Afterschool Map & Database Coming to ND!

The ND Afterschool Network received grant funding from the National Conference of State Legislators to build a database and map of out-of-school time programs throughout North Dakota!

Over the next few months, the Network will collect information from afterschool and summer learning programs and compile the information into a free, online, searchable map on our website. 

The map will provide a complete picture of afterschool across ND, be a tool for programs, educators, parents, policymakers, and the community. Along with the map, the Network will publish a "State of Afterschool in ND" report. The publication will have data, infographics, and legislative district profiles that you can use to share the benefits and needs of afterschool to your legislators, policymakers, and funders. 

We need your help to make this map complete! Watch for an email invitation to participate. The map will be unveiled at a Lights on Afterschool event around October 24, 2019.
Summer Learning
High-quality summer learning programs can have a significant impact on students academic and social-emotional growth. Not only do summer learning programs give parents piece of mind that their children are in a safe place, but they also help prevent summer learning loss and foster essential skills the students will need to be successful in school and life. 

In the summer following third grade, students lose nearly 20% of their school-year gains in reading and 27% of their school-year gains in math. By the summer after seventh grade, students lose on average 36% of their school-year gains in reading and 50% of their school-year gains in math. ( Summer Learning Loss: What we Know and What We're Learning, Kuhfeld 2018

Resources to help plan your summer learning program:

National Summer Learning Week is July 8-13! Summer Learning Week is a time to celebrate the dedicated afterschool & summer learning professionals, bringing awareness to show the benefits of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy during the summer months, ensuring that all students return to school int eh fall ready for a successful school year. 

The ND Afterschool Network will be highlighting summer programs throughout the state that focus on high-quality summer learning activities. Interested in being involved? Contact the  Network Lead
Afterschool Funding
House Appropriations Propose Substantial Increase to 21CCLC Funding

Federal House Appropriations Subcommittee rejected the Trump administration's FY2020 budget proposal that would have eliminated all federal support for 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Afterschool advocates nationwide sent over 16,000 emails and calls to Congress and more than 100 representatives called for an increase in 21CCLC funding. 

Strong support was shown for education programs, including a record level of funding for federal afterschool support, proposing a $100 million increase in 21CCLC. 

The spending bill will be sent to full Committee on May 8, followed by a vote on the House floor. The FY19 fiscal year expires on September 30. 
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Grant Opportunities for Afterschool: 
 
WELLS FARGO FOUNDATION
Grant funding provided in communities across ND in areas such as affordable childcare and before/after school programs. Applications accepted through October 31, 2019.


BOBCAT
Grant funding provided in communities served by Bobcat Company to support people within their community. Find the Charitable & Sponsorship Request Form here

CRAYOLA GRANT PROGRAM
Champion Creatively Alive Children grant opportunity provides funding for innovative, creative leadership team building within elementary/middle schools. 2019 applications now accepted. 

CLIFF BAR FAMILY FOUNDATION
Grants are awarded for general organizational support & for specific projects, supporting funding for environment, healthy food systems, increasing outdoor activity, and building stronger communities. Applications reviewed three times per year; next deadlines 1st of June & October. 

OTTERTAIL POWER COMPANY
Funding available in communities served by Ottertail Power to support young minds, invest in current & future workforce, create vibrant culture & community, improve health & human services, and protect natural resources. Applications reviewed quarterly with next deadlines on June 15, Sept. 15 & Dec. 15. 

WALMART COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
Grant funds from $250 to $5,000 are available to organizations located within the community of each Walmart location. 2019 grant cycle begins February 15, 2019 and  applications accepted through December 31, 2019.

NORTH DAKOTA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Statewide greatest needs program provides grant funding up to $5,000 for a project or program. Nonprofit or government agencies from anywhere in North Dakota is eligible to apply. Application deadline is July 31 2019. 
   
DOLLAR GENERAL LITERACY FOUNDATION
Youth Literacy Grants up to $4,000 for schools, public libraries and nonprofit organizations who help students who are below grade level or have trouble reading to implement new or expand existing programs or purchase new books, materials, or technology.  Deadline to apply is May 16, 2019.  
Upcoming Trainings & Events
Tough Kids- Responding to Challenging Behaviors
June 4 | Jamestown
Tricia McKale Skyles will present on understanding basic principles of behavior modification & strategies for reducing and supporting challenging behaviors. 

Register here

 

CHAMPS/ACHIEVE- A Positive Approach to Classroom Management

June 5 | Devil's Lake 

Flyer and Registration 

 

9th Annual NDMTSS Conference

June 10-12 | Fargo

Topics include Practical Strategies for Reducing Anxiety & Defiant Behavior in the Classroom, Reducing Oppositional Behavior, MTSS, PBIS, and Restorative Practices, SEL within the MTSS Framework, and much more. 

Register here

 

Creative Approaches to Calming Kids

June 10 & 11 | Bismarck

$30. Register here

 

Poverty Simulation

June 27 | Bismarck

Community Action Partnership of ND is hosting a Poverty Simulation from 10am-12pm. 

Free but registration required. 

 

ND Out-of-School Time Summer Conference

July 30 & 31 | Bismarck

Two days of high-quality professional development for afterschool professionals at the Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy! This year's conference will focus on Youth Engagement & Workforce Readiness in Afterschool. Cost is $100 per attendee.

Registration now open

 

Find additional PD opportunities throughout ND at NDREA.org.
Resource of the Month: National Geographic
The ND Afterschool Network provides access to national partnerships of the 50 State Afterschool Network, including opportunities provided by National Geographic.

These opportunities are available to all afterschool and summer learning programs across North Dakota.



BioBlitz Summer 2019: Help your students become citizen scientists! Free tools from National Geographic will help you organize a BioBlitz where students observe and analyze the biodiversity in your community. It's an easy activity with a big impact where you see nature in a new way! 

A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding & identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. At a BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers and other community members work together to get a snapshot of an area's biodiversity. These events can happen in most any geography right where your summer learning program takes place!

This is a great opportunity to partner with local scientists in your community. Consider reaching out to universities, businesses and zoos to ask for help in executing the BioBlitz. Share this BioBlitz video with them!

Find resources to participate in BioBlitz, join a planning webinar (May 14th at 1pm CT or June 6th at 1pm CT), and register here


National Geographic Educator Certification

Deepen your interdisciplinary teaching & become a National Geographic Certified Educator! This Certification is a free professional development program that recognizes preK-12 formal & informal educators committed to inspiring the next generation of explorers, conservationists, and change-makers. These educators are part of a wonderful movement to make the world a better place by empowering students to be informed decision-makers equipped to solve meaningful challenges in their communities & beyond. 

Benefits of certification include skill building, networking, and leadership opportunities. Every day in afterschool programs - in formal & informal ways- we know that adults are helping students with skills like observation, communication, collaboration and problem solving. This Certification helps offer a framework from National Geographic that puts those skills together with key attitudes that encompass the mindset of an explorer. 

Requirements & Benefits of Participation: 
  • Free; participants receive world-class professional development from National Geographic
  • 15-20 hours between May 20-August 30; mostly online with hand-on activities with students & staff
  • Certified educators receive a certificate, digital badge, congratulatory items, and a letter validating the number of professional development hours
  • Join an exclusive community of educators committed to supporting each other's continuous growth
  • Certified educators can volunteer & engage in paid professional development opportunities to advise on content & programming, lead National Geographic trainings, and serve as mentors to other educators. 
Interested in being a part of the cohort from North Dakota? Email Network Lead for registration information.

Kristin Krile 
ND Afterschool Network Lead
kristin.krile@k12.nd.us
701-446-3195