Due to local Covid-related public health concerns, the Idaho Out-of-School Network has decided that our Power Up Summit, scheduled for September 9th and 10th at the Riverside Hotel in Boise, will migrate to a *virtual format with a modified two-day agenda, found at  www.idahooutofschool.org/summit

The Summit will be begin at 8:30 am on both September 9th and 10th and will be broadcast via Zoom. The link will be sent to all registrants before the conference begins. It will feature keynotes, performances, a youth speaker, presenters, a policy panel, and more. 

Registration is still open through the beginning of the Summit. If you have previously registered, you should have received an email with more information. If you did not receive that email, please contact idahoafterschool@gmail.com.

*This change does not impact the September 8th and 9th Annual Fall Director Meeting for Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grant directors. That event will still be held in-person, with expanded social distance protocols, at the Riverside Hotel.

All students, families, school staff, and members of the school community deserve an equitable school experience. For our students to feel safe at school, we need to create a learning atmosphere that allows all students to be themselves while knowing that their teachers are actively working to dismantle racism in their learning communities.

Join us for a Race, Equity, & Inclusion 9-part webinar series in partnership with the Leading Equity Center. Through varying workshops centered around examples in school settings, the presenters will provide attendees with a complete understanding of the fundamentals of race, equity, and inclusion. True stories and research in schools will illustrate the need to foster an inclusive learning space for all students.

This webinar series targets educators at all levels of their equity journey.

Starting September 23, 2021 through May 12, 2022
$75 for all 9 trainings or $10 each
Presented by: Dr. Sheldon Eakins | Leading Equity Center

The Idaho STEM Action Center is excited to announce the launch of a brand new platform for the i-STEM Library Network. The i-STEM Library Online Database features catalogues of available STEM tools and equipment at all six of the regional library locations, filterable by grade level and subject area. In addition, each library item directly links to resources for educators, including instructional videos, curriculum, troubleshooting guides, and more. The database can be easily accessed via web browser on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone.

What are the i-STEM Libraries?
The i-STEM Libraries are a FREE collection of STEM tools, kits, equipment, and other resources available for Idaho educators to check and out and use in their classrooms. All Idaho educators, including classroom teachers and aids, after-school care providers, early childhood educators, camp and extracurricular program leaders, and homeschool collaboratives are eligible to borrow items from the i-STEM Libraries. With the launch of the new Online Database, educators will be able to search and browse items available at their nearest library location, make a check-out request, and access curriculum and other resources all in one convenient place!

What kind of items can I check out of the libraries?
Hydropower kits, coding robots, 3D printers, base 10 blocks, microscopes, algebra tiles, portable weather stations, GPS units, and much much more! Items and availability may vary by location. 

Where are the i-STEM Libraries located?
i-STEM Library collections are housed on six college and university campuses across the state. Educators not within driving distance of any of these libraries may contact their closest library location about options for item shipping.

AmeriCorps State and National AmeriCorps is America’s National Service initiative. Through AmeriCorps, individuals of all ages and backgrounds address the nation's education, public safety, environment, and/or human needs through service. The mission of AmeriCorps includes: getting things done, strengthening communities, encouraging responsibility, and expanding opportunity.

Idaho Positive Youth Development AmeriCorps members contribute to this effort by: Teaching, leading, and facilitating youth development curriculum in STEAM based out-of-school time programs; Facilitating family engagement events; Serving as mentors and role models, teaching important life skills, and giving youth positive opportunities to explore the world around them in a fun, engaging, non-formal learning environment; Engaging new volunteers in their local programs to serve as 4-H leaders and event volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested in being an AmeriCorps member, please apply.

Open Arms Dance Project (OADP) is offering FREE CommUnity Classes every Tuesday 6:15 pm -7:00 pm MT in the Move Studio at JUMP in Boise.  OADP CommUnity Classes will use Universal Design for Learning to help everyone find an accessible and challenging experience for themselves.  We will move joyfully while developing dance skills and flex our creative muscles to build choreography.  Movers of all ages*, with and without disabilities, and with and without prior dance experience – will find meaning, fun, and deep satisfaction through exploring our monthly themes in a welcoming environment full of diversity!
 
Fall 2021 OADP CommUnity Class themes:
-September:  Transpose to find your Groove
-October: Spooky Spirals & Interconnected Webs
-November & December:  Surprise & Delight  
 
These classes are just one of the many ways Open Arms Dance Project will share our mission to create greater joy and compassion in the community with dance that opens hearts, minds, and arms during our 21/22 season!
 
*ages 7 – adult (no upper age limit); younger than 7yrs welcome when accompanied by an adult!
 
 

Idaho Out-of-School Network is partnering with Girls Who Code to start free Girls Who Code Clubs across our community! We encourage you to take advantage of their free and flexible coding curriculum and comprehensive resources by signing up to start or renew your 3-5th or 6-12th grade Club here. List Idaho Out-of-School Network as your Community Partner on the application for exclusive additional benefits, like extra support and swag opportunities!

Additionally, Girls Who Code recently updated their Start a Club Guide. This guide will help you start, renew, or join a Girls Who Code Club.

The Salvation Army Booth Program for Young Parents provides social and educational services to teens and young adults who are pregnant or parenting. Their GED Program is for parents up to age 24 who have aged out of high school and are seeking to further their education. Classes are free and open for Fall 2021 semester registration.

Idaho Public Television has teamed up with Bright by Text to send free activities, games, and resources right to your cell phone. Messages are targeted to your child's age, and include information on child development, language and early literacy, healthy and safety, behavioral tips, and more.

This program offers parents and caregivers expert tips and resources for children up to the age of eight. Interactions a child has with adult caregivers at this stage of their life set the foundation for future learning, behavior, and health. Bright by Text shares fun and easy activity ideas, positive parenting tips and resources, and information about the child's physical development.

To sign up, simply text the word "IDAHOFAMILY" to 274 448. You will receive two to five short text messages per week, and each message provides a link for more information.

You are invited to join a special virtual screening of the award winning youth suicide prevention documentary My Ascension, in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The screening will happen on Tuesday, September 14th from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm MST.