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

February 18, 2011

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

General Sherman Community Learning Center

Thomas Ewing Community Learning Center

This week, we have five students from the TECLC and four from the GSCLC who have attended the after school programs for 30 days.  We wish to congratulate the following students from General Sherman: Hope Kimble, Tristan Cordle, Shawn Roberts, and Jacob Young.  From Ewing, we congratulate Emma Climer, Seth Benson, Allijah Evans, Trista McCarthy, and Maddie Stevens.  These students will be treated with a blizzard from Dairy Queen! 

Mrs. Cash from New Horizons visited Thomas Ewing. She involved the participants in a discussion concerning inappropriate conversations.

West After School Center

This week, the West After School Center completed its Parent/Teacher Conferences.  With 100% parent participation, we are pleased with the results from our parent questionnaire, which showed that all of the WASC parents “Strongly Agree or Agree” that their child benefits from this program. We also received 100% in the area of encouragement where parents stated that their child is encouraged to do well in school and in the program. The survey also showed that 95% “Strongly Agree” and the other 5% “Agree” that their child is safe while attending the After School Program. These results demonstrated that we are successful at achieving our goals.                                                                      

East Community Learning Center

Mr. Dorion came back to teach us more about tae kwon do.  Students had a chance to wear pads and learn more about the practice of the martial art.  Mrs. Carpenter continued her lesson on crocheting; the students are making great progress.  We celebrated Valentine’s Day by making valentines for our loved ones as well as necklaces and bracelets. 

Cedar Heights Community Learning

Last week was art week at the Cedar Community Learning Center.  Our project was Gyotaku (from gyo "fish" + taku "rubbing"), a traditional form of Japanese fish printing dating from the mid-19th century, and a form of nature printing used by fishermen to record their catches.  The pictures turned out great. We plan to save them for an art show we hope to have in the spring.  Mrs. Rowe visited us on Friday and taught us bell chimes.  The chimes were very neat and we enjoyed having a fun music class.  Last week was also a Leap Track challenge week.  The student who completed the most cards was Destinee.  She received a prize for her hard work.

Tallmadge Community Learning Center

Last week was a good one at TCLC.  All of the students have continued to work hard as we are in a long stretch between major breaks.  From January 3^rd to April 15^th , there are only two scheduled days off.  Thankfully, the shortest daylight days are over and it is starting to stay light longer.  There also is a warm-up in the forecast so maybe we can once again start going outside for free play. 

On Friday, Maria came to lead Zumba.  In addition to Zumba, the students got to make an art project using fuse beads.  We took a group photo and had a good time on Fun Friday.

MEAL PROGRAMS at the WASC

Busy parents can take advantage of the availability of supper at the WASC, Cedar Heights, East, and Tallmadge, Monday-Friday, throughout the year.  The snacks we serve are free, and the supper program (5:30-6:00 pm) is open to any child in our programs . WASC is the sponsor of the snacks and meal programs for the after school programs serving children at East, West, Cedar Heights, and Tallmadge CLC.

February is Children’s Dental Health Month

           National Children's Dental Health Month has been observed each February for more than 55 years. It serves as an annual reminder to children, parents and caregivers of the importance of healthy oral health habits. We cannot allow children’s dental checkups to be missed or their dental health to suffer because of the economic downturn. If you need assistance, contact a program director.

February is

American Heart Month

             This is the month set aside by the National Heart Association as a time to focus on our cardio-vascular health. We all know how important it is to live a healthier lifestyle, so let’s commit to give the gift of health to those we love and focus on our heart health in the month of February.  Why not change Friday night pizza night at your house to Friday night take a walk night?  Grab your spouse, your kids, your best friend, and your dog and take a walk.  Exercising is so much more fun when you are spending time with those you love.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

20th Annual Early Childhood Conference

Presented by the FAMILY, ADULT & CHILDREN FIRST COUNCIL & THE CHILDREN’S COMMITTEE

Friday, March 25, 2011 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

At Ohio University-Lancaster  1570 Granville Pike Lancaster, Ohio 43130

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:  Early Bird Registration is $40 for ALL AEYC members (Member # IS required) and $50 for non-members.

                                                                                                           For additional information, contact Pam Redding at 740.746.2076

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, April 7, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

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WASC Closed for

Presidents' Day

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21st CCLC Training, Delaware

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21st CCLC Sustainability Training

Columbus, 9:00-4:00 p.m.

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