WEST AFTER SCHOOL CENTER
NEWS & OPINION

January 2010

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

The start of the New Year will bring a few changes to the West After School Center. Our boss, good friend, and mentor, Dr. Paul Young, has started a new journey with the National Afterschool Association in Washington, D.C. Some of us have changed positions but the focus and mission of WASC will remain the same. We are dedicated to providing programs and services that enrich the educational, social, and cultural opportunities of the students and families in our community. We do this in many ways, by providing after school tutoring, before and after school childcare, art and technology opportunities, and food programs that help to feed our students. WASC has been involved in our neighborhoods for many years and has grown and expanded. We will continue the vision that was started by the community-minded citizens over 12 years ago. If you are in the neighborhood, please stop in and let us show you around.

Mrs. Julie Bibler

Interim Executive Director

 Mrs. Chris Kuttler

Office Manager

Ms. Ashley Fiore

WASC Interim Site  Administrator

 Mr. Moses Garcia

Cedar CLC Site Administrator

 Mrs. Nan Rowe

East CLC Site Administrator

Mrs. Michelle Ritchlin

Tallmadge CLC Site Administrator

 Email:  jbibler@westafterschoolcenter.org

Visit us at www.westafterschoolcenter.org

West After School Center Conferences Coming in January

                 At the mid-year point, we think it is important to spend time with each child’s parent/s to assess progress, discuss and develop future goals and learning objectives, review procedures and expectations, and listen to and address any questions or concerns that parents might have. We view these short conferences as a two-way learning and information sharing opportunity. We want our parents to be informed and knowledgeable about the use of the LeapTrack program and other activities at our center. We also ask parents to complete a short computer survey. These conferences will be scheduled the week of January 25, 2010, as parents pick up children at all our centers.

Ten Things to Do in 2010!

As the New Year starts, why not challenge yourself to begin new habits in 2010? Instead of making resolutions that soon are forgotten, start changing the way you live and, along the way, you may become healthier and happier. Something new and exciting may develop in your life!

1. Make new friends-Reach out. Don’t be afraid. Establish new contacts.

2. Wake up early-This is a lifestyle change. Make sure that you have a purpose. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities.

3. Read a new book-Reading is like food for your brain. Take time to read to a child. Leading by example is a great way to encourage the young readers around you.

4. Exercise-You don’t have to break a world record. Just make sure to do something constantly. It will make your body healthier and your mind clearer.

5. Improve your food choices- Getting healthy is the best gift that you can give to yourself. Start with simple things-cutting the fat from your meals or eliminating the pop and coffee that you drink every day.

6. Volunteer- You will never know the differences that you can make in the lives that you touch. Opportunities are everywhere- your after school center, hospitals, churches, humane societies, and neighbors. All need volunteers.

7. Stop Complaining-The more you complain about something, the worse that you feel.

8. Do a Random Act of Kindness-Do something for someone just because you want to and see how this makes you feel.

9. Forgive -Grudges are heavy and tend to make life more difficult.

10. Live Today- Go for what you can today and leave yesterday behind. All you have is today. Don’t waste it!

Make your own list of Ten things for 2010 and see what positive changes you can make in your life and in the lives of those around you.

Watch our Television Show on  the LSN

Channel 6 Time Warner Cable

New episodes air at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

MEAL PROGRAMS

at the WASC

Busy parents can take advantage of the availability of supper at the WASC, East, Cedar Heights, and Tallmadge Monday-Friday, throughout the year.  The snacks we serve are free, and the supper  program (5:30-6:00 pm) is open to any child in our programs or others that would sign up for supper, based on qualification requirements similar to the school lunch program. The WASC is a sponsor of after school meals for the centers serving children at East, West, Tallmadge, and Cedar Heights Schools.

Schedule an appointment with one of our trained counselors and see if you might qualify for benefits.

We Thank Our Partners

The Ohio State University Extension   (Master Gardeners)

The Robert K Fox Family Y (Summer Lunch Program)

Lancaster-Fairfield County Community Action Head Start

New Horizons Youth and Family Center

Fairfield County Family, Adult, and Children First Council (21st CCLC Program Support)

Lancaster City Schools

Ohio Department of Education

Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Fairfield County Jobs and Family Services (custodial workers)

Sixth Avenue United Methodist Church

Sherman Rotary

First Presbyterian Church

Eastland-Fairfield Career Center

Fairfield Foundation (Kitchen, Healthy Living for Kids)

United Way of Fairfield County

Today, kids don't enjoy many of the same opportunities as older adults likely did.

Support your community's after-school programs.  Kids should not have to go home alone and care for themselves without adult supervision.

The West After School Center is an independent, non-profit, community-based before and after school child care center licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

This newsletter is from the office of Julie Bibler, Executive Director