In This Week's ACROSS Your Desk:

• Why Your Presence Matters, A Reflection by Abigail Blodgett Argentine
• 2024 NH OST Convention: Inspire, Lead, Thrive- Annual Celebration & Conference
• Mindful March Trainings- 2 More Left!
• ACROSS NH Strengthening Your Business Practices 2024 Virtual Training Series
• SEL Corner: A New SEL-Connected Children's Literature Book Review
• More Upcoming ACROSS NH Trainings
• OSTB 9: Program Planning and Development: April 1st
• Mindful March: Mindful Social Awareness and Heartful Connecting: April 4th
• How to Earn a GSQ Step in OST: April 9th
• Directors Circle: Building an SEL Minded Staff: April 11th
• Using the SACERS-U for Continuous Quality Improvement: April 11th
• Business Series: Marketing Your Program: April 12&19
• Introduction and Overview of ERS and SACERS: April 16th
• Afterschool Credential Information Session: April 17th
• SEML Community of Practice: April 18th
• OSTB 4: Relationships and Interactions with Children and Youth: April 18th
• Business Series: Recruiting and Retaining Staff: May 3&10
• SEML Community of Practice: May 7th
• OSTB 10: Professional Development and Leadership: May 9th
• Business Series: Reports and Budgeting: May 17&24
• Beyond the Introduction and Overview of ERS and SACERS: May 21st
• OSTB 5: Youth Engagement, Voice, and Choice: May 23rd
• Introduction and Overview of ERS and SACERS-U: May 29th
• How to Register for an ACROSS NH Training in NHCIS

Fish Don't Know They're in Water Until They've Left Their Fishbowl: A Reflection on Setting Aside Time for Gathering

Abigail Blodget Argentine (ACROSS NH SEL Coordinator), Jamie Nadeau (ACROSS NH Executive Director), and Shelli Roberts (NH Afterschool Network Lead) attended the National Afterschool Association's 2024 Convention in Dallas, TX March 17-20.

We all have a fishbowl-a place where we each live our day-to-day life where we carry out our daily responsibilities within our homes, workplaces, and communities, and strive to meet expectations. If you're like many in our field, you've probably also set the bar high for yourself. You're likely giving as much of yourself as you can to reach the goals you have for your program-for the children and youth who depend on your efforts for their daily well-being and potential thriving life outcomes. It is my strong opinion that the OST field is filled with givers-people who had someone pour into them as children and youth and have the desire to pay it forward to the next generation. For me, deciding to leave my fishbowl to attend the National Afterschool Association's annual conference this year was a decision that I thought long and hard about before committing. I considered all of the responsibilities I'd need to set aside for a few days and decided that regardless, I was jumping in. I blocked off my calendar and set my intention for my time away-connection and sparking curiosity and creativity.  

Spending 5 days with OST professionals at every level from across the country was an inspiration. To say my cup was filled as a professional is an understatement. Each day, several keynote speakers shared their stories-keynote speakers from professionals just like you. Yes, that's right, from direct staff to directors, everyone has a story to share. Each story reminds us that we're not alone in our work-reminds us that our work matters-and reminds us of our potential as youth development professionals to be the changes we want to see in our world. Each workshop provided rich opportunities to be introduced to colleagues from near and far.

From these experiences, I gathered a sense of validation, belonging, and connection to our field beyond my individual daily grind. That is the importance of gathering-to be there for one another, simply holding space to see and be seen, to hear and be heard.

It was day three when it hit me-I was feeling a jolt of creativity and excitement that I hadn't felt in a while. Rejuvenation. ​I didn't know I wasn't feeling it when I was living life uninterrupted in 'my fishbowl.' With so many coming together, sharing in conversation and reflection, in laughter and cajoling, I realized I had been starting to feel a little burnt out. I hadn't realized my spark was dimming until I felt it kindled through the variety of experiences that can only come with gathering and connecting with those with a shared mindset and goals. Realizing that the 1.8 thousand professionals who gathered last week are a meager fraction of how many people are doing the child/youth work so vital in the lives of our young people has me energized to hold space for growing connections with those in our state and with our neighbors. 

I hope that I will be able to connect with you on Saturday, April 6^th as we celebrate OUR NH OST Professionals together and take part in shared topics of meaning to our field. Let's 'fill our cups' together. This is why it matters: 

Well Wishes to All, 

Abigail 

NH Out of School Time Convention: Inspire, Lead, Thrive! Annual Celebration & Conference

Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Waterville Valley Resort

Registration Closes March 31st!

