April 2020 Newsletter
Keeping an Eye on the Big Picture: This is Afterschool

We know that this is an unprecedented time for us all, but we know what a difference you each make. While school is out, it is expanded learning partners that continue to provide support for children and families. We want to help celebrate why so many of us are doing what we do... supporting families and helping youth dream bigger dreams. 

This is Afterschool - Dreaming Bigger Dreams
Thank you Umatilla School District and STEM Academy for telling your story!
COVID-19 Around Oregon Update

While the world is facing this unknown future, OregonASK continues our work to bring you the most updated information and support as possible. On March 23rd, Governor Brown enacted the Stay Home, Save Lives Executive Order until April 28th. This mandate came with heavy consideration for all communities across Oregon facing the COVID-19 outbreak. To read the full executive order,  click here or see some  specifics below:
  • All non-essential social and recreational gatherings are prohibited, regardless of size, if a distance of 6 feet at the minimum cannot be kept
  • Businesses not closed by the order need to implement social distancing policies/procedures
  • Stay at home whenever possible
  • Recreational facilities are closed
  • New guidelines have been outlined for child care facilities
  • Failure to comply will be considered an immediate danger to public health and subject to a Class C misdemeanor
While the situation may be overwhelming, there are steps that individuals and organizations can take to slow the spread and relieve some stress. And don't forget, you can always get the most up to date information from the Oregon Health Authority
OregonASK Goes Virtual - Join us Online Next Week!

The well being of our communities has been in the forefront of our minds, especially as we socially distance ourselves and hope for a swift recovery in the coming months. However, we recognize that we are lucky that we can stay safe in our homes while many people continue to go out and serve their communities. To best support the hard working professionals serving Oregon children and families, we are making all of the trainings and upcoming meetings or conversations virtual wherever possible. You have not stopped working and neither will we, we are still here to support the folks in Afterschool to the best of our ability. 

We will continue to be available to our partners online via virtual training, coaching, consultation, and technical assistance - Please send emails with any questions as we are not in the office to answer the phone through the end of April 2020. You can also c heck out our newest OregonASK Spring/Summer Training Catalog  here and reach out with inquiries. 

Our first virtual training this spring will be offered next week: 
April 8th at 9am: COVID-19 & Child Care Webinar  
Sign Up HERE  to join the COVID-19 & Child Care Webinar  next Wednesday hosted by OregonASK. This webinar will include guidance around Child Care amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Participants will discuss the impact of COVID-19, introduce the new temporary Emergency Child Care Guidelines, and review resources about the COVID-19 and Stress Management. Participants will receive an hour of Set 1 HSN  credit  through the Oregon Registry.

To request another specific training or to find out more about virtual training, coaching, or technical assistance  contact us here .
Resources Amid National Emergency 

While we understand this is a trying time for so many, we hope that some of this information and these resources may be helpful for you, your organization, and your community in meeting needs and keeping us all safe and healthy.  OregonASK has started a collection of resources around  COVID-19 ,   mental health, virtual learning, nutrition, etc.  and welcome you to reach out with any other specific questions, we are happy to help find the answers. 

OregonASK will also be hosting several community conversations and webinars in the coming weeks to help share updated information and connect with one another about what is happening around the state.  We know how important it is to help keep people stay connected and want to hear from partners on what is going on in your programs and communities while sharing any pertinent updated information with one another. Join us next week for one of our conversations:
April 6th COVID Community Conversation at 12pm - Sign Up to Join Us
April 10th COVID Community Conversation at 10am - Sign Up to Join Us

And here are a few highlights of other resources you may be able to utilize:
  • Nutrition support including more about the COVID-19 response here and access to the waivers and guidelines around Federal Nutritional Service programs here.
  • Resources for Oregon NonProfits, including information about local foundation support opportunities can be found online HERE.
  • Oregon Department of Education COVID FAQ's for school and district guidance.
Find all these and any updated resources on our OregonASK COVID-19 Update page.
Unmask Your Potential! FREE Two Day Virtual Conference!


 

The National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC)

has moved their annual Service Learning Conference in response protecting communities nationwide from COVID-19. The conference offers an array of topics ranging from A Beginners Guide to Service Learning, The Power of Service- Learning Experience, Creating Effective Youth Adult Partnerships, and Service-Learning: Creating an Engaged Citizenry.

 

To find out more and to register for the Virtual National Service Learning Conference on April 16th & 17th, click here.

 

THANK YOU Afterschool Professionals! Afterschool Professional Appreciation Week is Here!

Now more than ever, we need to recognize the pivotal role that everyone in the Afterschool field plays. It is estimated that  10.2 million children participate in Afterschool programs each year and there is an estimated number of  850,000 Afterschool professionals working in those programs!

T hese passionate and hardworking individuals are what make a difference in the world of out-of-school time. We want to encourage our partners to join us and the millions of other people celebrating Afterschool  Professionals across the country during the   week of  April 20th-24th.

Not sure how to celebrate? Check out a wide range of resources that the National Afterschool Association (NAA) has available on their website here.
Reminder: Event Cancellations

As an organization, we have aligned with the Stay Home mandate issued by the Governor. We want to remind our statewide partners that the following events have been cancelled:
  • April 10th: OregonASK Partner Meeting (Online Community Conversation instead) 

  • April 17th - 18th: Mind the Gap Spring Conference
  • June 16th: Healthy Schools Summit 
If you have any questions about future events, send an email to general@oregonask.org. We look forward to seeing our statewide partners at the next OregonASK Partner Meeting on 
June 5th, 2020.
Definitions of Expanded Learning  Opportunities: 
Word of the Month 

Asset-Based: Spear-headed by The Search Institute, an asset-based approach sees youth as resources and agents of change, rather than problems to be fixed or passive consumers of services. The asset-based approach identifies factors youth need to achieve healthy adulthood, and sets program goals in terms "building assets" rather than "reducing risks."
Are you 2 Weeks Ready? Do you know what it takes?

Are you and your program prepared in case of an emergency? 
OregonASK has been traveling throughout the state and holding community conversations to learn what resources exist in each community and what their barriers are. We want to hear from childcare providers, afterschool programs, emergency services, and community members! 

Join us for a conversation as we talk about emergency preparedness communication, provide sample checklists and forms, and help make connections that participants can utilize in the future. Additionally, OregonASK will be providing participants with one hour of Set 1 credit through the Oregon Registry. We will be hosting an online community conversation  for  Tillamook on Tuesday April 28th, 2020. Time is TBD but you can   RSVP Here, find out more  about the campaign  here  or email  Kassy Rousselle   with any questions.
Planning Ahead: National Summer Learning Week, Just Around the Corner!

With such uncertainty about the rest of our spring, we certainly know that summer will be a time when families and youth will need support more than ever before. National Summer Learning Week will be a critical time to celebrate the importance
of Summer Learning and role it plays in many children's lives. 

This is our time to help show what research has shown for years; high-quality summer programs can make a difference in stemming learning loss and closing the country's achievement gap! To learn more about Summer Learning click here.

To find out fun ways to celebrate National Summer Learning Week and more information about why Summer Matters, visit the National Summer Learning Associations (NSLA) website here .
2020-21 Save the Dates!

April 20th-24th: Afterschool Professional Appreciation Week 

June 5th:  OregonASK 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

STAY CONNECTED:

Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter
(503) 689-1656 | general@oregonask.org | www.oregonask.org