ANNUAL REPORT

Transcription

1 ANN ANNUAL REPORT Cover painting by After School Program Student, Oceanside Unified School District

2 Mission Provide youth with safe and enriching learning environments before and after school Provide outcome-driven academic assistance Create youth development and enrichment programming that fosters student resiliency and improves neighborhood safety The partnership between the Children s Initiative and the San Diego County Offi ce of Education (SDCOE) began with the fi rst Application for Funding for after school programs by the California Department of Education (CDE) in Sandra McBrayer, Chief Executive Offi cer of the Children s Initiative, and Dr. Rudy Castruita, County Superintendent of Schools, made a groundbreaking pledge to collaborate on a consortium application on behalf of all eligible school districts within the County. Collaborative discussions were held county-wide with other signifi cant stakeholders in San Diego: San Diego County Board of Supervisors, San Diego County School Boards Association, 9th District PTA, Region 18 Superintendents Council, San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, the Probation Department, and the City of San Diego. Through this effort, the San Diego After School Consortium was developed. The Consortium partners developed a collaborative philosophy and effective way of doing business that encouraged the partners to share resources and best practices, eliminate duplication of efforts, and work collectively to maximize resources for after school programs in San Diego County. The approach used by the San Diego After School Consortium is a unique model in the development, management, and sustainability of before and after school programming and in the building of cross system partnerships. The size and scope of the San Diego Consortium has tremendous impact on policy and program development at the local, state, and national level. Currently, 29 local school districts serving K 12 students are part of the San Diego After School Consortium. This annual report represents only K 8 after school programs within the 27 districts and the more than 300 programs all receiving support from the Children s Initiative and the SDCOE. San Diego After School Consortium Funding History With quality programs and dedicated advocacy, the San Diego After School Consortium has successfully secured federal, state, and local funding for local school districts for more than 16 years. ASES: After School Education and Safety funded by the CA Department of Education 21st CCLC: 21st Century Community Learning Centers funded by US Department of Education Critical Hours: funded by the County of San Diego San Diego After School Consortium Partner Districts & Charter Schools Bonsall Union Borrego Springs Unifi ed Cajon Valley Union Ca rl s b ad Un i fi e d Chula Vista Elementary Encinitas Union Escondido Union Fallbrook Union Elementary Julian Union Elementary Lakeside Union La Mesa Spring Valley Lemon Grove Mountain Empire Unifi ed National Oceanside Unifi ed Pow ay Un i fi e d R a mon a Un i fi e d San Diego Unifi ed San Marcos Unifi ed Santee Elementary San Ysidro South Bay Union Sweetwater Union High Vallecitos Union Valley Center-Pauma Unifi ed V i s t a Un i fi e d Warner Unifi ed America s Finest Charter EJE Charter (Elem/Mid) Monarch School Pacifi c American Academy 2

