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, School Staffs, Parents, State and National Afterschool Advocates, Providers, and Community Leaders

We thank our volunteers for their great service to students at our center. Through April 2008, they have collectively contributed nearly 1300 hours which could equate to well over $10,000.00 worth of in-kind service to our mission. Several have been with us 10 years! The final afternoon of tutoring with our volunteers is next Thursday, May 15. THANK YOU for a great year!
Sometimes, the best feedback comes when you least suspect it and from those who may not be expected to have great insights. At the right, read what 3rd grader Hayley thinks of her experiences at the West After School Center - given to us in color!
Are the higher prices of gasoline at the pump emptying your wallet? WE CAN HELP!! Save the cost of your child's lunch each day this summer. Take advantage of the FEED OHIO summer lunch program available at five additional sites in Lancaster besides the air conditioned convenience of the West After School Center.						FEED OHIO Summer Lunch Program   June 3 - August 15 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.  Monday - Friday sponsored by the West After School Center in collaboration with the Lancaster-Fairfield County Community Action Head Start, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the Governor's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives (GOFBCI).			Six Serving Sites in Lancaster free to any children/youth age 2-18   Eastside Center for Success - East School Playground West After School Center Robert K Fox Family YMCA Cedar Heights Elementary School Playground South Elementary School Playground Tallmadge Elementary School Playground
Fairfield County Master Gardeners helped our students in the Early Learning Initiative Class plant vegetables in our garden this week. The students will care for the garden and watch their plants grow to be used in salads later this summer. Connie Smith, Ohio State University Extension, taught the students about the different vegetables that grow above the ground (tops) and others that grow below in the ground (bottoms). The kids has a great time working up the dirt to their satisfaction to plant their special plant. You might also watch more of this activity and learn about the health benefits of gardening on an upcoming episode of Healthy Living for Kids. We thank Jason England of Nightcrawler Gardens in Pleasantville for the donation of unique varieties of vegetable plants for the garden Fairfield County Master Gardeners will return later this month to plant flowers in our front gardens and help beautify our landscaping for the May 22 ten year anniversary celebration.
Summer Child Care Program at the WASC  June 3-August 19 $125.00 per week - weekly learning themes
Enrollment is now open for summer childcare at the West After School Center - available for any child ages 5-12 from any school in the city.									Open 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. free lunch is provided
				The West After School Center is celebrating TEN YEARS of programming services for students and families in our community. 1998-2008
Is your child ready to succeed in school? Help your child get a jump start on education ELI - Early Learning Initiative Your 3, 4, or 5-year old may be eligible for Ohio’s ELI is now available for 3, 4, and 5 year old children receiving child-only Ohio Works First assistance. New program changes allow 3, 4, and 5 year old, child-only Ohio Works First recipients to participate in the program regardless of caretaker income. As the caretaker, your personal income or, employment status will not be counted when determining eligibility. Call your local county department of job and family services and get your child enrolled in the Early Learning Initiative. Help your child succeed. Click HERE to learn more or visit our ELI program at the WASC.
FAMILYPALOOZA
Activities for the Entire Family DJ Stan the Man, great food, games Inflatables, Huge Foam Machine, Construction Equipment Great door prizes 50/50 raffles with great prizes Activities and crafts		proceeds benefit the Child Advocacy Center of Fairfield County						May 10   11a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fairfield County Fairgrounds   Admission - $5.00 per person $20.00 maximum per family
					Do you know a student in Lancaster that prefers a private, one-on-one tutor starting this summer? Dr. June Slobodian, a former teacher, school psychologist, administrator, and recently retired professor of education at Ohio University-Lancaster will help us provide that service at the WASC beginning in June. She brings extensive experience in reading diagnosis. Contact us at 740-653-5678 for further information about fees and contacts.
The WASC Youth Media Program Follow the progress of this weekly program by reading the blog at: http://westafterschoolcenter.wordpress.com/ This program is made possible by grant funding from the Gannett and Fairfield County Foundations.
Get to Know a WASC Volunteer	My association with the WASC is: volunteer tutor. How Long?  eight years. I was born in: Lancaster, Ohio. My childhood ambition was to be a: a mom. My job was: banking. If I didn't live in Lancaster, I'd rather be in: close to the ocean. My favorite pastime is: reading, gardening. My favorite food is: seafood and anything Italian. My favorite TV show is: a good movie. My favorite style of music is: jazz. My favorite movie is: Gone with the Wind. My biggest challenge is: working out. I am inspired by: my friends and family. To me, a perfect day is: a day at the beach.
Judy Custer