HEADLINE NEWS

Kentucky's Senators Recognize Importance of Summer Learning

February 2010: It's unanimous - our state senators believe that summer learning is important! On February 11, Kentucky state senators voted (38-0) in favor of Senate Bill 94. The bill, introduced by Senator Vernie McGaha, encourages the establishment of summer learning camps as a strategy to reduce summer learning loss.

Be sure to thank your senator for their commitment to Kentucky's children and youth and their support of summer learning. If you would like to watch the bill as it moves through the House or learn how to contact your representative to let them know the importance of out-of-school time in your community, visit www.lrc.ky.gov.

Seeking Nominations for 2010 Hall of Fame Awards

January 2010:  The Alliance is currently seeking nominations for the 2nd Annual Hall of Fame Awards. The Hall of Fame Awards recognize out-of-school time champions that have provided dedicated leadership and supports to the advancement of the field in the Commonwealth of Kentucky through advocacy, direct, support, or services.

If you know of an out-of-school time champion or organization, please share with the Alliance their great work. Click here for more information and to download a nomination form. 

Alliance Membership Grows to Over 1,000

October 2009: With the help of Kentucky’s National Afterschool Ambassadors, Leslie Spears and Terry Spurlock, KYOSA membership has grown to over 1,000 members. Terry and Leslie volunteered to share information about KYOSA and to garner support at the Family Resource and Youth Services Centers’ Fall Institute. They were able to sign on a record breaking 358 21^st Century Community Learning Center, Family Resource and Youth Services Center, and Community Education Directors and Coordinators in only two days! Thank you Terry and Leslie!

The Alliance Celebrates Two Years of Service to Kentucky’s Youth!

October 2009: On October 5, 2009 over 60 Alliance members and out-of-school time program leaders from across Kentucky traveled to Frankfort to celebrate the KYOSA’s two year anniversary. The celebration included a warm meal, fellowship, and a presentation which highlighted the many accomplishments the Alliance has achieved in a short period of time including:

• the growth of alliance membership to over 600 strong;
• the recruitment of Congressman Ed Whitfield, Congressman Ben Chandler, and Senator Bunning to the National Afterschool for All Caucus; and
• the development and submission of recommendations for school-age regulation modifications to the Cabinet for Health & Family Services – Division of Child Care. 

 “Over the past couple years I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing people,” said Phyllis Elder, KYOSA Coordinator. “The celebration was a wonderful opportunity to thank committee members for their contributions to the  success of the Alliance and to show how their hard work fit into the overall big picture of the Alliance.”

The celebration was also the perfect opportunity to recognize KYOSA visionary and founding grant writer, Linda Robinson of the Kentucky Department of Education, 21^st Community Learning Center, as Kentucky’s first Out-of-School Time Champion. “It was only befitting that we honor Linda, as without her vision and unique ability to unite people and partners, the Alliance would not have been possible,” said Phyllis. “With the continued support of Linda and over one hundred committee members, the sky is the limit to the future successes of the Alliance.”

Future Graduates Prove Kentucky’s Future is Bright!

September 2009:  Class of 2023! The numbers on little Emma’s graduation gown button were correct, she indeed was representing the class of 2025. Emma, a kindergartner from Jefferson County was only one of dozens of Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance youth from across the Commonwealth who were presenting at the 2009 Graduate Kentucky Summit. Hosted by the Office of the Governor, the Graduate Kentucky Summit kicked off a statewide initiative to address Kentucky’s dropout problem through a community approach. The youth helped to put a “face” with Kentucky’s future graduates by sharing their career aspirations with Kentucky’s First Lady, Jane Beshear, honored guest and founder and President of the Children’s Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman, and hundreds of educational, political, and community leaders.  From Emma, class of 2025, to Volante, class of 2010 the youth captured the hearts of everyone in the room and proved that Kentucky’s future is indeed bright!

Members of Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance Travel to Capitol Hill to Speak with Congressional Leaders

May 2009:  Eighteen members of the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance, including nine youth, traveled to Washington, D.C. April 25-28, 2009 to meet with Congressional leaders and advocate for the support of out-of-school time programs for children and youth in Kentucky. The advocacy efforts were part of the eighth annual Afterschool for All Challenge sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance.

"The Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance has found that some of our most powerful advocacy tools are the stories of individual children and youth. That is why we felt it was critical that Kentucky's Senators and Congressmen heard, firsthand, about the importance of out-of-school time programs from the children themselves," said Phyllis Elder, Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance Coordinator. "Nine youth from across the Commonwealth joined us on the trip to share their personal experiences and learned just how powerful their voices are. For many of the youth, this trip not only helped them to experience civic duty and responsibility, it helped them to recognize that their voice matters and that their congressional leaders care about what they have to say."