3 ADMINISTRATIVE COLLABORATION The Children s Initiative is a San Diego based nonprofit child advocacy agency. The Children s Initiative is dedicated to assisting children and families thrive by providing education, advocacy, cross-system collaboration, and training to schools, community organizations, government agencies, elected officials, businesses, and parents. During the school year, the Children s Initiative provided technical assistance, trainings, program support, and resources to 27 school districts and more than 300 After School Education and Safety (ASES) program sites. The Children s Initiative conducted more than 93 site visits to before and after school programs, providing onsite guidance and support to improve program quality and share best practice approaches. The Children s Initiative coordinated two one-day professional development conferences attended by more than 800 before and after school staff from around San Diego County. The Children s Initiative also hosted 20 before and after school-specific professional development trainings for more than 400 program staff to advance high quality program practices. Throughout the year, the Initiative continued to build unique partnerships with local businesses and corporations, cultural and sporting organizations, and other key stakeholders in San Diego County to secure an array of resources for before and after school programs. The Children s Initiative secured and distributed materials and resources valued at more than $193,350 for local after school programs. The Children s Initiative works with representatives from the San Diego County School Boards Association, ACSA Region 18 Superintendents Council, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, 9th District PTA, San Diego Police Chiefs Association, San Diego County Probation, and the Offices of Supervisors Greg Cox and Ron Roberts as well as other state officials. It is these relationships which provide a foundation for the sharing of resources and working collaboratively in the development of supportive programs, policies, and legislation for before and after school. The cooperative efforts of the Children s Initiative result in a shared responsibility for the promotion and growth of before and after school programming. The San Diego County Office of Education provides a variety of services for the 42 school districts and five community college districts in the county. The services provided by the County Office to school districts range from district and school improvement to budget approval and monitoring. The San Diego County Office of Education s Administrative Support Center (ASC) is California s second largest direct funded ASES program grantee. The ASC supports San Diego County districts with grant management, attendance reporting, fiscal management, and program evaluation. Funding from the districts 2% San Diego After School Consortium fee has been used to augment training and provide technical assistance. The After School Division of the California Department of Education has placed a strong emphasis on fiscal responsibility, grant management, and program compliance for all ASES grantees. Specifically, this includes ASES program attendance and fiscal accountability. As a result, this has become the top priority of the ASC. The goal of the ASC during FY was to proactively provide training and site visits to ensure full compliance with California Education Code, the State Audit Guide, and Federal Program Monitoring (FPM). In the effort to meet all ASES program and audit requirements, the ASC provided the following trainings and events: City Span Web-based Attendance & Fiscal Management System Training Trained staff on use of youthservices.net application for participant data, attendance, & grant goal progress tracking. ASES 101 Training Provided site level information on grant & attendance requirements, as well as best practices for programs. Alignment 101 Training Provided strategies on aligning the after school program with the regular school day. ASES Data Management & Reporting Training Prepared districts & site staff for CDE State mandated evaluation reports. Focus on Literacy in After School Provide support to after school program sites by providing supplemental curriculum in core academic content areas through educational nonfiction books. After School Leadership Academy Program grantees received professional development in the areas of success, leadership, and trust. This was created in partnership with the My Life is About Foundation and Stedman Graham and Associates. Provider Meet & Greet Forum to share best practices & increase access to program resources. People s Choice Awards Acknowledged high quality programs on behalf of stakeholders. Federal Program Monitoring Trained and prepared district staff for successful FPM review. The ASC hosted 20 trainings and events, attended by over 500 after school practitioners who represented 27 San Diego County School Districts and five independent charter schools. After school program site visits are another key component of the technical assistance provided by the ASC. During FY , the ASC team conducted 75 site visits to support ASES programs in the areas of grant requirements, program quality, and audit compliance. 3

