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

November 19, 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

General Sherman Community Learning Center

Thomas Ewing Community Learning Center

It is hard to believe that we are to the point in the year where we honor our veterans. Veterans Tom Saddler and Eric McCrady visited the two junior high programs this past week on Veterans Day to present to the students their views on being a veteran.  Mr. Saddler was involved in the military for over 20 years.  A large portion of that time was in the Reserves. He explained that his family has a military tradition-his father and son are also veterans.  Mr. McCrady, now an engineer with the county, answered many questions and concerns from the students.  In addition to the speakers, the students were asked to make a card that will be sent to the troops at Christmas.

Thomas Ewing CLC also held an open house for the students’ parents.  Parents were able to observe what kind of activities go on in the afterschool program.  Students performed America the Beautiful on handbells, demonstrated progress book and Math IXL, and concluded with punch and cookies.  Mr. Dorion was working on disabilities with his blindfold game in the gym rotation.  Students are also perfecting their yo-yo skills.  We are hoping to have a yo-yo demonstration later this year.

General Sherman CLC worked on art projects and tie-dyed t-shirts this past week.  The big “revealing” of the shirts is coming; we are looking forward to the results next week!

West After School Center

The students at the West Afterschool Center have been planning for Veterans Day by studying American symbols and doing art projects for each symbol.  Last week, we covered the White House, the American flag, and the bald eagle.  This week, we studied Afghanistan and Iraq, then located these countries along with Japan, Australia, and the Philippines on a world map.  This was in preparation for our guests of honor, Cpl. Brian Fielder and Specialist Donald McKnight, who were stationed in these countries during their deployment.  Both of these gentlemen were presented with letters of appreciation written by WASC students for serving us and our country.  The students started the program by saying the Pledge of Allegiance with our servicemen and ended by singing ”The Star-Spangled Banner.”  Our focus for the last two weeks has been patriotism.

East Community Learning Center

East Community Learning Center celebrated Veterans Day by having two Veterans come and speak to us.  Mrs. Tudor was a Navy nurse for 20 years. She was stationed around the world including Puerto Rico, Newfoundland, and many posts in the United States. Sergeant (Ret.) Mary Austin also came to speak to us. She served many tours of duty overseas, including three in Korea. She has also been stationed in Cuba, Hawaii, California, and Texas.  Mrs. Austin talked about the importance of afterschool programs and academics.  Students also designed cards to send overseas to our servicemen and women and made poppies while learning about Flanders Field. 

Cedar Heights Community Learning

We sent home progress reports last week from the Cedar Community Learning Center.  These reports are representative of progress made at afterschool only.We also had a special guest on Thursday, Veterans Day. Mr. Alex Moden visited us and shared his experience as a U.S. Paratrooper.  He talked with us and answered our questions for about half an hour.  Thank you, Mr. Moden, for spending the afternoon with us!  On Friday, we made cards to send to active-duty troops in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  We let the troops know how important they are to us and how much we appreciate their sacrifices.  We also had gym class with Mr. Dorion, who always surprises us with something fun. On Friday, we had a family game night.  We played games like Blink, Sorry!, and Guess Who.  Thank you, families, for your participation!

Tallmadge Community Learning Center

 We had our most interesting and informative Fun Friday of the year.  In honor of Veterans Day, members of the Ohio County Militia came and made presentations to our students.  The Ohio County Militia is a Revolutionary War reenactment group.  They spoke to us about the challenges faced by the soldiers during the War for American Independence.  The students learned about everything from the armaments, food, and clothing, to the formations used by the soldiers.  It was a very enlightening presentation.

On the academic front, we sent home a progress report with each child.  The students were evaluated in the areas of math, reading, homework, effort, and social development.  For the most part, the reports were positive..

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

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!  (May, June & July).

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

West After School Center Closed, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, November 24-26, 2010

WASC Board of Directors Meeting, Thursday, December 18, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

THANKSGIVING VACATION
 

All WASC Programs are Closed

Childcare Program

Conference Make Up Day

All schools and WASC programs are closed

Childcare Program/No Tutoring

Childcare Program/No Tutoring

Childcare Program

21st CCLC Sustainability Series-Columbus, Ohio 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

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