Allen Taggart from University of Idaho Extension will be presenting a web workshop on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 10:00 am MST. He will share about how to reach more youth through authentic community partnerships.

The Idaho Out-of-School Network will be hosting a series of FREE regional Recharge Workshops throughout the state in May. 

Boise- May 6
Nampa/Caldwell- May 7
Twin Falls- May 13
Pocatello- May 14
Coeur d'Alene- May 20
Lewiston- May 21

More information as well as registration links will be sent in an email later this month.

This year's Power Up Summit will be held on September 9th and 10th at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. This year's theme is Build Up and breakouts will tie in to the Idaho Building Blocks for Out-of-School Time Quality. Look for registration to open sometime this month. 

We are also recruiting youth speakers. If you work with a youth that would like to share how afterschool has made a difference for them, please encourage them to fill out an application. 

 

The Idaho Out-of-School Network is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week on April 19-23, 2021, to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.

We are joining the effort because we believe Afterschool Professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. We encourage you to join us in thanking the afterschool professionals in your life.

Here are some ideas on how you to show your appreciation:
• Declare on social media: "I believe Afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. #heartofafterschool"
• Give a hand-written card from you and/or your child to the afterschool professional in your life.
• Send an email to an afterschool professional's supervisor describing why that person is appreciated.
• Make healthy or non-food treats for the staff at your afterschool program. For more resources and information check out www.heartofafterschool.com.

Dear Parents:

COVID-19 has placed you in many new roles this year. It may have changed the way your child is attending school and how you are able to spend time with friends and family. With these changes can come a mix of emotions for both you and your child.

If you are the parent of a child between 5-17 years old, Case Western Reserve University wants to hear about your experience adjusting in this 45-minute research study.

As a thank you, each participant will be entered into a raffle for one of four gift cards.

If you have questions, please contact: Amy Przeworski, Ph.D.: axp335@case.edu or Alex Piedra, B.A.: aap145@case.edu 

The Idaho STEM Ecosystem has developed a survey to help them get an understanding of issues and opportunities for K-12 students accessing STEM education across the state. This survey dives deep and looks into challenges and barriers to STEM, issues around equity and inclusion, and that state of technology/connectivity.

This survey should only take 10-15 minutes to complete. The deadline is April 11th.

The Pandemic EBT program is for free and reduced children (or those in a CEP School) attending schools that have been closed or had reduced operating hours for five consecutive days due to the pandemic. (Not weather related closures or holidays). If parents wish to verify their eligibility, they can use this form on the ISDE website.

For families who do qualify, please encourage them to complete the free and reduced application at their school (if they are not on SNAP) and ensure their name and address is correct in the student information system at the school to ensure delivery of payment.

Please visit the State Department of Education P-EBT page for further details or contact p-ebt@sde.idaho.gov.

This guide is designed to help recruit and prepare role models to inspire girls in science, technology, and engineering. Techbridge Girls outlines their "recipe for success" for role models and provides tips for training. You are welcome to tailor the suggestions to meet the needs of your role models and the interests of the girls you work with.

Come to Gizmo in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday April 17th between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm PT and help them prepare for 2021 Earth Day. Together, students, families and organizations in Coeur d'Alene can meet and learn from local STEM mentors, learn what it means to be a Citizen Scientist, discover Earth Day activities, and collect data on air quality, plastics pollution, insects, and more!

While you're there, meet the team who built the original near-space balloon launch for Gizmo2Extremes (G2X), and learn about the newest G2X project, G2X: GLOBE, a partnership with NASA Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment.

This activity is free and open to the public. If you have any questions, contact Michelle at michelle@gizmo-cda.org.

Check out the Afterschool STEM Hub, a resource designed to help communicators and advocates build public support for afterschool and summer STEM learning.

• Spark your kid’s creativity and confidence with the all-new Camp Invention Connect™ program, Recharge! This K-6, at-home experience delivers hands-on activity kits and opportunities to make real connections with friends and a certified educator. From taking apart their own microphone to building and designing duck-launching devices, each activity is designed to give your young innovator the best summer ever. Create at your own pace, anytime, anywhere! Visit invent.org/connect to learn more. Register using CONNECT30 to save $30 by 4/30.

In collaboration with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, National Geographic would like to formally invite you to another year of afterschool exploration. Through science, storytelling and research, we’re providing enrichment opportunities for both youth and afterschool professionals!
 

This spring, you and your young people can attend the Explorer Classroom show LIVE, every other Wednesday at 2 PM (MST), to hear world-renowned Explorers chronicle their adventures underwater, in the mountains, through the forest and many other natural landscapes. Youth are encouraged to ask questions and engage with Explorers through an interactive Q&A session.

Just in time for Earth Day 2021, Earthday.org is bringing you new environmental resources including teach-in grab bags and advocacy packets.

A grab bag contains issue explanations, objectives and calls to action on a variety of environmental topics. You can access the Teach-In Toolkit to help plan a teach-in, in-person or virtual, and then use the grab bags for the information you need to tackle these important issues.

Advocacy packets are a series of packets that walk students through the process of effecting change in their community. These are created for students by students and contain background information, ideas and sample letters to send to stakeholders.

Are you a member of the National Afterschool Association? You can join at the Ambassador level for free. As a member, you have access to many resources including: