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Definitions of Expanded Learning
Opportunities:
Word of the Month
Healing Centered Approach:
A healing centered approach is holistic involving culture, spirituality, civic action and collective healing. A healing centered approach views trauma not simply as an individual isolated experience, but rather highlights the ways in which trauma and healing are experienced collectively.
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Working Toward Recovery Together
Beth Unverzagt, OregonASK Executive Director
We can all agree that this is not a normal beautiful May in Oregon. Although, the sun is still shining in the sky and flowers are blooming it is not a normal world. Currently, our questions are greater than the answers we have. We have been under emergency orders, staying home and staying safe for the past seven weeks. While school buildings are closed, the afterschool programs that operate in them must be closed or working virtually. Park Districts, Enrichment Programs, and Child Care Centers are all facing unique challenges. What will summer look like? Will children and youth have camps and
access to food? Change is now and will continue during the next year.
The afterschool field in Oregon is facing an incredibly challenging time as the communities served by afterschool and summer programs have been severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. We have seen massive layoffs of staff and the uncertainty of when programs will reopen. The financial impact already in the millions.
As we talked to programs across Oregon, I have been inspired by the kindness, "can do"
attitude, flexibility and innovation from organizations, both large and small, throughout our
state. We are working together.
The resiliency of the afterschool community is truly inspiring. It takes hard work and bravery, fighting for what's right when everything is uncertain. Together, as a network and community, we have this fight and we will speak up for our profession and for our kids and families and we will take care of each other as we continue to strive to meet the needs of children and families.
Our hope is that together we can find a rhythm in the "new normal". We need to lead in our
communities with a human centered approach that is filled with grace and kindness to everyone.
We will find our way into recovery.
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COVID-19 Impact Survey Preview
In April 2020, OregonASK launched a brief survey to gauge the impact of COVID-19 within the afterschool, childcare, and expanded learning field, and to understand how the field is responding to the pandemic. A brief summary of results to-date can be found on our 2 page initial summary.
And while this report demonstrates how catastrophic COVID-19 has been to expanded learning partners, we are also happy to see how responsive programs have been to meeting the needs of those they serve. Like so many of you,
Camp Fire Central Oregon has been doing their best to adapt to the times. The organization has been finding ways to continue serving their community's youth and families, and preserving the valuable developmental relationships formed in their programs. They've created "
Camp Fire Virtual", 100+ at-home activities, and resources including supports for youth with disabilities to keep kids engaged and inspired during this difficult time. Learn more and stay connected with
Camp Fire Central Oregon.
If you haven't yet, make sure to fill out the
COVID-19 Impact Survey by the end of May to help us get the most complete picture of your responsiveness.
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Release of the Mizzen by Mott App!
Afterschool programs around the country are hard at work, doing all they can to support youth and families during this difficult time.
As resources to these efforts, state networks have been looking for vetted, high quality learning content that afterschool programs can use to support young people - wherever they are.
The state networks have come together in creating the Mizzen by Mott app! Developed with and for afterschool professionals, Mizzen
is a new app that helps afterschool programs support kids.
The content focuses on students' well-being, SEL, engagement in STEM, arts, literacy, entrepreneurship, and youth voice. With support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the app and all of its content are free to afterschool providers, and can be downloaded from your favorite app store!
To support the launch of the Mizzen by Mott App, OregonASK will be hosting an introductory training webinar, free of charge! R
egister
HERE to j
oin us on Tuesday, May 12th from 10:00-11:00 AM -
we look forward to having you join us!
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Child Care & Summer Program Oregon Update
While summer may look different in every community and county in Oregon, we want to help ensure that programs are ready to serve their families and communities in whatever way they can. On April 30th and May 4th, we had the opportunity to host a conversation with the Governor's Office to discuss School Age & Summer Camp draft guidance, you can view the
April 30th HERE and
May 4th recording HERE.
We will continue this conversation and work to get you as much information about the constantly changing landscape.
You can
Sign Up Here
to find out about other upcoming opportunities or reach out directly to Bethany.Thramer@oregonask.org for more information.
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Preparing for an Uncertain Summer
We will be hosting our next Summer Community Conversation on May 13th, 12-1:30pm to address new guidance and questions, as well as let you share strategies or plans for addressing the uncertainty ahead.
Sign Up Here to join us on May 13th.
A few highlights to consider as you are preparing for this uncertain summer:
- Ratios and spacing are still being considered but summer camps will be allowed in reopening Phases.