4 EVALUATION er ng ool School a Evaluation Difference Evaluation Results Results 2013: 2013: Making Making a Difference a Difference After School Evaluation Results 2013: Making a Difference ore of -8 the portion than San 300 of Diego the ASES San County (After Diego After School County School Education After Consortium School & Consortium comprises comprises more than more 300 ASES than 300 (After ASES School (After Education School Education & & iego y) s for programs County. elementary for In order elementary and to middle meet and school the middle California students school throughout students throughout San Diego San County. Diego In County. order to In meet order the to California meet the California udent rtment ducation outcome of Education mandated data mandated annually. requirements, requirements, all ASES programs all ASES report programs student report outcome student data outcome annually. data annually. In led school the off last while year, school both California year, elementary ASES California and students ASES middle academic students school academic progress leveled progress off leveled while both off while elementary both elementary and middle and school middle school dditionally, nts Diego in San ASES Diego increases programs ASES in saw programs student gains math saw in English scores gains in were Language English Language Arts 1. Additionally, Arts 1. Additionally, increases increases student in math student scores math were scores were mented centages San Diego for for San ASES math Diego decreased middle ASES school middle for elementary students, school while students, the overall while the percentages overall percentages for math decreased for math decreased for elementary for elementary who nts. rmore, Furthermore, scored some in individual some lowest districts individual performance saw districts improvements categories. saw improvements in students in who students scored who in the scored lowest in the performance lowest performance categories. categories. Figure Figure Figure 2 2 Figure 2 The K 8 portion of the San Diego County After School Consortium comprises more than 300 ASES (After School Education & Safety) programs for elementary and middle school students throughout San Diego County. In order to meet the California Department of Education mandated requirements, all ASES programs report student outcome data annually. In the last school year, California ASES students academic progress leveled off while both elementary and middle school students in San Diego ASES programs saw gains in English Language Arts 1. Additionally, increases in student math scores were documented for San Diego ASES middle school students, while the overall percentages for math decreased for elementary students. Furthermore, some individual districts saw improvements in students who scored in the lowest performance categories. In the school year, more than 38,059 before and after school student records were reported. Data included program attendance, California Standards Tests (CST) for English Language Arts and Mathematics, and other outcome variables such as regular school attendance and student demographics. Data was from the academic year and baseline data was variable depending on the year students entered the program. Data collected was based upon each student s original program start date, 42% of students were new to the program in while 58% had been attending for more than two years. Data analysis of attendance records for 38,059 K 8 students revealed that only 5% of students were found to be chronically absent. This compares to a chronic absentee rate for California students of 25% 2. For those students classifi ed as chronically absent, the analysis found a statistically signifi cant correlation between the number of days students attended an after school program and a decrease in their rate of absence over a one-year period. Chronically absent students had fewer absences the more they attended the after school program. e records school year, were school more reported. year, than Data more 38,059 included than before 38,059 program and before after school and after student school records student were records reported. were Data reported. included Data program included program ndance, Mathematics, alifornia Standards California other Standards Tests outcome (CST) Tests for variables English (CST) for such Language English Language Arts and Mathematics, Arts and Mathematics, and other outcome and other variables outcome such variables such egular ool attendance school academic attendance and student year and demographics. student baseline demographics. data Data was was from Data the was from the academic academic year and baseline year and data baseline was data was was ding ble depending based on the upon year on each students the student s year entered students original the entered program. the Data program. collected Data was collected based was upon based each upon student s each original student s program original program t had date, of students been 42% attending of were students new for were to more the new than program to two the years. in program FY in FY while 58% while had been 58% attending had been for attending more than for more two years. than two years. d of analysis that FY12-13 only of 5% attendance FY12-13 of students attendance records were for found records 38,059 to be for K-8 38,059 students K-8 revealed students that revealed only 5% that of only students 5% of were students found were to be found to be nically dents ent. This of absent. 25% compares 2. This For those compares to a chronic students to absentee a classified chronic rate absentee as for California rate students California of students 25% 2. For of 25% those 2. students For those classified students classified as nically een ent, the absent, number analysis the of found analysis days a students statistically found a attended statistically significant significant correlation correlation between the between number the of number days students of days attended students an attended an r ogram period. school and Chronically program a decrease and absent a in decrease their students rate in of their absence had rate less of over absence a one-year over a period. one-year Chronically period. Chronically absent students absent had students less had less ences more they more attended they the attended after school the after program. school program. Additional program satisfaction surveys were collected from parents, students, and school administrators on their satisfaction rate with after school impact, homework completion, and a student s feeling of safety. Every variable measured continues to increase over time. 61% of principals rated the quality of the program s enrichment component as great. students, onal program and satisfaction school administrators surveys were on their collected from parents, students, and school administrators on their s action with feeling after rate of school 72% with safety. of after impact, Every middle school variable homework students impact, measured reported homework completion, they do completion, and a student s better in school and because a feeling student s of safety. of the after feeling Every school of program. safety. variable Every measured variable measured rease ues to over increase time. over time. Additional 74% of program middle school satisfaction parents reported surveys the after were school collected program from as successful parents, in students, promoting students and school positive administrators behavior. on their 93% of all students reported they feel safe in the after school program. onent f principals 61% as great. of rated principals the quality rated the of the quality program s of the program s enrichment enrichment component component as great. as great. uccessful f middle 74% school of in promoting middle parents school students reported parents positive the reported after behavior. school the after program school as program successful as successful in promoting promoting students positive students behavior. positive behavior. For more information visit our website: use f middle of 72% the school of after middle school students school program. reported students they reported do better they in do school better because in school of because the after of school the after program. school program. f. all students reported they feel safe in the after school program. 1 93% California of all Department students of reported Education 2013 they feel safe in the after school program. 2 Chronic Absence: In California, chronic absence is typically defi ned as being absent for any reason (excused or unexcused) for at least 10% of the school year. Thus, in a 175- or 180-day school year, a student who misses 18 days of school or more is chronically absent. ed ore information detailed information visit our website visit our website 4

5 ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT Meeting the Developmental Needs of K 1st Students Escondido Union School District In the Escondido Union School District, in partnership with the City of Escondido, a very unique and developmentally appropriate program structure is in place to support the specifi c learning needs of kindergarten and fi rst grade students. Through the implementation of monthly themes, students participate in a variety of lessons and projects in subject areas such as science, math, art, and music. The thematic units help the students make connections to transfer knowledge they have gained and apply it in their everyday life. Since program participants learn through so many outlets, the thematic units offer students the opportunity to learn through dance, singing, role playing, art projects, and much more! The curriculum that has been created by the City of Escondido includes thematic curricula, projects, and lesson plans for an entire school year. The behavior management system and guidelines in place to support success with kindergarten and fi rst grade includes simple rules that are reviewed frequently and positively based. Students that show exemplary behavior have the opportunity to take TJ the Bear or Gloria (stuffed animals) home for the weekend. When students bring them home they write a story with their parents that is then shared with the class on Monday. This opportunity not only reinforces positive behavior, but also encourages parent involvement and literacy development. A key strategy to working with these students is K.I.S. (Keep it Simple) and M.I.S (Make it Silly). The program staff is aware of the developmental characteristics of K 1st students and structure the program schedule and space to meet the unique needs of K 1st students. When you walk into the program you might just see staff dressed in wigs, tutus, and a specifi c color scheme in order to reinforce a concept with their students! Conway Elementary School students water their garden. Conway Elementary students pose with their Lorax masks for an Earth Day celebration. 5

