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

Don't Forget -- Daylight Savings Time Begins This Weekend!  Change your clocks and appliances accordingly.  Refresh your batteries in all smoke detectors!
Help your students prepare for the Ohio Achievement Tests!  Practice tests for grades 3-8 are on-line. Click HERE
16th Annual Early Childhood Spring Conference presented by FAMILY, ADULT & CHILDREN FIRST COUNCIL & THE CHILDREN’S COMMITTEE In partnership with the Central Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center Friday, MARCH 23, 2007 AT OHIO UNIVERSITY-- LANCASTER CAMPUS--1570 GRANVILLE PIKE--LANCASTER, OHIO 43130		Fairfield County Family, Adult and Children First Council WASC staff will be compensated for the cost of registration. See Jane Hart to register. A full conference schedule is available in the WASC Office.
It's Survey Time! This week, a review of what our volunteers think about their students and experience at our center. If you'd like to view the all of our survey questions, please CLICK HERE.
West After School Center Volunteer Survey Results, February 2007   Who are our Volunteer Tutors? Experience as a volunteer at the WASC. Male: 33% Female: 67% Volunteer reads e-mail from WASC?  Yes=56%; No=44%  (12 new subscribers were added as a result of this survey. New percentages will be 75% Yes, 25% No). Less than 1 year 1-2 yrs. 2-3 yrs. 3-5 yrs. 5+ yrs. Age Groups 31% 7% 16% 10% 36% 12-14 14-18 18-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 60-70 70-80 80+           5% 16% 5% 1% 7% 13% 26% 21% 5%             61 volunteers completed the survey from Feb.20-26. 30 volunteers were out of town or involved in activities at LHS or Fisher Catholic HS. With that in mind, this survey represents 67% of our volunteers.  Percentages are based on the responses of the 61 participants. Results are reported by percentages The Questions Strongly Agree Agree Not Appl/Do Not Know Disagree Strongly Disagree 1.  I have seen improvement in my student's math and reading skills. 5 52 34 8 0 2.  I have seen improvement in my student's behavior. 3 59 26 10 0 3.  My student seems more confident. 11 56 30 3 0 4.  My student seems motivated to learn when at the center. 11 54 21 13 0 5.  My student's ability to stay on task and complete assignments has improved. 5 64 25 6 0 Comments:           Some of the usual three students I work with have progressed more than others. My biggest problem/concern is that some students are not disciplined, talk back. Some of the students are definitely more eager to learn than others and there is a wide variation in attention span from individual to individual. But just receiving a positive response to my presence from the student is rewarding. Fifth graders...need I say more? There is a real attitude problem. I'm sure that you know my student is failing reading, and it is a huge disappointment. My student does a very good job as long as he has someone to push a little. Otherwise, he is a good kid. I have only worked with these two students for about three weeks, so I'm not sure how valid my observations are. I have tutored three different students this year, therefore, I have not been with my current student long enough to evaluate her fairly. I think the best thing I am doing for my student is being a friend. I do not see an improvement in her work, but I think she is happy to have someone to talk with her and show an interest in her well being. She is a likeable young lady, and I worry about her future, because she does have so many problems. When I have the chance of a one on one relationship with a student, that was the best for me and that individual. I have been working in a group situation with three students. Most, but not all, of the students seem to have improved in skills ad attitude. The students are open to improvement. It is the highlight of my week coming to tutoring. My student has some severe learning disabilities; it is hard to measure any improvements. I feel that my student is making strides in his studies and I am able to help him. Classroom is very noisy without partitions. Fixing is a priority. I really enjoy working with the students, but the ones I work with have such behavioral problems and are not really interested in learning. I have worked with three students who fit that statement. It is fun to come to the center and help. The kids are always enthusiastic. I love it! I haven't been here that long - just after Christmas (returning volunteer). [name] is really fun to work with and has a positive attitude. He sometimes gets off task but listens well and is easily put back on task. I have been away from the center for several weeks so  do not feel I can honestly answer the above questions. I have not had the opportunity to work with one student any length of time. I generally work with different children each week. The program is very organized in the time frame that we have. The little girl that I help is bright but it seems that when I have her on Tuesday that she seems like she is tired, so I have a hard time keeping her attention. My student's reading ability has improved, however her math skills are at the level as we began. She does respond well to direction at this time when earlier her attention wandered. Being a teacher, I would appreciate talking to my student's teacher for better insight into the learning difficulties.   