- If you plan to run programs, plan registrations in a week by week format to help log who is in what programs and ease cancellations or changes if reopening timelines change.
- Reach out to your local school district or community partner to figure out how you could utilize available space to meet distancing requirements.
Don't forget that
National Summer Learning Week is July 6-11th and a perfect opportunity
to talk about the importance of having opportunities for all youth, particularly in our road to
recovery this summer. Additionally, the
National Summer Learning Association is hosting several webinars to help provide answers and strategies to help us address the current climate needs. Find out more about
:
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Online Training Opportunities from the OregonASK Team!
Join OregonASK and our trainers in the opportunities below:
2 Weeks Ready Community Conversation
Monday, May 11th from 9 - 10 AM & Tuesday, May 12th from 6:30 - 7:30 AM
The 2 Weeks Ready Campaign will be continuing weekly community conversations online through the month of May. Join OregonASK in online conversation about what systems and supports Child Care and Afterschool Programs need for an emergency situation. For more information and to register click here.
Introduction to the Mizzen by Mott App
Tuesday, May 12 from 10 -11 AM
Mizzen by Mott launched early last month making it possible for frontline staff to access quality curriculum and activities from just a swipe away. Join OregonASK in learning the basics of using the Mizzen by Mott App, including sign-up, searching content and
pro-tips, and scheduling. Please register here.
COVID-19 & Child Care Pt. 2
Thursday, May 14th, from 9:30 - 10:30 AM
This continuation of the COVID-19 & Child Care Webinar participants will review the Emergency Child Care Guidelines, introduce strategies to manage behavior online, and review some self care strategies. Participants will receive an hour of Set 1 HSN credit through the Oregon Registry. Please register here.
Getting Ready for Preschool STEM
Tuesday, May 19 from 10 AM-12 PM
Participants will explore preschool age development and develop strategies for engaging young children in meaningful STEM activities. For this training, there is a $20 charge. Please register
here.
PBIS in Afterschool
Wednesday, May 20 from 10 AM-12 PM
Participants will learn the basic components of a PBIS
(Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) system and how afterschool staff can integrate PBIS strategies into their program.
For this training, there is a $20 charge. Please register here.
Power UP!
Activate Your Inner Hero Through Reading
Wednesday, June 3 from 10 AM - 12 PM
Participants will explore the "Power UP!" curriculum through small group and hands on activities. Participants will practice literacy strategies and develop implementation plans for their afterschool program.
Please register here
.
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Celebrating STEM in Oregon
Educators, industry partners, afterschool programs and parents
throughout Oregon will be celebrating STEM this month in many different ways.
Oregon
MESA
is taking their
MESA
Day virtual and turning it into a week-long event.
MESA
Week (May 11-14th) will have daily sessions for students to explore STEM Careers, College pathways, and activities tied to different daily themes: Healthcare, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship for Social Good. We've partnered with friends at
Portland Workforce Alliance
and
OMSI
to bring great speakers and activity leaders to these sessions.
All students in Oregon are invited to join this opportunity (especially underrepresented middle and high school students).
Students can register here. To find out more about the event watch this
an
introduction video
available in english and Spanish.
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and join in to help spread the STEM excitement!
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Oregon Joint Emergency Board Funding
On April 23rd, the Oregon Joint Emergency Board virtually convened to discuss how they would distribute $30+ million in emergency funding throughout the state. The Emergency Board will also increase federal spending limits to access relief in the CARES Act.
Here is a breakdown of the Oregon Joint Emergency Board funding:
Keep an eye out for the Oregon Revenue Forecast coming in mid-May to see what other funding decisions may impact you in the coming months.
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OregonASK's Next (Virtual) Partner Meeting June 5th
We're entering into a brave new space and learning more ways to stay connected. We are excited to try out our first official OreognASK Partner Meeting on
June 5th. We will plan to meet from
9am-11am, including times for breakout rooms and all the personal chats you'd like.
Please plan to join us and
RSVP here to get the right Zoom information.
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2020-21 Save the Dates!
June 5th:
OregonASK Virtual Partner Meeting
July 6th-11th: National Summer Learning Week
August 20th: OregonASK Agency Advisory Meeting
September 18th: OregonASK Partner Meeting
November 7th: Oregon Afterschool Conference
December 4th: OregonASK Partner Meeting
January 21st, 2021: OregonASK Agency Advisory Meeting
February 19th, 2021: OregonASK Partner Meeting
May 14th, 2021: OregonASK Partner Meeting
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(503) 689-1656 | general@oregonask.org | www.oregonask.org
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