New Afterschool Matters issue published by NIOST

The National Institute on Out-of-School Time is pleased to announce the fall 2013 publication of Afterschool Matters, generously funded by the NOYCE Foundation and The Bowne Foundation. The pdf of the journal is available for free by clicking here. This national, peer-reviewed journal serves those involved in developing, managing, and working in programs for youth during the out-of-school time hours and those engaged in research and in shaping youth development policy. It’s one of the only resources of its kind. The fall issue opens with an article on the importance of content-specific out-of-school time training for professionals in the field. In addition to a piece on stimulating youth participation in social action and community service, this issue brings you several pieces on content and learning outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). If you have any questions, are interested in viewing past issues of Afterschool Matters, or would like to sign up for a subscription, please refer to NIOST's website.

Got Supper?

Fighting Hunger through the At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program

We all know kids are hungry after school (school lunch can be as early as 11:00am!). Some children come home from school to empty fridges and cupboards because parents struggling to make ends meet may not be able to afford food.  Almost 1 in 5 (112,663) of Connecticut's school children participate in afterschool programs. While many programs offer a snack it is often not enough, especially when these afterschool programs end late in the evening with no meal waiting at home.

Recently, Connecticut became eligible to provide full meals ("suppers") to students 18 and under enrolled in an afterschool enrichment program. This is provided by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) through federal funds. 

Afterschool supper participants benefit from more than nutrition; suppers can decrease behavioral problems in afterschool programs and can increase focus on enrichment activities.

Currently in Connecticut, only 7 out of 34 eligible towns are offering this opportunity to their students. End Hunger CT!/CT No Kid Hungry Campaign is working with the CT State Department of Education to increase the awareness and availability of this program, to ultimately  ensure that no child goes hungry during out-of-school time.

To find out if your afterschool program or school is eligible to serve suppers, please contact Shannon Robins at srobins@endhungerct.org.

Reposted from our friends at EndHungerConnecticut! 

Webinar Series with Terry Peterson

Have you heard about the Expanding Minds Compendium?  It is a guidebook of studies, reports, and commentaries by over 100 thought-leaders including educators, researchers, community leaders, elected officials, advocates, and other prominent authors. 

This series of webinars by Terry Peterson, the "godfather" of afterschool, is a new resource for all educators, community and afterschool leaders and funders to help you dig deeper into the research and best practices that that show how quality after-school and summer learning programs—including 21st Century Community Learning Centers—make a POSITIVE difference for students, families, schools, and communities.

The first webinar is being held on November 19th at 1:00 EST and is called:  

A New Resource for Educators, Community and Afterschool Leaders and Funders: Expanding Minds and Opportunities.

In this webinar you will learn how to use this resource that is filled with data points and research highlights. Examples will be given on how to improve your practice, develop new partners, and make the case for after‑school and summer learning programs.

To Register for this seminar click here.

To Learn more about this seminar click here.

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The second webinar is on December 3rd at 1:00 EST and is called:

More Than Just Another "To-do" on the List:
The Benefits of Strong School, Principal, and Afterschool/Community Relationships

Student learning is no longer the sole province of schools. Learn how after-school leaders and school administrators are working together to build strong ties of mutual support for enriching the experiences of children in every learning community throughout our nation.

To Register for this seminar click here.

To Learn more about this seminar click here.

If you would like to explore and learn more about the Compendium online click here.

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Connecticut After School Network
12 Melrose Avenue, Branford, CT 06405 phone: 203-483-9757 fax: 203-481-7160 email: info@ctafterschoolnetwork.org
Visit our Web site at: www.ctafterschoolnetwork.org

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