After-School Bulletin | August 14, 2019
Back to School Means Back to Afterschool!
 There's still a few weeks left of summer, but time to consider what your family needs are in a high-quality afterschool program. Begin by reviewing registered programs found in the online MASP Program Directory.

Another valuable resource about locating an afterschool program including an article on the characteristics of high-quality programs, can be found at the Afterschool Alliance Back to School webpage.

Afterschool programs can be found operating in schools and funded by the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, or through community groups including the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Clubs, churches and parks and recreation programs.

If you're an afterschool provider, you can register your program in the MASP Program Directory online.
 Lawmaker
Visits Genesee ISD's Summer 'Survivors Camp'

State Representative John Cherry toured summer learning programs operated by the Genesee Intermediate School District's 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program recently, bringing his young daughter to observe, and checking in with elementary and middle school students about their adventures. What he experienced was a morning jam-packed with great learning activities in the great outdoors at the Ligon Outdoor Center in Clio near Flint.

There were team-building activities with middle school students taking part in a "Survivors Camp," and lessons on making bird calls, building bird houses, and fishing. Students came from Bendle Middle School, Westwood Heights McMonagle Elementary, Mt. Morris Montague Elementary and Mt. Morris Moore Elementary.

The kids had a great time introducing the Representative to their programs, said Aimee Phillips, Coordinator of Student Programs for Expanded Learning. Cherry got in the spirit of the day and even made his own name badge. The visit came after the district was notified of funding cuts to afterschool programs amounting to nearly $1 million.

The Michigan After-School Partnership responded to the news with a commentary written by Executive Director Mary Sutton and published in the Detroit News and a call to action. "It’s time we demand our state leaders make after-school programs a priority in our state education system," Sutton said.

Sutton said MASP's staff is always available to help arrange visits by elected officials to school and community afterschool programs. "There's no better way to educate policy-makers about the important role afterschool plays in the lives of kids and families than to witness it first-hand and hear directly from the participants," she said. "We encourage everyone to reach out this school year to their elected representatives in Washington, D.C. and Lansing and invite them for a visit."

For a how-to guide for inviting a lawmaker for an afterschool visit, read this primer by the Afterschool Alliance.

Read more in the Afterschool Alliance's "Reaching Policymakers Toolkit."
Flint Rep. John Cherry (orange shirt) observes as students gather for 'Survival Camp' (left). He and daughter Diana make camp name badges (above).
Washington, D.C. Agreement Paves Way
for 21st Century Budget in Fy '20, FY '21
The White House, Senate leadership, and House leadership have announced that they have agreed to increase spending caps for FY2020 and FY2021, a decision that paves the way for determining appropriations for federal funding to programs including the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, the only designated source of public funding for afterschool in Michigan.

For a full report, read this Afterschool Alliance article . Key highlights:
  • The deal includes less money for non-defense spending than earlier anticipated. Early in the budget process, the House passed its appropriations bills with an an additional $100 million for the 21st Century program based on previous revenue projections. The Senate has yet to pass its appropriations measures for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2019.

  • It therefore won't be known what the final afterschool appropriation will be until Congress returns from its August recess in September and the Senate acts.

  • Meanwhile, contact your U.S. Senator and tell them you support greater funding for afterschool programs so that more families who are eligible for afterschool can access a program in Michigan.
Be a Superhero for Afterschool this Month
MASP Communications Manager Teri Banas writes about the final weeks of summer being opportune times to reach out to your member of Congress while they're home on recess. Share your support for what you love and appreciate about afterschool, and become a superhero for afterschool! Capes are optional. Read her blog today.
Light Up a Landmark for Afterschool
Before the rush (crush) of school activity next month, set aside some time to brainstorm your participation in this year's Lights On Afterschool plans.

This year, MASP is encouraging programs across Michigan to light up their local landmarks - and let their support of afterschool shine brightly on Oct. 24, 2019. So go ahead, brainstorm a local landmark or icon that would make an illuminating symbol for programs that give kids and families a boost in academic learning, inspire career exploration, and provide a safe place to spend time away from home!

For tips on planning your events and activities, check out the Afterschool Alliance's toolkit for Lights on Afterschool .

Read more in this blog .
MASP Communications Group Meets Aug. 20

Are you interested in getting more involved in professional activities through the Michigan After-School Partnership (MASP)? Consider joining a new Communications Work Group launched to boost promotion and advocacy for afterschool and summer learning in Michigan. The next meeting takes place Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Genesee Intermediate School District offices, 5075 Pilgrim Rd., Flint, MI 48507.

If you work in afterschool in Michigan and would like to contribute to planning communication campaigns, contact Teri Banas, MASP communications manager, today. Email: teri@michiganschildren.org. All are welcomed.
Lego Training: Learning Through Play
Looking for ways to enhance your students "learning through play" using LEGO blocks? There's a class for that! It takes place Aug. 28, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Bay Arenac Intermediate School District, 4228 Two Mile Road, Bay City, MI 48706

Registration is now open for a fundamental introduction to the LEGO education approach to learning and what is meant by Learning through Play at the Bay Arenac ISD. Led by a certified LEGO Education Academy trainer, the program gives you a basic understand of how to implement and use the Coding Express solution, STEAM Park solution, and the Build Me “Emotions” solution.
Your Afterschool Resources
Continue your advocacy for ‘‘The Power of Afterschool” in Michigan by downloading these facts sheets created with our own state-specific data and information.

The Michigan After-School Partnership is a statewide network developing a shared vision and influencing others to believe in the power of after-school programs to help all children and youth succeed .
Michigan After-School Partnership | Website