September 25, 2024

This is your weekly newsletter featuring program spotlights, innovative resources, and training opportunities for the out-of-school-time industry in Florida. Together, we can ensure all children and youth in Florida have access to affordable, available, high-quality expanded learning opportunities to foster their success in school and beyond.

Your Guide to Hurricane Season 2024

With all eyes set on what will be Hurricane Helene, it's important to be prepared for the storm. Here's some information to help you out. This article includes hurricane kit contents, FEMA recommendations, evacuation zones, and shelters and contacts by county.

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If you have an idea for an afterschool spotlight or would like to be featured, email Holly to help share your story!

Families 'desperately' need after-school care, but 30% of PBC schools have waitlists. Why?

After the final school bell rings and students across Palm Beach County are released for the day, more than 14,000 elementary students don't go straight home. At around $260 per month, Palm Beach County's school district offers one of the least expensive forms of after-school childcare in the county, where private care can cost up to $500 per month. But increasing demand and difficulties in hiring staff has led to waiting lists at 30% of aftercare sites, according to the district.

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Bay Base After-School Program coming to Waller Elementary

Come October 15th Waller students will have access to after-school care on-site thanks to the Bay Base after-school program. Until now, kids had to travel on the bus to Tommy Smith Elementary School for after-school care. Starting mid-October students will be able to transition after school to a variety of activities.

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What safety procedures do Florida school districts have for students with disabilities?

Amid a wave of threats and safety concerns, WCTV spoke with an expert about what procedures Florida school districts have to protect students with disabilities.

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Here are the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools in South Florida

Several South Florida schools were recognized this week as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

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R&B superstar Usher promotes importance of after-school programs

Usher stopped by the Dick and Sandy Dauch location of the Boys & Girls Club on Detroit's west side ahead of concerts Thursday and today at Little Caesars Arena as part of his Club Takeover.

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WFSU PBS Kids Classroom Kits (Resource Kits & Bundles)

Classroom kits are available to help your teachers teach groups of elementary school-aged children, campers, and their parents. Inquire with the WFSU Education team for more information on purchasing the kits for your workshop, classroom, or camp. Each of these kits is also available to download for free on PBS LearningMedia.

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Engaging youth in the 2024 election

Election Day is rapidly approaching. It's an amazing moment to help youth build an understanding of elections, discuss issues, and explore democracy. We’ve pulled together a few resources to help educate youth about the process and engage them in sharing their perspectives, as well as tips for educators on managing tough conversations and differing views.

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It's Lights On Afterschool season!

It's on! Lights On Afterschool is back for its 25th year—please join us in the nation's only celebration of afterschool and out-of-school time programs! With 10 weeks until October 24, now is the perfect time to register and begin planning your event. Every year, Lights On Afterschool shines a spotlight on the importance of afterschool programs, with celebrations taking place at more than 8,000 events attended by 1 million Americans. It’s a great opportunity to bring members of your community into your program to showcase the important work afterschool programs do for kids and families!

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LEARNING FROM OTHERS: Thrive after-school program in Longview begins fundraising push to stabilize, expand operations

Thrive Longview, the nonprofit afterschool and summer program geared toward middle school children, is searching for financial stability after the departure this past year of a major donor. Holmes and the Thrive board reached out to the Longview area’s largest employers with their pitch this month: integrating a career readiness program for middle-schoolers that can introduce them to professional pathways at participating companies.

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21st CCLC Non-Regulatory Guidance finalized, includes updated information on parent fees

The U.S. Department of Education published its final Non-Regulatory Guidance for the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program. Written as a set of frequently asked questions, the new guidance provides additional interpretations on program implementation, including areas where the field has asked for further clarity.

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Roads Taken Since Youth Program Participation: Lessons Learned and Ways to Apply Them

Watch on Demand


Join researchers from the Roads Taken project for a quick road trip as they present action-oriented insights tailored to youth program leaders in afterschool and summer programs. This five-year research project focused on alums from six multi-year, intensive STEM programs, primarily serving youth historically underrepresented in STEM fields.

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Lights On Afterschool 101

Watch on Demand


Lights On Afterschool is back for its 25th year, celebrating afterschool programs, students, and staff! Taking place this year on October 24, 2024, this nationwide event brings together more than 8,000 programs showcasing the important role that afterschool plays in supporting youth, families, and communities.

Register Here

Highlighting the Role of Afterschool Programs in Reducing Chronic Absenteeism for Students in Partnership with Schools and Families


Webinar: Thursday September 26 at 2PM


Chronic absenteeism is a national education crisis as students who are chronically absent are much less likely to read at grade level and to graduate high school. This webinar will highlight the role of high-quality afterschool programs to help reduce chronic absenteeism. Attendees will learn about a range of strategies and resources that can be leveraged through partnerships with schools and families to address chronic absenteeism and ensure that all students thrive and reach their full potential.

Register Here

Interactive Discussion on Supporting Special Populations in Out-of-School Time Webinar


Webinar: Thursday September 26 at 3PM


Are you interested in better understanding and addressing the unique needs of special populations within OST? Would you like to learn about how to expand support systems to create welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environments? Looking for success strategies? Then join our presentation and interactive discussion.

Register Here

ACRES Coaching: Asking Purposeful Questions


Webinar: Thursdays September 26, October 10, October 24 from 11AM-1PM


Questions begin a path toward discovery, imagination, and STEM exploration. How can we help youth expand and clarify their thinking and develop their reasoning through the questions we ask them? This module is a great way to train staff on how to facilitate STEM learning. Experienced educators also love being part of a cohort as a way to connect with other educators across the country, to learn new lesson plans, and to reflect on practice. This is our introductory module and a prerequisite to other opportunities.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! We are a recognized leader for providing high-quality professional learning experiences that are timely, relevant, and engaging. Join us in October for our annual conference as we convene at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Get ready for fresh ideas for youth engagement, strategies for business and staff development, and tools for local advocacy. Learn more about what to expect here.

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Florida After School, Inc. | FLafterschool.com

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