The day includes Making a Difference in OST Awards, Recognition of Afterschool Credentials, Recognition of Granite Steps for Quality in OST, Awards for Champions of OST, 10 Trainings Designed Specifically for OST Providers, LOTS of Give Aways, Gift Basket Raffles, Breakfast, Lunch, and Vendors with FREE Resources for OST Providers.

Professional Development will be awarded in NHCIS. Registration is only $20, and each participant will bring home a special gift for attending!

Trainings include...

• Mindful Me: A Mindfulness Curriculum for OST
• Gliders: Taking Your STEM Curriculum to New Heights
• The Transformative Power of SEL
• Ready, Set, Go (With STEM!)
• Creating Equity and Inclusion in STEM
• SEML: Mindful Activities and Putting it into Practice
• Plungers, Bumpers, and Traps! Designing a Pinball Game
• Effective Staff Meetings: Getting the Most Out of Their Time and Yours
• Building Blocks for Increasing Engineering Engagement
• Supporting Pathways for Children Into Stem

Save your spot for the convention!

The last day to register is March 31st.

Pick up your FREE resources and activities for your OST program by visiting our vendor tables:

This annual celebration and conference for out of school time is provided by the collaboration of ACROSS NH, funded by the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration, and the NH Afterschool Network, funded by the Charles Stuart Mott Foundation.

Social, Emotional, and Mindfulness Learning (SEML) in Out of School Time: A Hybrid Training Series (2 Trainings Left!)

Receive a FREE SEML Materials Kit!

Participants who complete all 4 sessions will receive a FREE SEML Materials Kit to implement into their program to celebrate and recognize their full participation in the training series! 

Registration is required in NHCIS for the first three individual trainings. The last session will be during the NH OST Convention and will require a small fee to attend. Convention details are above!

Click here or on the flyer image to download the complete details. Save your spots now and register for the sessions you choose in NHCIS!

Mindful Social Awareness and Heartful Connecting

Thursday, April 4, 6:30-8:30 pm on Zoom

SEML: Putting it into Practice

Saturday, April 6

(In-Person at the NH OST Convention: Waterville Valley Resort, $20 Registration Fee)

Strengthening Your Business Practices Virtual Training Series

Module One: Marketing Your Program (Part 1 & 2)

Friday, April 12 & Friday, April 19 at 9:30-10:45am on Zoom

Module Two: Recruiting and Retaining Staff (Part 1 & 2)

Friday, May 3 & Friday, May 10 at 9:30-10:45am on Zoom

Module Three: Financial Reports and Successful Budgeting (Part 1 & 2)

Friday, May 17 & Friday, May 24 at 9:30-10:45am on Zoom

It’s all about the children! Working with children is your passion but running a business may not be. Consider this: sound fiscal practices mean stronger programs and better outcomes for children. In this collection of trainings, we will cover recruitment, retention of staff, marketing, budgets, and financial reports. Technical assistance (TA) is available to help apply the curriculum to your individual program.

Join Natalie D'Angelo for these virtual trainings. When participants complete a module they will receive a gift to boost their new business skills! Click here for the complete flyer with training details.

Register in NHCIS for the modules you wish to attend. If you have questions, please email Cathy Hazelton at chazelton@acrossnh.org.

Real Cowboys: An SEL-Connected Book Review

Dear SEL in OST Community, 

Check out this amazing SEL-connected book review submission from Jessie Tierney at the Rochester Child Care Center William Allen UP program!

For my book selection I chose Real Cowboys, by Kate Hoefler, illustrated by Jonathan Bean. I really enjoy this book on a couple different levels. First of all, I love the illustrations. The screen printing look of the overlapping colors and abstract scenes of the desert and mountains is totally beautiful.

Aside from the imagery, this book breaks down the facade that a lot of our culture perpetuates of this masculine macho character that the cowboy has become and allows children to see the sensitivity it takes to do the actual work of ranch hand/cowboy. It mentions how even girls can be cowboys, and challenges their stoic reputation with some insightful tidbits.

It goes into the details of how they have to be patient, good listeners, prepared for their own safety and even how they grieve the loss of some of the animals that they inevitably lose to the elements or accidents out there in nature while herding cattle.

Before reading this book to the children, I asked them to raise their hands and share something that they associate with cowboys. They gave me a lot of good answers and we were able to go back after the reading and talk about things we learned that maybe looked a little deeper into

the life that cowboys lead.

Go to https://youtu.be/cHwI4AyBfXg?feature=shared or click on the video image for a reading of this book from "Lucy's Library." Giddy Up!