6.  I feel that my time, effort, and work with my student have made a difference. 20 61 11 8 0 7.  I have enjoyed working at the WASC this year. 57 31 11 0 0 8.  I feel that communication between the WASC volunteer coordinator and volunteer tutors is adequate. 48 39 11 2 0 9.  I feel that communication between WASC Academic Coaches and volunteer tutors is adequate. 36 43 15 6 0 10. I feel the daily structure of the program is conducive to working with young students.  41 39 13 7 0 Additional Unsolicited Written Comments:            I am very frustrated at times with the activities I do with [name]. He is unable to read and to be able to do his math, etc. he must know how to read. Twice we were asked to read a paragraph (which he could not do) and then copy it with corrections. He cannot read and it was a total waste of time to even do this task. I need to be able to help him in phonetics, not waste time on tasks such as this. I can truly see that the time and efforts of the volunteers here do make a difference! The only suggestion I could make is that last year I appreciated the opening welcome and announcements before the students came. I think not having specific students assigned is disruptive to the student and I believe that is gives volunteers reasons for being absent, since there does not seem to be a personal commitment, only a generalized commitment. The only comment I can make concerning my opinion about improving the center may be with students that have a difficult time with a certain area, i.e. math or reading. I have observed a child counting on his fingers when they should be beyond that point and others that are obviously lost with certain math facts. It seems there should be a way to help these individuals with some form of singular attention. The difficult of coaches assigning students to tutors has been evident this year. I think everything is done well. I need more time with my students. I appreciate the coach and how she works with the students. The program is great and I wish my elementary had it! I believe it makes a difference in the kids' lives. This year seems calmer and quieter than last year. A general meeting time with tutors and leaders would be helpful to keep tutors aware of tasks to be accomplished and provide time for exchange of ideas. My first experiences with the after school program concentrated on assisting with homework and encouraging the student in positive ways. The program is now much broader but I would like to see the original take priority. The program is very good and helps man students. All elementary schools should have them. I feel if there were fewer targets each week it would be more effective. As a tutor, I need more orientation in methods that the students are taught. Limit the areas covered to reading, math, ad homework. These appear to be most vital. I feel that we need to cover the basic math facts. We could coordinate efforts with classroom teachers more, especially regarding special needs. I love coming in here and helping out, everyone is nice and helpful. There is no communication about the educational goals for the student  am tutoring. I have never been told if we are reaching the goals that the coach, parents, and teachers want to achieve.
	On Monday, March 26, the Columbus Children’s Theatre Touring Company will present “The Reluctant Dragon” at 4:00 p.m. to the students attending the WASC tutoring program. This presentation is made possible through the Strengthening Families Program sponsored by The Recovery Center of Lancaster. "Dragons are a pest and must be got rid of" – that’s what all the villagers say. It doesn’t seem to matter that this particular dragon wouldn’t hurt a fly. But this dragon has a friend with a great deal of good sense. She must convince St. George that violence is not the answer and there are other options than fighting. Family members are welcome to attend this heartwarming and funny tale!
	Mom’s Craft Morning!  Spring is coming! Please join us on Monday, March 12, at 10:00 when we will make some sparkling and colorful eggs for your Easter basket. Call Jane Hart for more information. RSVP on the Family Bulletin Board as you sign your child out of tutoring.
	March is Music in Our Schools Month
	Dr. Young and Mr. Libbee, Executive Director of the Eastside Center for Success, will be attending the National After School Association Conference in Phoenix, March 20-23. This is the largest conference of its kind in the nation for afterschool providers and advocates. Dr. Young will present the story of the development of the West After School Center at a special session on Wednesday morning, March 21 and participate with Judy Nee, NAA Board President, in a session focused on professional development for principals and after school providers, also on Wednesday. A full conference overview can be seen by clicking HERE