6 ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT Black Mountain Middle School Students Participate in Greater San Diego Science Festival Poway Unified School District Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) is an integral component of the after school program at Black Mountain Middle School in Poway Unified School District. Site Coordinator Rocco Stefano and his staff provided after school students with the opportunity to participate in STEM Jeopardy, robotics, rocketlaunching, animation software, and claymation. The enthusiasm for science grew into STEM Fridays, where all activities were STEMrelated. Three Black Mountain Middle School (BMMS) students created science projects that were part of the 59th Annual Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF), held every March at the Balboa Park Activity Center. The regional science competition promotes student interest in science, helping to better prepare today s students to be our future work force. Funding was made possible through a sponsorship by the Broadcom After School Science Program. Black Mountain Middle School was the first after school program to partner with Broadcom, a global innovator and leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, in the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. Measuring the distance a car travels based on the height of the ramp provides data for Experiment Zoom. Receiving feedback is valuable in reviewing this year s project and in planning next year s possibilities. Students Sudarshan Srinivasan, Hannah Wong, and April Xie took their ideas and developed a hypothesis, collected and analyzed data, and drew conclusions. Their displays showed the scientific method as it related to their projects: Pop Goes the Bubble, Experiment Zoom, and Magnetic Magic. Judges viewed the three students projects and offered suggestions to spur the students to think about their future projects. This was the first year after school program students from Black Mountain Middle School participated in the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. Due to positive support and feedback from the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair, interest in STEM activities has magnified for both students and staff at Black Mountain Middle School. The goal for the school year is to have all after school program students participating in STEM activities every Friday. Planned STEM activities will include: Build and Destroy, Jurassic Science, Aerospace Explorers, Food DNA Analysis, Frames 5 Animation, and the Make Up of Makeup. 6 Magnetic powers were tested one paperclip at a time to determine the maximum number of clips held by the magnet.

7 ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT Focus On Literacy in After School Project National School District The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), Extended Learning Unit, invited all ASES programs to participate in the Focus on Literacy in After School Project. SDCOE partnered with ABDO Publishing Company to support after school program sites by providing supplemental reading materials in core academic content areas through educational books. The ABDO materials include comic books and graphic novels, as well as books about sports and other highinterest topics. The ABDO materials foster and support reading by providing pre-k through 12 educational nonfiction books that use gradeappropriate language, high quality visuals, and engaging stories which all promote student interest. National School District Camp WINGS Comic-Con. More than 40 sites participated in the Focus On Literacy in After School Project; participating districts included: Borrego Springs Unified, Chula Vista, Fallbrook Union Elementary, Lemon Grove, National, Poway, Ramona, San Diego Unified, Santee, South Bay, and Vista. Taking part in this reading project provided enrichment, diversity, and the joy of literacy to all students. As a part of the curriculum, English Language Learner strategies were integrated throughout the instructional delivery to enhance language development. Poway and National school districts hosted two Comic-Con culminating events where students had the opportunity to showcase their very own super heroes and stories! After school students reading ABDO graphic novels. 7

