WEST AFTER SCHOOL CENTER
NEWS & OPINION

April 2009

Our mission is to provide opportunities that enrich the educational, social, and cultural experiences of students and families in our community.

620 Garfield Avenue, Lancaster, OH  43130      

740-653-5678  

740-653-2402 FAX

www.westafterschoolcenter.org

pyoung@westafterschoolcenter.org

WASC Will Be a Sponsor of the Summer Food Program, Starting June 4

Perhaps one good bit of news in this summer of discontent and recession, parents can save money each day and send their children to one of the many free serving sites for the summer lunch program, offered Monday-Friday during the summer months, 11:30-12:30– p.m. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded program that provides meal reimbursement to child care centers for serving nutritious meals. The objectives of SFSP are to:

· Improve the diets of children by providing nutritious meals.

· Help children develop good eating habits that will last through the years.

ANY CHILD under age 18 can participate, regardless of enrollment status for the school lunch program. Plans are being developed to coordinate the lunch program with the Lancaster City Schools and WASC summer program opportunities. Don’t miss out. Eat well, stay connected with friends, and learn all summer!

Email:  pyoung@westafterschoolcenter.org

Visit us at www.westafterschoolcenter.org

WASC Leaders to Attend and Present at Joint National Conventions in New Orleans

             Julie Bibler, Jane Hart, Moses Garcia, and Paul Young will be joining after-school leaders and principals from across the nation April 1-5 in New Orleans when the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) intentionally convene at the same time. The major focus of the joint conventions is to develop collaborative working relationships between school leaders and those who lead after-school programs. The WASC staff will present “Principal Matters” twice, based on content from a new book by the same title, written by Paul Young, to be released during the conventions. The book is being published by School-Age Notes and consists of practical “how-to” strategies to enhance collaboration, based on what has proven effective all over the country, especially here in Lancaster, as our after-school programs have expanded.

Restoring Our Confidence

Our children are confused, anxious, and watching our lead to see how we deal with this unexpected, tough economic climate? What messages do we want them to learn.

First, we must remember the power of our ideas, words, and actions. Studies show that depressed people bring others down. Likewise, happiness can be contagious. People who express gratitude for what they have and receive from others are happier, more energetic, more likable, radiate hope and encouragement, and serve as an inspiration.  That’s what all children need, especially in trying times. Reassurance, optimism, and a clear vision of good times ahead. Rather than bemoan the conditions of the present, we must develop and teach strategies that create better opportunities in the future.

Next, let’s not forget that The Little Engine triumphed over what others thought were insurmountable challenges. We can, too, with ingenuity and innovation. And it is precisely that kind of response that we want children to witness during this recession and other public or personal crises. Rather than throwing in the towel, we must teach and show kids how to set goals, work hard, create, persevere through set-backs, instill hope, and care for and support each other. Kids will imitate what they hear and see adults do. When they mature to become the providers for their families, the manner in which they perceive their world, address their challenges, and care for us will face be shaped by what they see us doing now. We must teach perseverance.

Together, schools and after-school programs provide young children with the care and security they desperately need during these challenging times. After school programs provide the extended learning opportunity to help kids understand how public or personal problems develop. Moreover, after school programs nurture individual thinking, self-responsibility, and solutions for the common good. With schools, we must provide all our children with a solid high quality education that will lead to opportunities in the upturn that is sure to appear soon. 

Finally, let’s choose our words and actions wisely. Let’s count our blessings instead of losses. We have gotten into this mess together and we will have to climb out of it together. We can do it. We have to — or our kids will never have confidence!

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