Specialists, embarked on a quality improvement journey using Oregon's QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System). 

Early in the process, YMCA staff welcomed OregonASK into their programs for initial observation and to get to know staff, schedules, logistics, and policies. Right away, Site Directors completed very thorough self-assessments about program quality in relation to program management, curriculum and activities, environment, and family engagement. From there, the Quality Improvement Specialists and YMCA leadership created individual plans for improving quality at each site. The consensus was that the best course of action is ongoing professional development for front line staff. The plan went off to the staff at the Teaching Research Institute for approval, along with a request for funding to implement the quality improvement plan.

The initial training sessions brought group/behavior management strategies to the YMCA, along with a variety of curriculum and activity guides and strategies. As more of the YMCA sites enter into quality improvement via QRIS, a system-wide change is taking place. The YMCA has decided to offer STEM curriculum at each of their afterschool sites this year. This entails a deep investment in curriculum, supplies, and training, as well as a culture shift among their staff to view themselves as educators. 

The QRIS process has allowed the YMCA to reflect on their practices, celebrate their fantastic programs, and push themselves to to an even higher standard. Portfolios documenting the process, the plan, and the result are being submitted to TRI for evaluation and a 3, 4, or 5 star rating. But even when the programs are rated, the YMCA won't be done. Quality improvement is an ongoing process. It's never over. It's a journey, not a destination. 
STEM VISTA Update

In the past month, Katie worked with Bethany Thramer to plan and host the first Oregon Girls Collaborative Project forum. The forum offered professional development training on the PBS SciGirl methodology, a TV show and curriculum designed to engage middle school girls in STEM, and was attended by program staff from around the metro area. Katie also edited and finalized STEM curriculum for the YMCA childcare centers, as well as assisted OregonASK staff plan and facilitate curriculum trainings for the YMCA and Woodburn Afterschool Club. Finally, Katie has continued to collect data for the STEM Survey, a project which aims to catalogue and map the out-of-school time opportunities for students across the state of Oregon. 

Upcoming Events


Sept 15: Oregon Girls Collaborative Kick Off Conference
The Oregon Girls Collaborative Project Kick-Off Conference will be our official launch, with a cross-section of girl-serving organizations, professional organizations, higher education, K-12 teachers, and after-school programs in the same room as we share exemplary practices of girl-serving STEM opportunities and the benefits of collaboration. We will introduce our Leadership Team and Champions Board members as we reach out to expand the scope of girl-serving programs across the state. 
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $20.00, includes lunch

CLICK HERE to register now!
Download a flyer you can share with friends

Sept 20: Afterschool Universe Training 
This training will prepare you to implement the NASA developed Afterschool Universe Curriculum. This exciting curriculum is an out-of-school-time astronomy programtargeted at middle school students. It explores astronomy concepts through engaging hands-on activities and takes participants on a journey through the Universe beyond the solar system.
Time: 9:00am-4:30pm
Cost: $49
Location: 
Wilsonville
CLICK HERE to register now!  
Download the flyer 

October 23: Lights on Afterschool
Plan and register an event with the Afterschool Alliance, and promote the need for quality afterschool programs for all children. Learn more and register an event by Clicking Here

November 7: OGCP Collaboration Forum
Join the Oregon Girls Collaborative Project as they discuss strategies for collaboration between programs and announce their exciting mini-grant program! More information coming soon!
Time: 1:00-5:00pm
Location: Chemeketa Community College
Resources & Opportunities
DHS Subsidies to Child Care Programs
 
DHS helps eligible low-income working families pay for child care. To do this, they work with providers and other child care partners across the state to help families find and keep good child care, improve the availability ofquality child care in Oregon, and to develop resources for parents and child care providers. For more information about how your program can become a DHS listed provide, download the flyer here
Aspen Institute Task Force Study

The Aspen Institute Task Force's 
Learner at the Center of a Networked World is a landmark report that includes findings, recommendations, and a call to action for innovative solutions that enable people to pursue learning experiences in an online environment that is both safe and private. Creating safe, optimized, and rewarding learning experiences is one of five principles included in the report. Download the whole report here.
Funding Opportunities
The American Honda Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and educational institutions nationwide that address the areas of youth and scientific education.
Due Nov. 1