8 ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT XTRA, XTRA, read all about it! Before and after school programs accessed more than 130 XTRA Weekly subscriptions at ASES programs within 18 Consortium school districts during the school year. XTRA Weekly is a web-based, literacy enrichment program that meets the California Common Core Standards for English Language Arts. XTRA Weekly provides weekly literacy lessons for after school programs utilizing interesting and topical current event articles and activities. Each lesson is designed to support students language and literacy development and support in reading, writing, and critical thinking. The innovative and comprehensive curriculum created by XTRA Weekly, uses current news articles from the Washington Post/Bloomberg News and McClatchy-Tribune news service. The stories and interactive lessons are designed to stimulate and expand students ability to utilize critical thinking skills across curricular areas. Before and after school program staff have access to 32 downloadable XTRA Weekly lesson plans throughout the school year. Each XTRA Weekly lesson includes a news article, instruction guide, critical thinking questions, answer key, and extension activities for grades 3 5 (Level I) and grades 6 8 (Level II). The instruction and pacing guide offer suggestions and modifications for staff working with students with special needs and English Language Learners. Students at Bancroft Elementary School, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, display their XTRA Weekly. Preparing Our Youth to Be STEM Ready through Science Link 8 Squid Exploration at Vista La Mesa Academy, Lemon Grove School District. DNA Decoded-National City Middle, Sweetwater Union HSD. Research has shown that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education is essential to creating a STEM-ready workforce to meet the demands of the growing number of jobs that dependent on high levels of science, technology, engineering and math skills. Created by the Children s Initiative, the Science Link program provides students with hands-on STEM learning that strengthens 21st century learning skills which are required for careers as engineers, inventors, and scientists. In addition to weekly STEM exploration lessons, Science Link sites receive on-site educational workshops from science partners such as the Rueben H. Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air and Space Museum, and Birch Aquarium. Science Link students have the opportunity to analyze and decode DNA, dissect fish and squid, and design and launch hand crafted rockets. After school students also participate in offsite educational opportunities to various STEM learning centers throughout the county such as the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway, and the Safari Park. During the year, Science Link was implemented at schools from six districts: Lemon Grove, Sweetwater Union High School, Oceanside Unified, Vista Unified, San Diego Unified, and Borrego Springs. Science Link s success is measured by increases in students STEM knowledge and skills as well as increased interest in STEM fields.

9 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Touching Minds, Shaping Futures (TMSF) Conference More than 800 before and after school program staff, representing 20 K 8 San Diego After School Consortium school districts, attended the two Touching Minds, Shaping Futures (TMSF) conferences during the school year. Coordinated by the Children s Initiative, Touching Minds, Shaping Futures is a free, bi-annual staff development conference for before and after school program line-staff, site supervisors, coordinators, teachers, and administrators throughout San Diego County. TMSF is intended to be an interactive, supportive, and constructive event where the before and after school community receive information regarding best and promising practices, an opportunity to communicate and collaborate with other staff and enhance their existing skills and experience. TMSF supports staff to build and sustain high quality before and after programs that meet the needs of their students, families, and communities. All workshops are presented by knowledgeable and dynamic educators and field experts who share creative, hands-on lessons and activities that can be implemented with ease by before and after school staff when they return to their programs. Workshop topics focus on academics, health/fitness/nutrition, behavior management, program management, prevention and awareness, youth development and enrichment for elementary and middle before and after school programs-all to increase safety, health and learning for students. Throughout the conference, new and veteran staff members are able to engage with other attendees, sharing personal and insightful experiences about what is happening in their programs, challenges, and successes and are able to foster new, lasting relationships. The school year brought a refreshing change to TMSF a new location. TMSF XXVI: After School University was held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 and TMSF XXVII Go Green: Think Green, Live Green, Love Green! was held on March 16, 2013 at Lincoln High School in San Diego Unified SD. Before and after school staff at both conferences were excited to learn about effective practices, connect with valuable resources, and learn from high quality presenters. TMSF XXVI attendees develop their effective communication skills. Chula Vista Middle School/Club TC Dancers brought all the right moves to TMSF XXVII. Staff members get creative in the Let s Paint workshop at TMSF XXVI. 9

10 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Art Link Program The Art Link Program encourages and supports the continuation and expansion of art education in after school programs. The Children s Initiative collaborates with local art supply stores, paper companies, tile supply stores, and fabric stores to provide quality art materials for a variety of art projects such as drawing, painting, jewelry making, mosaics, and photography. Volunteer artists are recruited to lead small group art classes as part of program enrichment. During the school year, Consortium school districts including Encinitas Union School District, Escondido Union School District, Lakeside Union School District, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, Lemon Grove School District, Monarch School, Oceanside Unified School District, Poway Unified School District, San Diego Unified School District, Sweetwater Union High School District, and Vista Unified School District participated in the Art Link Program. Art Link students creating art pieces at Chula Vista Middle School Club TC. Art education is an important component of self-expression, communication, exploration, imagination, and cultural understanding for a student s healthy development. Art provides students a chance to develop cognitive and creative skills and to expand their imaginations. Art education strengthens not only students intellectual and educational development, but their personal and social development as well. For many students, time spent developing art is a highlight of their after school program because it is when they experience success, offering a balance in their total educational experience. International Children s Art Exchange This graphite sketch of a cockatoo was created by a 12 year old Australian student. More than 500 original student art pieces were submitted to the Children s Initiative by before and after school program students for participation in the International Children s Art Exchange (ICAE). Before and after school programs in the Encinitas Union School District, Escondido Union School District, Lakeside Union School District, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, Oceanside Unified School District, Sweetwater Union High School District, and Vista Unified School District all contributed student art work. The International Children s Art Exchange is an extraordinary program that encourages students from around the world to create and share their art work and their culture with one another. This program exposes students to international art and culture, which helps students develop a broader awareness of the global community and assists them in recognizing and respecting the similarities and differences that exist between countries and cultures of the world. The art work depicts families, favorite foods, holidays, traditional celebrations, regional clothing, sports, and local scenery. Many participating students become pen pals with the students they exchange art with, allowing them to continue to learn about customs and cultures of different countries. This program also supports students in expanding their interest and knowledge of geography, history, and language arts. The Children s Initiative received charming international student art work from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Poland Slovakia, and Switzerland. This art was distributed to before and after school programs throughout San Diego. 10

