from the office of Dr. Paul G. Young, Executive Director

Visit our website at:  http://www.westafterschoolcenter.org/
This weekly update is distributed via email to the WASC Board of Directors & Staff, Volunteers, West School Staff, Parents, Afterschool Advocates,, Providers, and Community Leaders

				Cedar Community Learning Center to Become a Reality The West After School Center has been awarded a new, 5-year 21st CCLC grant to provide services and programming at Cedar Heights Elementary School beginning in August. We will soon begin accepting resumes and applications for a site director, social worker, part-time teachers and assistants. To inquire, or to refer others who may be interested, visit our web site or call the WASC, 653-5678. There were 62 grants awarded in Ohio this year. 21st CCLC programs are now offered in 51 of Ohio's 88 counties. To learn where all the other new grants are located, follow the link HERE.
Ohio Afterschool Network is Successful in Efforts to Keep TANF funding for Afterschool Programs in State Budget. The Ohio House of Representatives and the Senate have signed a biennium (2-year) budget that includes $20M in TANF funding for afterschool programs ($10M a year for two years). Legislators and their aides have said that they have been impressed with the passion and commitment of OAN members and friends when communicating the need for summer and afterschool program funding. We want our legislative supporters to know just how much we appreciate them.  OAN members and friends are asked to send thank you e-mails or make phone calls to members of the Senate Finance Committee, President Harris and an extra big thank you to Senator John Carey, sponsor of the afterschool funding budget amendment. We also thank Senator Tim Schaffer for his support. The budget should be signed by Governor Strickland is a few days. We look forward to implementing part of the programs and services that will benefit Ohio's kids, Lancaster's kids and families that will benefit.
The Black Dot Project is a series of artistic interventions focused on teaching children to think critically about advertising and branding, particularly advertisements targeting children that feature sugary junk food and cereals. The purpose of this blog is to document and archive all Black Dot interventions as well as serve as a source of information regarding the integration of the visual arts with media literacy education. The Black Dot Project is an outgrowth of an intervention conducted at Amesville Elementary School in Amesville, Ohio from January, 2005 to May, 2005. This intervention has been documented by artist Stacy Asher at the Black Wonder site. This past school year, Alison Colman, an art education professor at Ohio University, volunteered at the WASC and introduced this project to our 5th grade students.  Follow the link and spend some time reviewing what the kids learned.  You'll be impressed.  We were fortunate to have this opportunity for our students at the center. Thanks, Ms. Colman! http://www.blackdotproject.net/				The Black Dot Project at the West After School Center
SUMMER CLASS ACTIVITIES AT THE WASC The WASC is a busy place every day, with interesting classes, happy faces and good meals. We thank our teachers for their good planning and our support staff who keep things at the center running smoothly each day.
Paper Mache - Art Class		Cooking Class			Cooking class - healthy lunch ideas
Cooking Class - healthy snack ideas		Science Class - the marvels of dry ice			caring for our pets
SUMMER LEAP AHEAD READING PROGRAM (with Ohio University-Lancaster) We are pleased to have nearly 45 students participating in the Leap Ahead Reading Program, representing many of the Lancaster public and private elementary schools. We are indebted to the good work being offered from the 15 OU-L teachers, professor Dr. June Slobodian, Julia Wakeman and Angela Keller of the WASC, and Office Manager Chris Kuttler who provides constant support.
SUMMER CHILDCARE AVAILABLE
The West After School Center continues to accept applications for its summer childcare program (safe, clean, fun, affordable, and air-conditioned). The center is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to accommodate the needs of working parents. Meals and snacks are included in the weekly cost of the care. Any school age child (entering grades 1-6) from Lancaster or surrounding areas may register. Families that are eligible for Title XX benefits may have a portion or all of their weekly costs reduced. This program service will operate until Friday, August 17. The WASC will be closed July 4. Students will be able to participate in daily fun classes and activities at the WASC, take walking field trips, and maintain and advance their learning skills throughout the summer. To inquire about weekly costs, attendance requirements, and price breaks for siblings, contact Aime Azbell at the WASC, 653-5678. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Act now to reserve spots for your children.
For children entering Grades K-6 6:00 am to 6:00 pm  Monday thru Friday thru August 17, 2007	Summer Program Fees Eligible families are encouraged to apply for childcare reimbursement (Title XX) from the Fairfield County Job and Family Services to reduce child care costs significantly. For those that qualify for those reimbursements, childcare payments must be established with JFS before enrollment. For those that choose to self pay, the first week’s payment must be received at time of enrollment. Tuition $125 per week; $100 per week (second and subsequent siblings) Tuition is charged a flat rate, regardless of hours participating Enrollment for summer includes the first week’s fees and completed registration forms. Applications will only be accepted in person at the West After School Center office 620 Garfield Avenue, 653-5678. Ask for Aime Azbell.
			The multiple festivities, sounds, and sights of the Lancaster Festival will soon be happening in our city. Take advantage of all there is to experience. Invite a child to enjoy the activities with you. Be sure to check out the schedule at LANCASTER FESTIVAL and consider these events designed with kids' interests in mind: Festival Fair Day, July 21, 9:00-3:00 - Fairfield County Fairgrounds Rising Park Day, July 26, 9:30-5:00 Mornings at the Library, July 25-26, 10:30 Knights of Columbus Hall, July 23-27, 10:30 River Valley Mall, July 23-27, 1:30 Family Concert - Ballet (Puss'n Boots), July 22, 1:30 & 7:30 at OU-L
Daily lunch at the WASC continues to be a popular activity. We average approximately 225 lunches served daily. Our open serving hour is 11:30-12:30, Monday through Friday. Free for students age 2-18. Follow the link below to an interactive map of Ohio counties and other summer lunch program sites. CACFP Summer Lunch Program Sites (OHIO)