Warmly, 

Abigail J. Blodgett Argentine, B.S.; NH ASMP

ACROSS NH Social Emotional Learning Coordinator 

ablodgett@acrossnh.org

OSTB 9: Program Planning and Development

Monday, April 1st

6:30-8:30pm on Zoom

ACROSS NH is proud to provide free virtual and interactive Out of School Time Basics trainings on the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Ten Core Knowledge, Skills & Competencies. These trainings are provided at no cost to you thanks to funding from the NH DHHS and Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration.

Program planning and development includes supporting staff and serving as a role model, building healthy relationships with colleagues and families, providing developmentally appropriate practices, and utilizing resources. Join this virtual training where assessment practices will be explored and how evaluation can be used to support and implement their program’s mission and policies will be covered.

How to Earn a GSQ Step in Out of School Time (OST)

Thursday, April 9th

6:30-7:30pm on Zoom

This training is for out of school time (OST) programs, and early childhood programs with an OST component that are planning to apply for a Granite Step for Quality (GSQ). We will review the details of the GSQ OST Rubrics. We will cover the pre-requisites needed, and the the staff requirements & the learning environment requirements needed for applying for a step. Participants will also acquire resources from ACROSS NH to support their work including a self-paced checklist to help you get organized! This training is provided by Natalie D'Angelo; NH ASMP PM, NH ADS Level 5, and NH ASA Level 2.

Assembling My Toolbox for Building an SEL Minded Staff

Thursday, April 11th

10:30-11:30am on Zoom

As leaders in OST programs know, it is the skills and talents of the adults in a program that will determine whether we achieve or fall short of our desired outcomes. Well-regulated, self-aware, engaged, well-supported, mentored, and coached adults in youth serving spaces tend to respond best to the needs of children and youth, communicate effectively with one another, and engage in the self-reflective practices that allow them to consistently bring their best efforts to the program. 

This session will provide tools, activities, and strategies for program leaders to utilize and adapt to meet their needs. From creating and implementing the right interview questions that help gauge the strengths and needs of prospective new hires, to staff development activities that can be used with program staff of all abilities, this session is designed to get folks talking to one another, reflecting, and implementing strategies in their programs. 

Using the SACERS-U for Continuous Quality Improvement

Thursday, April 11th

6:30-7:30pm on Zoom

Pre-Requisite: Participants need to have completed the "Intro and Overview of ERS and SACERS-U" training. This training is for out of school time (OST) programs looking to improve program quality. We will review basic information on the School Age Care Environment Rating Scale (SACERS-U) and process quality. Bring your SACERS-U questions! We will examine tools and a plan for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) to use for program improvement. This training is provided by Cathy Hazelton, M.Ed.; NH ASMP WT, PC, IM, NH ADS 3 & LE 3 and SACERS-U Anchor. 

Introduction and Overview of ERS and SACERS-U

Tuesday, April 16th

6:30-8pm on Zoom

The Environment Rating Scales (ERS) are observational tools that assess process quality of child care programs. This virtual training provides an introduction and overview of the ERS and the School Age Care Environment Rating Scale-Updated (SACERS-U) tool. We will examine the benefits of using the tool for children and for programs. Participants will practice how to use the SACERS-U tool in an out-of-school time (OST) program. This training is intended for programs with school age children in OST. This training fulfills the required Granite Steps for Quality (GSQ) ERS Training for the SACERS Learning Environment Standard Rubric.

This training is provided by Cathy Hazelton, M.Ed.; NH ASMP WT, PC, IM, NH ADS 3 & LE 3 and SACERS-U Anchor. ACROSS NH can provide a copy of the SACERS-U tool to your program by request once you have completed the training. Please email your request to chazelton@acrossnh.org.

Afterschool Credential Information System

Wednesday, April 17th

12-1pm on Zoom

Are you thinking about applying for your afterschool credential? Is it time for you to renew? Are you thinking about joining the ACROSS NH Credential Challenge? Come join this virtual information session and have all of your questions answered. We will review the steps and documents needed for you to apply for your afterschool credential. Your education, experience, skills, and talents will be recognized through this system and your credential is good for 3 years! 

Social Emotional and Mindful Learning

Community of Practice

Thursday, April 18th

10:15-11:30am on Zoom

At the heart of the OST field are the values of building positive relationships, creating quality learning opportunities, and making contributions to lifelong thriving outcomes for our children and youth. 