11 COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS Cultivating Community Connections in the After School Program at Borrego Springs Elementary School Borrego Springs Unified School District A visit to the desert is a great opportunity for after school program students to learn about local plants. Students attend an orientation meeting for Junior Rangers at Borrego Springs ES. When Martha Deichler became the principal at Borrego Springs Elementary School, one of her goals was to grow and strengthen community relationships to support the variety of student programs being offered at her new school. Martha understood the importance and value of community partnerships, especially in a rural community. Once Martha started meeting with community members, wonderful connections were established. When Borrego Springs received ASES funding for their after school program, Martha immediately began thinking about how she could tap into the pool of community talent she had identified and developed to expand and enrich the activities offered to students in their after school program. Partners include local artists, historians, rangers, foreign language instructors, sports and recreation trainers, and other interested parents and community stakeholders. In , a local artist agreed to lead art classes after school. In the art class, students were exposed to a variety of art mediums, including drawing, painting, and different types of sculpture. Each year, student artwork is displayed at the annual Borrego Days Festival and the May Open House art show. The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association provided life science lessons and activities for 3rd 5th grade students, led by local experts. This science program focuses on paleontology, biology, and astronomy. The Junior Rangers led a 10 week enrichment program, introducing students to unusual plants, animals, and indigenous people who used to live in Borrego Springs. Every spring, these after school program Junior Rangers are taken on a special expedition to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to experience first-hand life in the desert. Stitched by hand, students Crazy Quilt squares were sewed together to make quilts and pillows. After school program students have participated in karate classes taught by a local black belt instructor, French lessons, tennis, and quilting. All enrichment activities are offered weekly. The Borrego Springs Elementary School ASES program also gives back to the community by participating in and providing entertainment at the Borrego Days Festival and Community Theater events. It is amazing how an after school program can be enhanced with community collaborations offering educational enrichment experiences at no cost. Students learn about positive/ negative space in art class. 11

12 COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS Congratulations to the Winners of the 2013 ASES People s Choice Awards The San Diego County Office of Education Extended Learning Administrative Support Center celebrated the 2nd annual ASES People s Choice Awards. The People s Choice Awards honors high quality after school programs, recognizes community stakeholders, and inspires program providers to reach new heights. The following categories are awarded: Students Choice an ASES program which received the most votes by students. Community Collaboration an ASES program which demonstrated strong community partnerships. Enrichment Opportunities an ASES program which provided unique enrichment opportunities in the areas of fine arts, physical fitness/recreation, health, nutrition, career preparation, service learning, and/or youth development. Academic Alignment an ASES program which demonstrates strong partnership with the regular school day to support academic goals in math, science, language arts and/or homework assistance to promote student success. Site Supervisor of the Year a site supervisor who exhibits exceptional leadership and dedication to their program. Partnering Principal of the Year a school principal who demonstrates strong support and partnership with the ASES program. Students, parents, teachers, principals, ASES staff, and community members were encouraged to submit nominations and advocate for their favorite ASES program. More than 580 nominations were received. The Awards committee reviewed the anonymous nominations and gave each nomination a score based on merit, originality, and impact on youth. Winners were chosen based on the highest scores and a consensus among committee members. On May 17, 2013, the ASES People s Choice honored fourteen award recipients. The event was attended by 83 after school educators and San Marcos Middle School ASES Dance Team students performed. Local San Diego businesses showed their support of San Diego County after school programs by contributing approximately $1,100 of in-kind donations including raffle prizes for participants and award recipients. Partnering Principal of the Year Susie Sovereign Ibarra Elementary San Diego Unified School District Partnering Principal of the Year Miguel Carrillo Meadowbrook Middle School Poway Unified School District Site Supervisor of the Year Liz Montes San Marcos Elementary School San Marcos Unified School District in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Site Supervisor of the Year Ric Acido San Marcos Middle School San Marcos Unified School District in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Students Choice Davina Bowie San Altos Elementary Lemon Grove School District Community Collaboration Julie Dunn Borrego Springs Elementary School Borrego Springs Unified School District Enrichment Opportunities Ashley Westbrook La Paloma Elementary School Fallbrook Elementary Union School District/County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation Brian Reilly Mesa Verde Middle School Poway Unified School District/ YMCA Youth and Family Services Academic Alignment Liz Montes San Marcos Elementary School San Marcos Unified School District/ Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Sarah North Montgomery Middle School San Diego Unified School District/ Mission Valley YMCA 12

