from the office of Dr. Paul G. Young, Executive Director

Visit our website at: http://www.westafterschoolcenter.org/
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

CELEBRATING TEN YEARS of programming services for students and families in our community. 1998-2008 Highlights from our anniversary celebration, May 22, 2008   A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all our "believers." The evening was captured on film for an upcoming episode of Healthy Living for Kids. We appreciate the remarks from our 21st CCLC Consultant, Kathy McWatters and Krista Allison from the Ohio Department of Education, Office of Supportive Learning Environments.

Are the higher prices of gasoline at the pump emptying your wallet? WE CAN HELP!! Save the cost of your child's lunch each day this summer. Take advantage of the FEED OHIO summer lunch program available at five additional sites in Lancaster besides the air conditioned convenience of the West After School Center.				FEED OHIO Summer Lunch Program June 3 - August 15 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.  Monday - Friday sponsored by the West After School Center in collaboration with the Lancaster-Fairfield County Community Action Head Start, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the Governor's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives (GOFBCI).   Six Serving Sites in Lancaster free to any children/youth age 2-18   Eastside Center for Success - East School Playground West After School Center Robert K Fox Family YMCA Cedar Heights Elementary School Playground South Elementary School Playground Tallmadge Elementary School Playground
On May 19, USA Today featured a Columbus, Ohio, resident in a cover story about the increasing need for food in lieu of higher costs for growing numbers of Americans. A key point taken from the article is that 31 million students are served breakfast and lunch at their schools, and when summer vacation begins, only 3 million of those children will have access to summer lunch programs. Americans are hurting as prices skyrocket - and the West After School Center is doing its part to help all Lancaster children have access to nutritious meals during summer vacation.						DID YOU  KNOW?? The West After School Center was awarded a $2000.00 grant this week from the Children's Hunger Alliance to support our summer food program. THANK YOU!
Summer Child Care Program at the WASC  June 3-August 19 $125.00 per week - weekly learning themes
Enrollment is now open for summer childcare at the West After School Center - available for any child ages 5-12 from any school in the city.						Open 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. free lunch is provided
Is your child ready to succeed in school? Help your child get a jump start on education ELI - Early Learning Initiative Your 3, 4, or 5-year old may be eligible for Ohio’s ELI is now available for 3, 4, and 5 year old children receiving child-only Ohio Works First assistance. New program changes allow 3, 4, and 5 year old, child-only Ohio Works First recipients to participate in the program regardless of caretaker income. As the caretaker, your personal income or, employment status will not be counted when determining eligibility. Call your local county department of job and family services and get your child enrolled in the Early Learning Initiative. Help your child succeed. Click HERE to learn more or visit our ELI program at the WASC.
			Do you know a student in Lancaster that prefers a private, one-on-one tutor starting this summer? Dr. June Slobodian, a former teacher, school psychologist, administrator, and recently retired professor of education at Ohio University-Lancaster will help us provide that service at the WASC beginning in June. She brings extensive experience in reading diagnosis. Contact us at 740-653-5678 for further information about fees and contacts.
WASC students enjoyed learning about llamas - close up - earlier this month as part of our Friday Fun Day series of activities. Thanks to WASC Board Member Tim Huston and his wife Sue for sharing their "hobby" with our young learners.
The WASC Youth Media Program Follow the progress of this weekly program by reading the blog at: http://westafterschoolcenter.wordpress.com/ This program is made possible by grant funding from the Gannett and Fairfield County Foundations.
Get to Know a WASC Volunteer	My association with the WASC is: volunteer tutor. How Long?  first year. I was born in: Arlington Heights, Illinois. I have attended school at: Lancaster High School My childhood ambition was to be a: a veterinarian. My job is: a student at LHS. I volunteer as part of the team from the National Honor Society. If I didn't live in Lancaster, I'd rather be: near a beach. My favorite pastime is: sitting outside. My favorite food is: mac and cheese. My favorite television show is: House. My favorite style of music is: Alternative/Rock. My favorite movie is: Anchorman I am inspired by: my parents. To me, a perfect day is: spent at an all-you-can-eat buffet Amanda will graduate from Lancaster High School as the valedictorian of the class of 2008.
Amanda Kline