The group met with Congressman Brett Guthrie and legislative aides from the offices of Senator Jim Bunning and Congressmen John Yarmuth and Hal Rogers to gain their commitment to sign onto the After School for all Cacus. The group also met with and presented Congressmen Ben Chandler and Ed Whitfield, with the 2009 Kentucky Out-of-School Time Champion Legislative Award because they signed onto the After School for all Caucus during our 2008 visit.

Kentucky Out-of-School Time Champion Honored in Nation's Capitol

May 2009:  Dr. Ella Brunner, Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance Quality Committee Chair and Jefferson Community and Technical College Associate Professor, was honored as an Afterschool Champion in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at the Afterschool Alliances' "Breakfast of Champions." As one of seven afterschool champions from across the nation who were honored, Dr. Brunner was recognized for her efforts in helping child care providers and school and community out-of-school time providers work together. Dr. Brunner led committee efforts to develop recommendations for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care to guide school age licensing regulations agreeable to all providers. The "Breakfast of Champions" was part of the eighth annual Afterschool for All Challenge.

Out-of-School Time Champions Recognized at KYOSA Hall of Fames Award Luncheon

April 2009: Seven champions from across Kentucky and the Marion County Board of Education were recognized on April 20, 2009 at the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon for their dedication and supports to the advancement of the field of out-of-school time in the Commonwealth through advocacy, direct support, or services.

First Lady Jane Beshear and Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry joined the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance to honor the Champions and to speak of the importance of after-school programs for Kentucky's children and youth.

First Lady Beshear presented the following Outstanding Kentucky Out-of-School Time awards to:

• Congressman Ben Chandler and Congressman Ed Whitfield each received the Legislative Award for their recognition and support of Kentucky's children as members of the Afterschool Caucus. They are the first high level elected officials from Kentucky to do so!
• Terry Colon of Willisburg, Kentucky received the Parent Award for her volunteer efforts with North Washington's Best 21st Century Community Learning Center/Childcare program. Ms. Colon has not only taught sign language and crocheting; she has coached the archery team for the past 4 years and has helped to arrange fundraisers.
• The Marion County Board of Education in Lebanon, Kentucky received the Policymaker Award for their tremendous display of devotion and support of the Marion County 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC). The Board of Education is the sole funding for the 21st CCLC program since grant funds expired after the 2008 school year. Their return on investment is the academic successes from this program in the schools.
• Donna McNichols, Director of the Housing Authority of Cadiz, Kentucky received the Community Partner Award for her collaborative efforts with the Trigg County High School Service Learning Council. Together, they created "Terrific Tuesdays" an after school tutoring and mentoring program which currently serves and average of 46 preschool through eighth grade students.
• Kevin Bowling, Site Director of the YMCA of Greater Louisville, received the Staff Award for his multifaceted achievements with the YMCA Jeffersontown Elementary Childcare Enrichment Program. Mr. Bowling has increased the family support of physical fitness through walking clubs and fitness time. He has also successfully raised funds through the annual Spirit Campaign and brought awareness to the importance of after school care.
• Catharine G. Barwell, Principal of Ryland Elementary School in Ryland Heights, Kentucky received the Leadership Award for her strong leadership in implementation of many innovative and creative programs to help achieve student success. These programs include: the 21st Century Community Learning Center, Read to Achieve, and a wireless laptop learning lab. A true leader, Ms. Barwell has created a warm and welcome environment in which students can thrive by encouraging parents and community partners to become involved in student learning.
• Dr. Ella Brunner, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education with Jefferson Community and Technical College, received the Champion Award for her lifelong commitment to children and continued advocacy efforts as the chair of the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance Quality Committee.

Dr. Ella Brunner Receives Kentucky Out-of-School Time Champion Award

April 2009:  Dr. Ella Brunner received the Kentucky Out-of-School Time Champion Award on Monday, April 20, 2009 at the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon. This award honors the individual who has made important state-wide contributions to the field of out-of-school time, in the areas of improving the quality, accessibility, affordability or availability of out-of school time programs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

After raising five children of her own, Dr. Brunner opened a day care center in order for children to have a safe and loving environment in which to grow. Dr. Brunner recognized the importance of quality childcare and returned to school to earn her doctorate degree in Education. Dr. Brunner's lifelong commitment to children continues as an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education with Jefferson Community and Technical College and as the chair of the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance Quality Committee. Since joining the Alliance, Dr. Brunner has worked diligently to improve the quality of out-of-school time programs and has enthusiastically embraced advocating for quality out-of-school time programs for all Kentucky's children and youth.