13 COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS Connecting to the Community During the school year, the Children s Initiative secured and distributed more than 4,000 tickets to amazing events such as arts and cultural exhibits and performances, college and professional sports games and community theater shows. Tickets were distributed to before and after school students and their families in 21 K 8 After School Consortium school districts. The free tickets provided students and their families opportunities to experience a variety of arts, sports, and cultural performances throughout the county that they often cannot afford to attend. Students attended performances including: Little Mermaid Jr., STOMP, The Sound of Music, Beauty & the Beast, The Nutcracker, Traditions of Christmas, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Disney s Aladdin Jr., and the Legend of Pocahontas. Students also attended San Diego State football games, USD Men s Basketball games, and San Diego Padres baseball games. Students from San Diego Unified after seeing A Little Princess. The Children s Initiative has developed strong community partnerships with performing arts companies, cultural centers, and sports teams to ensure that before and after school students have the opportunity to expand their horizons and participate in arts, cultural, and sports events. Partnerships include (but are not limited to): California Ballet, City Ballet of San Diego, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, San Diego Academy of Ballet, Christian Youth Theatre, San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Padres, San Diego State University Athletics, and STAR Repertory Theatre. Students from Escondido Union enjoy a Padres game. Family Fun at Petco Park! ResMED: It s All About The Bag During the school year, the Children s Initiative distributed more than 2,707 ResMED bags to twelve K 8 school districts for their before and after school students. The Children s Initiative provides ResMED bags to before and after school programs through collaboration with a strong San Diego business partner ResMED. Staff and students really like the versatility of these bags as they can function as a backpack for students to carry their books and supplies, a blank canvas for an art activity, a resource/supply bag for staff, or as an emergency kit. Students display their personalized ResMED bags. 13

14 COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS San Diego County Superintendent of Schools and Board of Education: Lights on Afterschool Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide celebration of the positive impact that after school programs have on students, families, and the community. On October 18, 2012, after school programs throughout San Diego County rallied parents, educators, students, and community stakeholders to celebrate the value of after school programs! The San Diego County Board of Education signed a Resolution honoring October 18, 2012 as Lights On Afterschool Day. The resolution recognizes after school programs as critically important in: Engaging students in meaningful, active, and collaborative learning opportunities that support mastery Providing safe, challenging, relevant, and dynamic learning experiences to help students develop social, emotional, physical, and academic skills Supporting families by ensuring their children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends Building stronger schools and communities by engaging families, schools, and community partners San Diego County Board of Education members and Extended Learning staff presented resolutions to after school programs in local school districts. Board President Mark Anderson presented a resolution to Prospect Avenue Elementary in the Santee School District. Resolutions were also presented by staff to Montgomery Middle in San Diego Unified School District, Lincoln Acres Elementary in National School District, and La Paloma Elementary in Fallbrook Union School District. Union Tribune Shoe Fund The Children s Initiative continues to strengthen its unique partnership with the Union Tribune Shoe Fund by providing free shoes to after school students in San Diego County. During the school year, the Children s Initiative distributed $2,750 in Payless Shoe gift cards to school districts in the San Diego After School Consortium: Vista Unified, La Mesa Spring Valley, South Bay Union, Oceanside Unified, National, Lakeside Union, Lemon Grove, Escondido Union, and EJE Charter School. Students from Berry Elementary School, South Bay Union SD are excited to show off their new shoes. The Bookman In the school year, after school programs in multiple school districts added new and used books to their program libraries with enthusiastic support from The Bookman. Participating districts include: Escondido Union, Lemon Grove, San Diego Unified, Vista, Oceanside Unified, National, Valley Center-Pauma Unified, Cajon Valley Union, and South Bay Union. 14 A well-rounded before or after school library provides students with opportunities to increase their reading skills, expands their imaginations, and furthers their exploration of new interests. Increased and consistent reading provides limitless academic benefits to students. This unique collaboration between the Children s Initiative and The Bookman provides before and after school programs regular access to a variety of books including early readers, young adult novels, biographies, and reference books. By building a robust and extensive library, before and after school programs can help students develop a passion for reading and learning.

