NEWS
from the West After School Center, Inc.

620 Garfield Avenue        Lancaster, OH  43130
740-653-5678  740-653-2402 FAX   Email:  westafterschool@westafterschoolcenter.org
Visit us at www.westafterschoolcenter.org

August 13, 2010

from the office of Julie Bibler, Executive Director

This weekly update is distributed via email to the WASC Board of Directors & Staff, Volunteers, School Staffs, Parents, State and National Afterschool Advocates, Providers, and Community Leaders

WE

ARE

21st CENTURY

COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS
 

Our mission to is provide programs and services that enrich the educational, social, and cultural opportunities of students in our community

The Thomas Ewing and General Sherman Community Learning Centers

will become a reality for the 2010-2011 school year.  The West After School Center was awarded a 21st CCLC grant to provide before and after school services for students and families at these schools. The Thomas Ewing and General Sherman Community Learning Centers join the Cedar Community Learning Center, the East Community Learning Center, the Tallmadge Community Learning Center and the WASC as afterschool program sites supporting students and staff in the Lancaster City Schools.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant Program's focus is to provide expanded academic enrichment opportunities for children.  Tutorial services and academic enrichment activities are designed to help students meet local and state academic standards in subjects such as reading and math.  In addition, 21st CCLC programs provide youth development activities, drug and violence prevention programs, technology education programs, art, music and recreation programs, counseling and character education to enhance the academic component of the program.  The 21st CCLC Program is a key component of President Bush's No Child Left Behind.

WEST AFTER SCHOOL CENTER SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM

The West After School Center has finished its third year, serving free summer lunches, this time exceeding 19,000. Serving at nine sites over 50 days with a staff of 18 people was a great accomplishment and a benefit for the children of Lancaster. We want to thank our partners, the Lancaster City Schools, Head Start, Fox Family Y, Children’s Hunger Alliance, and the First Presbyterian Church, for their support.  

Thank you to the Lancaster Festival for providing tickets to the Festival Fair Day for some of our parents. These tickets were sponsored by the Westerman Companies.

Summer Childcare

Our kids had a great time this summer. They enjoyed numerous activities, including making pillows and pet houses, working on art projects, and, of course, swimming at the local pool. A big THANK YOU to our summer staff for making this an enjoyable summer for all of our childcare kids!

The summer book club was great fun for the children who attended. They received a variety of reading materials, new books, Highlight magazines, and many goodies for coming back each week. Thank you to the First Presbyterian Church for sponsoring this activity in connection with the summer lunch program.

Reading and Fun!

The West After School Center, 21st CCLC before and afterschool programs for school-age children, were informed that our programs have passed the annual inspection and will continue as a one-star-rated Step-Up-to Quality Center.

Congratulations to our staff and our board of directors for continued good work and governance.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

The West After School Center would like to thank our community partner, The Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council, for providing a summer crafts program at the WASC and East Elementary School summer lunch programs. The children enjoyed making a variety of crafts, including swap pins that are traded at summer camp.

The West After School Center is a provider for the Ohio Benefit Bank. If you are in need of assistance related to childcare, food, health coverage or home energy needs, please call the WASC at 653-5678 and set up an appointment to do a quick check to see if you might qualify for help.

You can help support the

West After School Center

every time you shop at your local Krogers.  It's simple.  Just sign up and every time you shop and have your Krogers Plus Card scanned, a portion of the amount comes to the West After School Center. Encourage your friends to help us - and support our mission! 

Thanks to our supporters. 

We received over $103.00 during the third quarter of this rewards program!  (February, March & April).

TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

1.      All current and new members must enroll after April 1, 2010.

2.      Please log on to

www.krogercommunityrewards.com

and click on "Ohio" to register your Kroger Plus Card. After registering, a portion of each purchase you make using your Rewards card comes to the West After School Center, Inc.

Off to a Great Start Conference , Wednesday, August 18, 8:00a.m.-4:00 p.m.

WASC Board of Directors Meeting, Thursday, August 19, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

WASC Combined Staff Meeting, Thursday, August 19, 2:00 p.m.

WASC Combined Staff Training, Thursday, August 20, 2:00 p.m.

Lancaster City Schools start!

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program