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 29, 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

  On October 21, 2010, more than a million people from around the U.S. participated in the Lights on After School rally. This is the only nationwide rally for afterschool programs where children, parents, grandparents, community leaders, policy makers, and celebrities come together to build support for afterschool programs.  In addition, this rally calls attention to afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help our working families.

 The General Sherman Community Learning Center, the newest of the afterschool Centers in Lancaster, was the site for the local Lights on After School rally.  The rally presented local school and community officials with a look at the new junior high program here in Lancaster.  This Center and its sister Center, the Thomas Ewing Community Learning Center, have been open for three weeks.  Forty students have been enrolled between the two sites by Student and Family Coordinator Ashly Draper.

The October 21 program began with the Executive Director of the West After School Center, Julie Bibler, explaining the grant procedure and explaining how any after school program can affect a student’s progress in school. Those students who attend every day can gain an extra 66 days of school per year.   Site director Nan Rowe led students in grades 6-8 in a tone chime piece and showed off their “Minute to Win It” skills.  Kent Kerns and Alex Blanchard (staff members at the site) demonstrated how students log onto their progress book (grades from the school) and their Math IXL accounts. The program focuses on math, reading, and homework, with additional enrichment in the arts, gym, physical education, nutrition, and fitness.  The event concluded with punch and cookies served by the students.

  Those present included: Mr. Rob Walker ( LCS Superintendent), Mr. Scott Burre (General Sherman principal), Chief Dave Bailey (Lancaster City Police Department), Hon. Dave Smith (Mayor of Lancaster), members of the West After School Center  Board of Directors Len Hajost, Rosemary Hajost,  Joyce Rousch, Brad Clark, Mary Jane Riedel, and Gigi Elliott, and parents of the enrollees.

West After School Center

The Lights On After School 2010 rally was celebrated on Thursday, October 21.  The students here at the West AfterSchool Center reflected on the purpose of afterschool centers and shared their appreciation by stating what they love most at WASC.  Trenton Petty expressed his thoughts.  He especially loves working on Leap Track with Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Nixon.  With the help of dedicated staff, the lights are on at the West AfterSchool Center and we’re here to serve the children in our community.

East Community Learning Center

Students were very busy at ECLC last week.  Mrs. Carpenter wrapped up her floccinaucinihilipilification contest.  Students were given the word, asked to find the definition, and then come up with as many words as they could using only the letters from the word. She will examine the papers this week and determine the winner next week! 

On Thursday, we celebrated “Lights on After School.”  Students colored light bulbs and talked about what they enjoy most about being at ECLC.  Some of the activities students enjoy most are: Leaptrack, computers, snacks, friends, and feeling safe here.  On Friday, Miss Maria came back to do Zumba with us! The students loved the dance moves she showed us and had the chance to show off some of their own favorite moves.  We also made leaf window hangings.  Students went outside and found different types of leaves to put in their hangings.  To learn about the different parts and types of leaves, students matched their leaves with similar leaves in a book about Ohio trees. 

Cedar Heights Community Learning

We had art week last week at Cedar Heights.  Mrs. Warner, Mrs. Disbennet, and Mrs. Draper taught us about the art form,”pointillism.” Pointillism is a technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of pure color are applied in patterns to form an image. George Seurat developed the technique in 1886, branching from impressionism.
"A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" (1884), by Seurat, was our inspiration.  Dr. Sheets was so taken by our art that he joined in with us for a couple of days.  We had a blast and our paintings turned out great!

Tallmadge Community Learning Center

It was good to get a full week of work in after the Fair.  Everyone came back rested, refreshed, and ready to go.  Academically, things are going well.  We are in the process of revamping our homework process in order to make it a little more efficient.

For Fun Friday, the students played capture the flag with Mr. Dorian.  They had a great time and all of the teams were very evenly matched.  Additionally, the students made pieces of art using fuse beads.  It took a little longer than we anticipated but we got them finished. 

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, Friday, November 4, 2010

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.

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WASC is Closed

Conferences

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

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