WEST AFTER SCHOOL CENTER
NEWS & OPINION

March 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

Why After School Matters

Non-school hours represent the single largest block of time in the lives of American children and youth. About 40 percent of young people's waking hours are discretionary-that is, not committed to other activities such as school, homework, meals, chores or working for pay. By contrast, American youth spend about 32 percent of their waking hours in school. Young people's participation in constructive learning activities during non-school hours contributes substantially to their success in school.

Email:  jbibler@westafterschoolcenter.org

Visit us at www.westafterschoolcenter.org

Mrs. Julie Bibler, Executive Director

Mrs. Chris Kuttler, Office Manager

Ms. Ashley Fiore, WASC CLC administrator

Mr. Moses Garcia, Cedar CLC Administrator

Mrs. Michele Ritchlin, Tallmadge CLC administrator

Mrs. Nan Rowe, East CLC Administrator

Early Childhood Conference

Presented by the Fairfield County Family, Adult & Children First Council

Friday, March 26, 2010

Ohio University-Lancaster

For parents, teachers, after-school personnel, administrators, providers, social workers, nurses, etc.

Parent Survey Results

We thank our parents for completing a brief survey during conferences held January 25-29. The results are reported by percentages. We had over 200 parents complete the survey. Results are very similar to those of 2009.

Code: SA=Strongly Agree; A=Agree; NA=No Opinion; D=Disagree; SD=Strongly Disagree   - Responses are reported by percentages.

Questions:

SA
Strongly Agree

A

Agree

Do Not Know

Does Not Apply

D

Disagree

SD

Strongly Disagree

2.  The tutoring has helped improve my child’s reading skills.

3. The tutoring has helped improve my child’s math skills. 

4.  My child enjoys the program and looks forward to attending

     each day. 

5.  My child tries harder in school since attending the program. 

6.  My child is safe while attending the After School Program. 

7.  The After School Staff members care about my child and encourage him/her to do well in school and in the program. 

8.  The After School Staff communicates with me. 

9.  My child has improved in the ability to follow directions and

     complete school tasks. 

10. My child’s behavior has improved at school.                                                     

March is National Nutrition Month

 It’s common knowledge that a healthful diet is an important part of a healthful lifestyle, but most people have trouble figuring out what to do when planning a complete diet overhaul. During National Nutrition Month®, the American Dietetic Association reminds everyone that an easy way to focus on eating better is to start with the basics: build your nutritional health from the ground up.
“By starting slowly and giving yourself a good foundation, you can work towards a healthier life,” says registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Toby Smithson. “Change doesn’t have to be dramatic to make a difference.”
Smithson suggests ways to improve your nutrition from the ground up:

1. Focus on fruits and veggies: “Take a good look at your current diet and you’ll probably realize you’re not eating enough fruits or vegetables,” says Smithson. “Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.”

2. Look locally: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in your area. “This can be a great way to eat well and support your community at the same time,” Smithson says.

3. Make calories count: “Too often, people think of foods as good or bad and that only those on the ‘good foods’ list are okay to eat,” says Smithson. “When you’re choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.” To figure out how many calories you need to achieve a healthy weight, visit www.mypyramid.gov.

4. Test your taste buds: A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. “Those are the basics, but within this wide range there are always opportunities to try new things and find new favorites,” Smithson says. “Expand your horizons. Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.”

5. Trick yourself with treats: “A healthful diet doesn’t mean deprivation,” says Smithson. “If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you want a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts. There is no reason to go hungry just because you’re making healthful changes.”

For more tips on building your healthful diet from the ground up, during National Nutrition Month and all year long, visit www.eatright.org                                    Source- ADA Press Release 2010

Watch our Television Show on  the LSN

Channel 6 Time Warner Cable

New episodes air at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Art Opportunities at the WASC

with Instructor Ashly Draper
Students at each of our afterschool program sites have enjoyed their  special weeklong learning opportunities each month when art teacher Ashly Draper brings hands-on projects to each location. As you can see from the student surveys, art ranks as their favorite of all afterschool activities. And studies show that the ability to be a creative thinker will be among the most valuable work skills. Our students are learning how to think like an artist, work in teams, share, learn special techniques, and appreciate aesthetic beauty.  They love art!

We Thank Our Partners

Ohio University-Lancaster

The Ohio State University Extension  

The Robert K Fox Family Y

Lancaster-Fairfield County Community Action Head Start

New Horizons Youth and Family Center

 Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio

Fairfield County Family, Adult, and Children First Council

Fairfield County Jobs and Family Services

Sixth Avenue United Methodist Church

Fairfield Foundation

United Way of Fairfield County

MEAL PROGRAM at the WASC

The West After School Center is registered with the Ohio Department of Education as a meal sponsor with the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

We provide one free daily snack for all program enrollees at the WASC, Cedar, East and Tallmadge CLC, and one meal (supper) based on income verification.

We thank you for your support of this program as we provide service to the community.

The flagship program of the West After School Center is the After School Tutoring Program which targets those students needing additional help in reading and math.  But most other programs and services are open to all students and families of

West Elementary School. 

Phone 740-653-5678 for answers to your questions.

CHILDCARE OPENINGS AVAILABLE

Looking for a safe, quality program for your child’s care before or after school?  Check us out, stop by for a visit, or call and speak to one of our staff members. We open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. Childcare students receive many of the same benefits as those enrolled in the after school tutoring program—and we are open in the summer!

Are the rising prices of food and gas cutting into your wallet?

Plan now to take advantage of the West After School Center’s

SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM

FREE for anyone ages 2-18

11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.  June 4-August 21, 2009

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 Dr. Paul Young, Executive Director

Happy St. Patrick's Day from everyone at the West After School Center