15 COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS ASES Site Visits with Elected Officials The Children s Initiative facilitated elected official visits to state funded After School Education and Safety (ASES) programs during the school year. During these special visits, elected officials were able to observe firsthand the value that before and after school programs provide to students, parents, schools, and the community. Each visit highlighted the incredible variety of activities offered in after school including: academic assistance and tutoring support, enrichment activities, physical fitness and recreation, and arts and music all within a safe and nurturing environment for students. Jody Vaughn (center), from the office of Assemblywoman Diane Harkey with representatives from Oceanside Unified SD and the Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside. Assemblywoman Diane Harkey visited Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Oceanside School District, on September 28, Senator Joel Anderson visited PRIDE Academy at Prospect Avenue School Santee School District, on October 19, Danica Mazenko from the office of Assemblymember Brian Jones visited Lindo Park Elementary School Lakeside School District, on October 9, Students from the PRIDE Academy at Prospect Avenue School smile with Senator Joel Anderson. Students from Lindo Park Elementary welcome Danica Mazenko from the office of Assemblymember Brian Jones. 15

16 Corporate and Business Partners 24 Hour Fitness Cubic Corporation Lakeshore Red Lobster Sprouts Active Ride Shop Addie s Studio American Eagle O ut fi t t er s Artist & Craftsman Supply AutoZone AVEDA Barnes & Noble Bed Bath & Beyond Belly Up Tavern Benihana Bennigan s Beverly s Birch Aquarium BJ s Restaurant BOOMERS! Broadway Athletic and Swim Buca di Beppo Café Socrates California Ballet Company California Surf Museum Chick Fil-A City Ballet City Farmers Nursery Christian Youth Theater COSTCO Cr o s sfi t 619 Curves of San Diego County Dinner Studio Discovery Science Center Dr. Bronner s Einstein Bagels Feld Entertainment Fiddleheads Salon Filippi s Pizza Grotto Frankel Green Theatrical Management Fuddruckers Gary Ibsen s TomatoFest GooGoo Candy Clusters Gourmet Gift Baskets Green Field Paper Company Green Mountain Coffee Healthy Won Massage Home Depot Hornblower Cruises & Events Hot Topic IN-N-OUT Burger itan J Company Youth Theatre Kelly Paper King s Seafood Kmart Landmark Theatres Landry s, Inc. La Vida Del Mar Lonnie s Health & Wellness Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater Maritime Museum of San Diego Mengei International Museum Microsoft Store Mission Federal Credit Union O s American Kitchen Oggi s Pizza & Brewing Co. Old Navy Oriental Trading Co. Outback Steakhouse Pala Casino Panera Bread Paper Tales Phil s BBQ Piatti Ristorante Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt Platinum Hair Design Plays By Young Writers Rady Children s Hospital Ralphs/Food 4 Less ResMed Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Robek s Juice Rusty Wallace Racing Experience Salon 5th Avenue San Diego Academy of Ballet San Diego Book Project San Diego Civic Youth Ballet San Diego Coaster Company San Diego Museum of Man San Diego Junior Theatre San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Padres San Diego Repertory Theatre San Diego Union-Tribune San Diego State University Aztec Sports SDG&E Señor Grubby s SmashBurger Southern Exposure Seed Exchange Sports Authority STACKED Starbucks Corporation STAR Repertory Theatre Sun Diego Sweet Paper Sycuan Casino Symmetry Health & Chiropractic The Bookman The Cheesecake Factory The Coffee Bean The Container Store The French Gourmet The Living Coast Discovery Center The San Diego Collection Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery University of San Diego Toreros Urbane Café US Bank US Karate Academy USS Midway Museum Vans Shoes Viejas Casino Which Wich Wienerschnitzel Yardage Town Educational Partnerships Extended Learning Programs 6401 Linda Vista Rd., San Diego, CA California Department of Education San Diego City College St. Germaine Children s Charity 4438 Ingraham Street San Diego, CA