After-School Bulletin | May 13, 2019
Check out  
Playbook for Summer Learning   
 
The National Summer Learning Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers have created a Summer Playbook for State Education Agencies.
 
With the goal of elevating and
celebrating the essential role summer learning plays in helping every student succeed, the Playbook includes strategies and tips for making the summer time a valuable time for learning.  
 
For another opportunity to delve into summer learning strategies, consider participating in the Michigan Middle School Principals Association's (MEMSPA) next twitter chat on "Summer Learning Opportunities" on May 16 at 8 p.m.  Find it at #MEMSPAchat!  The host is school principal Jonathon Swegles from (find it).
Principals Discuss Afterschool @ Twitterchat  
 
A vigorous hour-long Twitterchat hosted by the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA) last week raised great ideas and energy around Afterschool opportunities in Michigan.
 
With Michigan After-School Partnership's Executive Director Mary Sutton hosting the Thursday night event, the principals weighed in on developing vital relationships with community partners, encouraging family-led summer learning, the need for expanded Social Emotional Learning and more.
 
One commentor said their Kalamazoo Library has been key for helping to boost grade-level literacy. Another said their school taps Title 1 federal funds for added learning opportunities with food service partners providing nutritional programming. Other talked about the value of STEM activities during family nights.
 
Popular national programs like "Girls on the Run" were lauded by several principals.
    
Yet others referenced the value of afterschool for career inspiration.
 
"After school maybe the only place where exploration of various career paths is offered for many youth," one wrote.
 
Some cited barriers like transportation needs and distance challenges to offering afterschool programs. Another echoed concerns about wanting to offer more afterschool programs.  "More enrichment activities that support curriculum but not drill and kill. I currently coach a run club just to provide a free club for kids. They love it but" wish I could do more!" 
 
A big thank you to MEMSPA for a great discussion!  Join #MEMSPAchat this Thursday at 8 p.m. for a discussion on summer learning..  

Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter


 
National Geographic
Presents New Afterschool Educator Certification 
 
National Geographic and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation are partnering to design a new educator certification program specifically for afterschool educators. This free, online professional development program offers participants the opportunity to develop an "explorer mindset" for youth engaged in afterschool and summer learning.
 
Register today as the National Geographic Educator Certification for Afterschool program gets underway soon with participants offered the opportunity to log 15-20 hours between May 20, 2019 and August 30, 2019. There is no travel and coursework is done online with hands-on activities with young people or staff.  
   
The certification program recognizes pre-K through 12 formal and informal educators committed to inspiring the next generation of explorers, conservationists, and change-makers. These educators are part of a powerful movement to make the world a better place by empowering students to be informed decision-makers equipped to solve meaningful challenges in their communities and beyond.
 
View a video about the certification program here. 
 
Contact Terri Ferinde with any questions at 202-271-8651 and ferinde@ collaborativecommunications.com  
 
Support NSLA; Advocate  for Summer Learning Before Congress
 
The benefit of summer programs is well-documented, and support for public funding to back these opportunities is high. When the school year ends, children in high-poverty environments struggle. Kids lose precious time during the summer months to continue their learning. It's also a hard time for families to secure basic needs for their children like healthy food and safe places to spend their days.

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) promotes and supports key public investments that improve conditions for summer programs. NSLA aims to enable access to these programs for students who benefit most.  
 
Two vital programs that receive federal funds are vital and need public support - the 21st Century Community Learning Center program  and the Summer Learning and Meals Act. It's important that Members of Congress hear from their constituents about their support for these programs today.