Picture this: Demetrius, a stocky third-grader with dark curls and a plucky smile, stands with quiet interest alongside his peers at Anna Brochhausen School 88 in the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) system. They are gathered, each in various stages of excitement, around a snow machine counting down the seconds. All attention is on their At Your School (AYS) Youth Development Leader who is … [Read more...] about Op-ed: Wrap-Around Youth Programs Help Students Succeed Inside and Outside the Classroom
Mental Health IS Health: The Role Afterschool Programs Play in Promoting Student Wellbeing
"There is no health without mental health; mental health is too important to be left to the professionals alone, and mental health is everyone's business." — Vikram Patel. It’s a fact that was unceremoniously thrust to the forefront of discussions across the globe in the wake of COVID-19: Mental health IS health. It is fundamentally intertwined with everyone’s whole-body wellbeing and helps us … [Read more...] about Mental Health IS Health: The Role Afterschool Programs Play in Promoting Student Wellbeing
23 Tips for a Successful Return to the 23-24 School Year
The end of summer marks the beginning of a new school year—a time of excitement, change, and challenges for both children and parents alike. As you gear up to help your children and students dive into their studies and engage in various activities, it's important to start the year on the right foot. Here are 23 tips to help support our youth for a successful start to the 2023-2024 academic … [Read more...] about 23 Tips for a Successful Return to the 23-24 School Year
Teaching the Significance of Juneteenth to Elementary-Age Students
Juneteenth has been a recognized federal holiday since 2021, but why and what does celebrating the day look like? We’re glad you asked! Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the day, June 19th of 1865, when slaves in Texas learned about their freedom – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect (January 1st, 1863). It’s an important holiday to note, because it … [Read more...] about Teaching the Significance of Juneteenth to Elementary-Age Students
Parents: 7 Tips for a Successful Summer
Summer is here and it’s time to relax and rejuvenate! Your child(ren) may be thrilled from anticipating lazy days and sleeping in, but summer break isn’t always that stress-free for parents, especially when kids get bored once they run out of things to do. Here are a few tips and ideas to help keep your child entertained and your sanity intact. Tip 1: Prioritize Physical Activity Get the … [Read more...] about Parents: 7 Tips for a Successful Summer