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

October 22, 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

Exercise and nutrition are two components of the after school program at Thomas Ewing and General Sherman.  Students have been enjoying the nice weather to get some exercise after snacks each day.  Students can be found practicing their instruments, playing kickball, jumping rope, or taking a walk.  The time outside helps the students take a little break from day school before going to work on their homework, math, and reading. 

Volunteers are also a necessary component to the after school program.  Former teacher Tom Saddler is pictured here working with students with homework.  This is Tom's second year as a volunteer; last year, he worked at the East Community Learning Center. This year, we will be seeing him at the Thomas Ewing Community Learning Center. 

West After School Center

Here at the West After School Center, we have designed a method to improve communication between West Elementary, WASC volunteers, and the parents of WASC students.  Pictured is a poster created by Mrs. Garrett and Mrs. DiDimenico, which is an actual page from a student’s homework planner.  This poster includes examples of homework assignments, the abbreviations used for each subject matter, and an explanation for the abbreviations. A completed assignment from WASC is initialed by the volunteer or staff and the circled homework is to be completed at home.  At the request of the West School teachers, we begin with math homework, followed by reading, and so forth.  The volunteers are excited to implement the new plan and find the new method easy to use.

East Community Learning Center

We celebrated fall and the Fair last week.  First and second graders created sheep out of cotton balls, while Miss Lydia read them a story about farm animals.  Third, fourth, and fifth graders created origami animals.  Horses, pigs, rabbits, and chickens were some of the students’ favorites.  Finally, Miss Maholm sang “Old McDonald” with the students and played ring and bean bag toss games. 

Cedar Heights Community Learning

We had a few special guests visit our program last week at the Cedar Community Learning Center.  Sheriff Dave Phalen visited us and spoke about the dangers of strangers. He also taught us what to do in the event that a stranger approaches us and how to stay safe.  In addition, he fielded questions from the students about the dangers of his job and how he and his deputies stay safe.  Many thanks to the Sheriff for taking time from his busy schedule to spend the afternoon with us.  A reporter and a photographer from the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette documented our visit with the Sheriff.  The article and photos appeared in the October 14th publication of the newspaper. If you missed it, you can check it out online at lancastereaglegazette.com(just search “afterschool”).  Thank you also to Michelle George from the newspaper for the lovely article.

Tallmadge Community Learning Center

Even though it was a short week, there was plenty going on at Tallmadge Community Learning Center.  On Monday, Mr. Dorian stopped by to play “hot shot” with the students.  We were also able to get three good days of reading, math, and homework completed.  The students worked really hard despite being somewhat distracted with the Fair and the upcoming days off. 

We look forward to getting back to a regular schedule. The students are to be commended for their hard work and good behavior so far this year.  To date, we have not had any major behavior problems.  That is a tribute to both the students and the staff.

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

Fairfield County AEYC, Saturday, October 30, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Ohio Afterschool Network Quarterly Membership Meeting, Wednesday, November 10, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

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

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Happy Halloween!

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

WASC is Closed

Conferences

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

10:30-2:30 p.m. the Vineyard

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

Childcare Program

mrshachat@yahoo.com

dianewarner765@sbcglobal.net