This SEML Community of Practice is for out of school time staff, site directors, and directors. We will focus on the guiding principles of social, emotional, and mindfulness learning in OST programs, share resources, practices, and collaborate with like-minded colleagues. Participants will walk away with a refocused lens on implementing SEL in OST.

OSTB 4: Relationships and Interactions with Children & Youth

Thursday, April 18th

6:30-8:30pm on Zoom

ACROSS NH is proud to provide free virtual and interactive Out of School Time Basics trainings on the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Ten Core Knowledge, Skills & Competencies. These trainings are provided at no cost to you thanks to funding from the NH DHHS and Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration.

Quality relationships and communication are key attributes of quality practice when working with children and youth. These enhance our ability to form the connections necessary to provide positive guidance to those who attend our programs. This virtual training looks at these two components and at our role as youth development professionals in positive behavior guidance.

Social Emotional and Mindful Learning

Community of Practice

Tuesday, May 7th

10:15-11:30am on Zoom

At the heart of the OST field are the values of building positive relationships, creating quality learning opportunities, and making contributions to lifelong thriving outcomes for our children and youth. 

This SEML Community of Practice is for out of school time staff, site directors, and directors. We will focus on the guiding principles of social, emotional, and mindfulness learning in OST programs, share resources, practices, and collaborate with like-minded colleagues. Participants will walk away with a refocused lens on implementing SEL in OST.

OSTB 10: Professional Development and Leadership

Thursday, May 9th

6:30-8:30pm on Zoom

ACROSS NH is proud to provide free virtual and interactive Out of School Time Basics trainings on the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Ten Core Knowledge, Skills & Competencies. These trainings are provided at no cost to you thanks to funding from the NH DHHS and Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration.

Understanding the commitment to upholding ethical practices, having an informed work philosophy, valuing ongoing professional growth and development, and recognizing the importance of leadership in youth serving spaces is foundational to implementing quality programming. In this basic training, we identify skills and competencies that can guide positive youth development professionals working in OST programs toward understanding the importance that their own professional development and leadership has in their programs and to the profession. 

Beyond the Intro and Overview of the ERS and SACERS-U

Tuesday, May 21st

12:00-1:30pm on Zoom

Pre-requisite: Intro & Overview of ERS and SACERS-U Training. This session is designed to give out of school time staff the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the scoring, the subscales and the indicators of the SACERS-U tool. It is also an opportunity to share questions about using the tool. Tips and strategies on program improvements to improve scores will also be shared. This training is provided by Cathy Hazelton, M.Ed.; NH ASMP WT, PC, IM, NH ADS 3 & LE 3 and SACERS-U Anchor. Bring your SACERS-U tool/book!

OSTB 5: Youth Engagement, Voice, and Choice

Thursday, May 23rd

6:30-8:30pm on Zoom

ACROSS NH is proud to provide free virtual and interactive Out of School Time Basics trainings on the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Ten Core Knowledge, Skills & Competencies. These trainings are provided at no cost to you thanks to funding from the NH DHHS and Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration.

This virtual training will explore some of the components for building partnerships with youth in afterschool and school age settings. Fostering child and youth leadership and voice will be addressed as key components that support children and youth at being active participants in the program.

Introduction and Overview of ERS and SACERS-U

Wednesday, May 29th

12-1:30pm on Zoom

The Environment Rating Scales (ERS) are observational tools that assess process quality of child care programs. This virtual training provides an introduction and overview of the ERS and the School Age Care Environment Rating Scale-Updated (SACERS-U) tool. We will examine the benefits of using the tool for children and for programs. Participants will practice how to use the SACERS-U tool in an out-of-school time (OST) program. This training is intended for programs with school age children in OST. This training fulfills the required Granite Steps for Quality (GSQ) ERS Training for the SACERS Learning Environment Standard Rubric.

This training is provided by Cathy Hazelton, M.Ed.; NH ASMP WT, PC, IM, NH ADS 3 & LE 3 and SACERS-U Anchor. ACROSS NH can provide a copy of the SACERS-U tool to your program by request once you have completed the training. Please email your request to chazelton@acrossnh.org.

How to Register for an ACROSS NH Training in NHCIS

Log into NHCIS. Go to your "training tile" and click on "take a training." Scroll down and click on "Month" view. Advance to the date of the training that you want to register for and click on the "training title." If you are having trouble registering for an ACROSS NH training in NHCIS, please email Cathy Hazelton at chazelton@acrossnh.org.

For more information about NHCIS,

go to https://www.nh-connections.org/providers/nh-professional-registry/.