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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

February 5, 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

See what we've been doing this week -- after-school, and meet some of the special people that make our programs work!

Cedar Community Learning Center

East Community Learning Center

Tallmadge Community Learning Center

Ronald McDonald visited Tallmadge Elementary on Friday, January 29.  He entertained us with his "Get Active" show.  We learned the importance of physical activity and were reminded that we need to get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day.  Ronald discussed the different types of games and activities we could engage in to keep our bodies healthy such as basketball, baseball and riding bikes.  We really appreciated Ronald spending the afternoon with us and educating us about the importance of staying fit.

West After School Center

Parent conferences were held last week at the West After School Center.  Parents met with staff members to discuss their child and voice their opinion about the programming at WASC.  Parent conferences are a major component of the success of the West After School Center and we greatly value parents feedback and opinions about our services.

Moses Garcia came from Cedar Community Learning Center to teach the students and staff the dance to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. The students worked up a sweat learning all of the different types of dance moves.   Everyone had a really great time and even got to learn a few new dances at the end of the day!

February is Children’s Dental Health Month

           National Children's Dental Health Month has been observed each February for more than 55 years. It serves as an annual reminder to children, parents and caregivers of the importance of healthy oral health habits. We cannot allow children’s dental checkups to be missed or their dental health to suffer because of the economic downturn. If you need assistance, contact a program director.

February is

American Heart Month

             This is the month set aside by the National Heart Association as a time to focus on our cardio-vascular health. We all know how important it is to live a healthier lifestyle, so let’s commit to give the gift of health to those we love and focus on our heart health in the month of February.  Why not change Friday night pizza night at your house to Friday night take a walk night?  Grab your spouse, your kids, your best friend, and your dog and take a walk.  Exercising is so much more fun when you are spending time with those you love.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

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 $100 during the second quarter of this rewards program!  (August, September & October).

TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

1. Pick up a copy of the registration form from the WASC. It has the scan barcode on it.

2. Simply take the form to the Customer Service Desk at your local Kroger store. They will scan it and your Kroger Plus Card, and with 72 hours a percentage of everything purchased at Krogers comes to the WASC - between now and April 30, 2010.

The West After School Center wants to thank the Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio and its Choice Food Pantry for becoming our newest partner. Lutheran Social Services has provided families at all four of our 21^st Century CLC’s with bread and will continue to support us in the coming weeks and months.

ADVOCACY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, and COLLABORATION

Join us in Washington, DC.

Register now for the best convention for professionals in the field!

Click HERE for a link for convention registration.

Watch  Healthy Living for Kids weekly on the Lancaster Schools Television Network

The Goals for our Television Program:

1. Create and sustain a community dialogue and awareness campaign that helps every individual learn to make healthy choices about what and how much they eat as well as how much daily exercise they get. 

2. Encourage children to engage in healthy and productive extra curricular activities at home and at school.

3. Teach families how to prepare foods and economical family meals and snacks.

4. Showcase the wealth of community resources and personnel that can help kids and families develop healthy lifestyles.

5. Demonstrate the positive impact and benefits that participation in before and after school programs can have on children's mental health and social development.

Kids You Should Know - look for this interview with Gerald Stratton and Brandon Mayhorn, 5th Graders at West School, coming soon to Healthy Living for Kids Show

Education and Vision Committee-Lunch with Principals, Tuesday, February 9, 11:30 a.m.

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

ODJFS & SUTQ Training, Saturday, February 20, 8:00-1:00 p.m.

Childcare Program

Marketing Com. Mtg. at Clark Ins.

Healthy Living for Kids Committee Meeting - at WASC

WASC Leadership Team Mtg.

21st CCLC/Childcare Program

Childcare Program

WASC Closed for

Presidents' Day

21st CCLC/Childcare Program

Childcare Program

WASC Leadership Team Mtg.