Who: Denise Smeltzer, program director at Pittsboro Elementary When: 18 years (16 years as program director) Favorite color: Blue, because it’s a calming color Favorite season: Spring, because it’s new every year Favorite ice cream: Kroger brand Death by Chocolate Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with AYS? A: Seeing the kids grow and change; seeing … [Read more...] about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week – Denise Smeltzer
Black History Month at AYS
You may have noticed on our Facebook page last month that a number of our program sites celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and legacy with art projects and fact-finding missions. It was a great example of our program directors building on what students were already learning in their schools, with complementary instruction. In February, the leaders of our AYS programs did … [Read more...] about Black History Month at AYS
Happy New Year!!
I hope you were able to take some time to relax and rejuvenate during the holiday season. The new year is a great time for all of us to jump into 2016 with clear heads and light hearts. When I started at AYS last year, one of my goals was to visit each of our 43 sites annually. So far this school year, I have visited 18 sites. I have seen some great implementation of our four core … [Read more...] about Happy New Year!!
Lights On Lights Up Attention for After-School Programs
In nearly every community in the United States, you could find a Lights On Afterschool celebration this year – and thanks to AYS, Central Indiana was no exception. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide effort to urge greater investment in quality afterschool programs, which keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. A number of our … [Read more...] about Lights On Lights Up Attention for After-School Programs
Let’s Get Fit!
As January comes to an end, I’m sure most people are tired of hearing about health and fitness. As everyone knows the New Year brings new resolutions, most of which involve getting healthier. This doesn’t have to be…. Here at Phalen Leadership Academy (PLA) AYS, the students and I are embarking on a journey to a healthier lifestyle. Each week we choose healthier snacks over processed, high-calorie … [Read more...] about Let’s Get Fit!
