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

December 17, 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

From the Board of Directors and the Staff of the

West After School Center

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and

HAPPY NEW YEAR

see you once again beginning January 3, 2011

General Sherman Community Learning Center

Thomas Ewing Community Learning Center

GSCLC and TECLC were busy this week getting started on Jamestown Reading Navigator.  It is a research-based, field-tested program developed specifically to raise reading competencies and test scores of struggling middle school and high school students. This highly innovative program is targeted at such students who are reading at least two levels below their grade level. Each student completed a locater and placement test and was then placed in a "trek."  Each trek is made up of quests and journeys designed to improve reading skills. The students have found the reading material to be interesting.  In addition to reading, homework, and math, one of our survivor activities was to make a blanket without sewing.  Each site made two blankets that will be donated to others who are in need.

West After School Center

Mr. Dorion was at the West After School Center on Friday, and taught a beginner lesson in tae kwon do.  The students were challenged by the movements in the martial art, which involved balance and concentration.  Mr. Dorion gave a brief history of tae kwon do, stressing the foundation of respect and trust.  The children learned to bow with humility and to send greetings using the Korean language of the art.  This was a successful Fun Friday activity and the students are anxiously awaiting their next lesson.

East Community Learning Center

We celebrated holidays around the world at East last week.  Students read stories about Kwanzaa, the African celebration of family, community, and culture.  Students made placemats out of construction paper.  We also read about Mexican traditions and made paper plate poinsettias. 

Cedar Heights Community Learning

At the Cedar Community Learning Center, we have been spending a lot of time indoors due to the cold, snowy weather.  With that time indoors, we have established an exercise routine that makes our bodies stronger and improves our cardiovascular health.  We have incorporated exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, and running in place for 30 seconds.  We also include some stretching.  It is important to keep active in the winter months. The CDC recommends that children participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week. This is possible no matter what time of the year it is; even in the cold winter months, your kids can easily accomplish this. Exercise is good for your child’s physical and psychological well-being, so get motivated and start making a plan today!

Tallmadge Community Learning Center

December is finally here.  Our first week of December was eventful and productive.  The students worked all week on a “Space Art” project using pastels.  On Friday, Miss Ashley came to TCLC to help lead us in finishing the project, which turned out great. 

Also on Friday, we read a story called “Give a Goat” by Jan West Schrock.  The book is a true story about a fifth grade class that is inspired to raise money to buy a goat for a family in Uganda.  After all of their fundraisers, the class had enough money to buy a goat, a flock of chickens, and some ducks. 

On Thursday, December 16^th, TCLC will be selling candy canes before and after school.  All of the proceeds will go towards the purchase of a goat for a family in a foreign country.  We will be purchasing the goat through the World Concern Organization.  We hope that this project will increase our students’ understanding of the importance of giving not just during the holiday season, but all year round.  We will keep everyone informed of our progress through these weekly updates.  If you would like to see what opportunities exist for your own giving, the website is www.worldconcern.org. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

The West After School Center wants to thank  Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio and its Choice Food Pantry for providing families at all six of our 21^st Century CLC’s with bread, bagels and English muffins. They will continue to support us in the coming weeks and months.

WANTED!!

Do you have one hour a week to make a difference in the life of a child?

We need volunteers at all our locations (WASC, East, Cedar Heights and Tallmadge)

To learn more, contact RuthAnn Petrovay at 653-5678
Our volunteers are key to our success.

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 $223.99 during the third quarter of this rewards program!  (August, September & October).

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.

ADVOCACY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, and COLLABORATION

WASC Board of Directors Meeting, Thursday, January 20, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

WASC

  CLOSED

for Christmas Break!

WASC

  CLOSED

for Christmas Break!

WASC

  CLOSED

for Christmas Break!

WASC

  CLOSED

for Christmas Break!

WASC

  CLOSED

for Christmas Break!

WASC

  CLOSED

for Christmas Break!

WASC

  CLOSED

for Christmas Break!

WASC

  CLOSED

for Christmas Break!

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

mrshachat@yahoo.com

dianewarner765@sbcglobal.net