Elementary & Middle School Out-of-School Time Networks | | | Not yet subscribed to this newsletter? Click here to subscribe! | | Bittersweet News! Vanessa Moves On | | |
As many of you know, our MSN Coordinator, Vanessa Fisher, has recently moved on to a new position within DHSP (Department of Human Service Programs). Please read the following note from Vanessa Fisher as she moves on to her next chapter:
"Over my time in this role, this network has become much more than a professional community to me. It has been a place of learning, laughter, collaboration, problem-solving, and genuine connection. Because of that, sharing this news feels emotional as I hold so much gratitude for this community. I want to thank all of you for allowing me the privilege of facilitating our network spaces. Every meeting, training, workshop, and conversation was made meaningful because of what you brought into the room. Creating spaces where people feel comfortable sharing honestly is something I never took for granted, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me and in one another.
I also want to give a special shout out to the Summer Planning Workshop teams. Thank you for being such incredible partners. You showed up and showed out, over and over again! You brought your creativity, flexibility, humor, and commitment to making summer opportunities accessible and meaningful for Cambridge youth. The planning process is no small task, and I am continually inspired by the care and dedication you put into that work. Thanks for partnering with me, the schools and the AFCOST Network Team to support hundreds of Upper School students!
Thank you for your open arms, partnership, your kindness, your wisdom, and your commitment to this field. It has truly been an honor to be part of this network, and I carry so much gratitude with me as I begin this next chapter. I will see you around Cambridge!"
For any questions regarding MSN moving forward, please feel free to reach out to:
Khari Milner, Co-Director, Agenda for Children OST, kmilner@cpsd.us
Greg Green, ESON Coordinator, Agenda for Children OST, ggreen@cpsd.us
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Opportunities & Resources for:
You and Your Colleagues
| | Summer Spotlight: Exploring, Creating, and Growing Across Cambridge OST | | Greg Green, ESON Coordinator, is on a World Tour (of summer programs, that is!). Over the next few weeks Greg will be visiting many of your summer programs to see the incredible learning, creativity, and joy taking place throughout Cambridge. Every site has its own unique energy, and every visit is a reminder of the passion and dedication our OST professionals bring to young people each and every day. | |
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Gately Youth Center
Walking into Gately Youth Center feels like stepping into a hub of creativity and possibility. Throughout the day, young people rotate through four to five enriching workshops that keep them engaged, challenged, and inspired.
From sewing and volleyball to beatmaking and theater improv, youth are exploring new interests while building skills and confidence.
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Outback Summer Camp
Baldwin's Outback Summer Camp reminded me that sometimes the best learning happens when we become the student. I stopped by during one of their art blocks and was amazed by the variety of creative opportunities available to young people. Naturally, I couldn't resist joining the origami class.The young people patiently guided me through each fold, corrected my mistakes with kindness, and celebrated every small success along the way. By the end, I proudly completed my box while admiring the intricate creations they had mastered.
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Community Art Center
Young people jumped head first into designing their own tie dye shirts, adding their own personalities and artistic flair to every creation. The shirts were created for youth to proudly wear on their field trip the very next day. It was a wonderful example of how OST programs foster autonomy, creativity, and ownership while making everyday experiences even more memorable. And yes, I couldn't resist joining in! I even had the chance to make a few shirts for my own kids.
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We look forward to visiting more programs throughout the summer and continuing to celebrate the amazing experiences you provide for Cambridge's children, youth, and families. | | |
Opportunities & Resources for:
Youth & Families
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OST Providers: Upload student enrollment data to Community Partner Portal (CPP) to access valuable trend analysis and OST Demographics Dashboard. Maintaining current data allows you to easily export charts for program planning.
For help uploading summer or after-school data, contact Zeena Brown, Network Associate, at zbrown@cpsd.us.
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Interested in continuing your conversations from Network Meetings or want to establish better connections with the OST community, check out our OST Networking Contact Form!
To submit your contact information, please fill out your contact details here. Click here to see the current submissions on our expanding network contact sheet.
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The Middle School Network (MSN) and Elementary Out-of-School Time Network (ESON) are programs of the Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time that aim to ensure equitable access and engagement of elementary and middle school youth in out-of-school time experiences in Cambridge. Agenda for Children Out-of School Time is a citywide intermediary situated in both the City’s Human Services and School Departments. | | |
Greg Green
ESON Coordinator
Cambridge Public Schools & Agenda for Children OST
857-235-2946, ggreen@cpsd.us
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We're Hiring!
MSN Coordinator
Cambridge Public Schools & Agenda for Children OST
| | Check our Events Calendar for all other professional development opportunities and links to virtual meetings. | | | | |