Dr. Brunner will be representing the Alliance in Washington, D.C. on April 28 at the Afterschool for All -- Breakfast of Champions where she will be honored as a state champion for afterschool.

Afterschool Advocacy Efforts in Washington Pay Off: Congressional Representatives Chandler & Whitfield join the Afterschool Congressional Caucus.

June 2008:  "It was amazing. My congressmen took the time to listen to what I had to say and cared enough to help!" Paige Hudman, an 8th grade student and afterschool champion from Lawrenceburg, KY, found herself in an place many advocates can only dream of - in arms reach of some of Kentucky's most powerful and influential congressional leaders.

In honor of the seventh annual Afterschool for All Challenge, Paige along with nine other children from across Kentucky and fourteen adult advocates made a trip to Washington, D.C. in May. The group representing Kentucky Afterschool Network went to educate and inform congressional leaders as to the benefits of afterschool programs and the challenges they face.

Soon after, Paige would learn that her words did make a difference. Not one, but two of Kentucky's Congressman, Representative Ben Chandler and Representative Edward Whitfield signed on to participate in the Afterschool for All Congressional Caucus, a bipartisan group of legislators who have joined forces to build support, raise public awareness and to increase resources for quality afterschool programs.

As part of the advocacy efforts, the group met with numerous legislators including: Senator Mitch McConnell, Representative Ben Chandler, Representative Geoff Davis, Representative Hal Rogers, and Representative Edward Whitfield. We were also able to meet with legislative aides from the offices of Senator Bunning.

Phyllis Elder, Kentucky Afterschool Network Coordinator stated, "We feel honored that Representative Chandler and Representative Whitfield not only took the time to listen to each of our personal stories and experiences, they asked questions and - after all was said and done - they understood the need for a voice representing Kentucky's children in the Afterschool for All Congressional Caucus."

Since its inception in 2008, the Kentucky Afterschool Network has grown to 245 stakeholders - an increase of 400% in a matter of months - and is working to ensure that our state's children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs by creating a sustainable state-wide structure that will influence local, state and national policy. By joining the national caucus, Representative Chandler and Representative Whitfield, will represent over 121,000 students - like Paige - and the working families across Kentucky who depend on afterschool programming. It's a first step - a big step - in what promises to be a long and rewarding journey to help Kentucky's children.

Phyllis Elder, Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance Coordinator Receives 21st Century Champion Award

November 08:  In appreciation of her outstanding efforts to champion out of school time programs, Phyllis Elder, Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance Coordinator was honored on Wednesday, October 26, in Louisville with the 21st Century Champion Award.

The award was presented by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) State Advisory Council in recognition of Phyllis’ commitment to helping children succeed.

"I was very surprised, grateful and feel truly humbled to receive this award" said Phyllis. "My goal has always been to make a difference by giving children the opportunity to be inspired and to dream. In my previous position as a 21 CCLC Director, I witnessed first-hand how an afterschool program can change the life of a child." "The biggest eye-opener for me was on a field trip to celebrate the completion of Pirates of the Deep Blue Sea curriculum," said Phyllis as she shared a personal experience. "Our group was staying at the Embassy Suites - not because we had money, but because we could save money by having more children in the two room suites. When we walked through the door and stepped into the lobby, a little girl looked up in awe at the splendor of the atrium's glass ceiling and said 'Am I dreaming?' My chest tightened and I started to tear up as I looked at this little girl's face."

Phyllis continued, "The next morning, two young boys were stunned and amazed that they could go up as many times as they wanted to the complimentary breakfast. 'You mean we can eat as much as we want?!'

Phyllis noted that it was during that 24-hour period that she recognized that these children were hungry - hungry in the most literal sense of the word, but also hungry to learn more about the world around them. Their afterschool program offered them the opportunity to see the world around them in a new light and to dream BIG.

"So many times we look at "the numbers", the statistics, the outcomes, etc. to justify the need for out of school programs, when we need look no further than into the eyes of a little girl who for the first time has seen the world open up to her," said Phyllis. "A world filled with possibilities and opportunities. A world she may never had seen without her afterschool program."

Kentucky Out-Of-School Alliance Encourages Applications for 21st Century Community Learning Centers

November 2008:  The Kentucky Out-Of-School Alliance would like to encourage, local school districts, community and faith-based organizations, as well as other qualifying private and governmental organizations to apply for a 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant. The 21st CCLC grants are offered through the Kentucky Dept. of Education as part of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), Title IV, Part B, "to design and implement effective out-of-school programs that improve student achievement and social development."
To learn more about the Request for Application and further details, please visit the Kentucky Dept. of Education, Office of Leadership and School Improvement's website at:  http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Administrative+Resources/School+Improvement/default.htm