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

2007-2008 Afterschool Program Begins --- 10 Years for the WASC!!
Students completing skills assignments on LeapTrack		LeapTrack - Ms. Viscarri and Mrs. Gallup
Math skills group - Mrs. Pressler		computer training - Ms. Lape
Homework help center		Homework and snack time - Ms. Keller and Ms. Wakeman
Commendations to Julie Bibler, Program Administrator, and the WASC staff for their successful start.  We are serving over 60 students already. Many parents have been very anxious to enroll their children. Next week, our volunteers join us for orientation and begin providing assistance with our kids.
		Harvest Time at the WASC Our ELI class planted a great crop of potatoes last spring and watched them grow all summer.  Pictured are some excited students as they discovered some tasty spuds in the dirt from their very own tire garden.
Read For the Record	On September 20, 2007, in communities all across America, people will gather to read The Story of Ferdinand to show their support for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record.  They will read at their local library, the town green, a local preschool, and in their own homes.  You can be a part of this national movement at the West After School Center. In addition to reading the book that day, our students will have the opportunity to illustrate the story. In a combined effort with other students, we will then build a story board.
Did you know that 73% of child  safety seats are used improperly? Make sure your child, or one that you know, is safe.	Free Child Safety Seat Check to learn more, call 654-0332 a partnership between State Farm Insurance and Fairfield County Safe Kids	Saturday, September 15, 2007 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Fairfield Christian Church - 1965 N. Columbus Street, Lancaster appointments preferred - drive-ups accepted.
The Power of One 6th Annual Faith-Based and Community Group Summit	The purpose of this summit is to recognize and celebrate the common mission of faith-based groups, service providers and community groups that serve adults, children and families, review work of sub-committees, and network and share information.	Friday, October 5, 2007 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Liberty Center
Childcare Opportunities at the WASC and the Cedar CLC	6:00 - 8:45 a.m.  $45.00/week      3:30 -6:00 p.m.   $45.00/week      Kindergarten  (a.m. or p.m.)                                 $45.00/week	Services are operated simultaneously with 21st CCLC programs. Call 653-5678 for further information and to register.
Registrations for the 2007-2008 after school program will begin Thursday, August 30 during the West School Open House. The WASC will also be equipped this year as a drop-in location for children of working parents on snow and emergency -school closure days. Open to any child K-5 in the area. Must have registration papers completed. We will be closed for Level-3 weather-related emergencies.
Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Head Start Parent Meeting Thursday, September 27, 2007  6:30 p.m. at the WASC Open House & Policy Council Elections
Beauty from our gardens - a product of spring planting courtesy of the OSU Extension Master Gardeners & students and staff of the WASC.
Free Training Opportunity ...	Why Do They Do That? Understanding the School-Age Behavior and Guiding it Positively   Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 Time: 10 am – 12 pm West After School Center   620 Garfield Ave., Lancaster, OH 43130 Instructor: Katie Sandford, After School Specialist Register by: October 1, 2007 Free		October 18, 2007 Join us at the WASC at 5:00 p.m. for a special event.
Please Join the Board of Directors and Congressman Dave Hobson for the Grand Opening of the Child Advocacy Center of Fairfield County September 24, 2007 at 10 a.m.  -- 1147 E. Main St. Lancaster, OH 43130 R.S.V.P. (740) 689-4815
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007    (check out the streaming video) Whether you’re cooking a gourmet meal, ordering food from your favorite take-out place or eating on the go, rest assured that what your kids really want during dinnertime is YOU! Family meals are the perfect time to talk to your kids and to listen to what’s on their mind. The communication that occurs over the course of a meal is critical in building a relationship between you and your kids and it helps you understand the challenges they face. Research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA)* at Columbia University consistently finds that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. CASA created Family Day — A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children™ in 2001, as a national movement that encourages parents to frequently eat dinner with their kids and be involved in their children’s lives as simple, effective ways to reduce substance abuse among children and teens. Family Day is celebrated on the fourth Monday in September. Family Day is not just for families. It is a day for all to celebrate, including businesses, unions, religious organizations and community groups. The symbolic act of regular family meals should be promoted and celebrated inside and outside the home throughout the year. Regular family dinners aren’t the only way to help keep your kids substance free. Here are some other important things you can do:  Set a good example. Know your child’s whereabouts, activities and friends.  Set fair rules and hold your child to them. Maintain open lines of communication. Surround your child with positive role models. Learn the signs and symptoms of teen substance abuse and conditions that increase risk.		Join Us at the WASC for Dinner Hot Dogs & Baked Beans Chips Beverage and Dessert 5:00 p.m.     FREE for all WASC Families   Get to know our staff and learn about the programs and services available at the WASC.