The arrival of the month of May means many things. The beginning of summer, the end of the school year, and if you’re a racing fan, the Indianapolis 500. In celebration of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,The 500 Festival Foundation is generously supporting AYS with a grant that has been implemented to create AYS Racers Week. According to their website, The 500 Festival is a “nonprofit … [Read more...] about AYS Racers
#GivingTuesday and Lights On Wrap-Up
If you’ve been following our social media posts lately (on Facebook and Twitter, in particular), you’ve probably noticed that we’ve been talking up Giving Tuesday – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving when you’re encouraged to donate to nonprofits or others that are working to make a positive difference in the world. Yes, it’s true, AYS is a nonprofit! That’s still surprising to some, but we do … [Read more...] about #GivingTuesday and Lights On Wrap-Up
Arts for Learning apprentices help combat the ‘summer slide’
Last week, we, and hundreds of others across the country, celebrated National Summer Learning Day. Of course, for Camp AYS, every summer day is dedicated to continued learning, and combatting the so-called “summer slide” – the tendency for students, especially those from low-income families, to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year. Among the great … [Read more...] about Arts for Learning apprentices help combat the ‘summer slide’
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week – Denise Smeltzer
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
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week – Donniece Harris
Who: Donniece Harris, program director at Promise Road Elementary When: 1 year in August Favorite color: My favorite color has always been purple. I feel like it is the most vibrant color of the rainbow! Favorite season: Spring—I love the spring weather. My birthday is also in the spring. So, that’s another reason why it’s my favorite. Favorite ice cream: Any and every flavor of … [Read more...] about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week – Donniece Harris