Announcer (00:01): Highlighting the amazing stories from inside the North Clackamas School District. This is the Proud To Be NCSD podcast, hosted by longtime principal and current community relations director, Curtis Long.

Curtis Long (00:15): It's just after two o'clock in the afternoon on a typical school day, and that means it's dismissal time for more than 300 spirited students streaming out of Oak Grove Elementary School.

Curtis Long (00:30): Some lively learners wave one final goodbye to their teacher, then traipse along Torbank Avenue on their trek toward home. Still others focus on familiar faces, greeting them in the parent pickup line. In another area, a sea of bouncing backpacks, board buses where drivers are revved up and ready to run their route. But even after the last bus finally pulls away, one group of Oak Grove Dragons hasn't left school at all. Instead, they've shuffled down the hallway to a brightly colored classroom with more than 20 other kids, and they wouldn't want it any other way.

Elementary Student (01:01): It's a fun place. It has a bunch of activities. It's really nice to come here. It's a really fun care. And we have a bunch of prices and all that stuff, and it's a really fun place to go to.

Curtis Long (01:12): Today on The Proud To Be NCSD podcast, we're staying after school...and we're doing it willingly. In fact, these Oak Grove kids aren't the only ones excited to stay after the dismissal bell for enrichment projects, snacks, outdoor exercise, and lots more structured activities. They're also joined each day by groups of students, bus from nearby Bilquist, View Acres, and Riverside Elementary schools. That's where six-year-old Justice just arrived from. And this kid knows the routine.

Elementary Student (01:38): So on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, my dad comes to pick me up. But on Fridays my mom's picks me up.

Curtis Long (01:48): And if you want your spirits picked up, it won't take much time here. Welcome to one of seven afterschool care programs offered across the North Clackamas School District. A safe, structured and supervised program for NCSD families, where students, quite simply...

Elementary Student (02:03): Do fun stuff like art projects, drawing.

Curtis Long (02:06): What are you drawing?

Elementary Student (02:07): Me at lunch with my friends...eating.

Curtis Long (02:10): Oh, did we mention food? Not only does the care program offer healthy snacks, but also a supper option for kids who stay into the early evening hours.

Elementary Student (02:19): I like to eat pizza

Curtis Long (02:21): And without taking a big bite out of a family's budget, the goal is to keep kids engaged and excited.

Lindsay Snyder-Harris (02:27): So most of our sites all run relatively the same. Some have a little bit variation in it. From like two to two 20, I have kinda like a, what we hope is a calm down. We split up into normally four groups, but right now three due to staffing. And they do a kind of a table activity, like word search. I might be a pearl bead, make a magazine collage. There's a structured activity to it. After that, the older group and the younger groups kind of split. The younger ones will go to recess. The older ones are eating supper, and then after 20 minutes they switch. Younger kids eat, older kids go to recess. Then after that, they join their enrichment groups, which are a one hour session. The structured eight week program that we come up with, um, we do stem, which is hands-on, like engineering, building, and of course gym is a good favorite. Sometimes they're learning basketball or hockey or it's like group games, like a pe kind of structure. Um, after that we have 20 minutes of reading homework time, and then the last like 45 minutes is like a second recess or table choice, which is like Legos playing board games with a staff member, that kind of thing.

Curtis Long (03:20): That's Lindsay Snyder-Harris, the energetic coordinator of the care program here at Oak Grove, who along with several assistants, keeps the action moving for the 70 plus students picked up before six o'clock each evening. And Ms. Lindsay knows every one of them by name.

Lindsay Snyder-Harris (03:35): Yep I usually know when they've lost their tooth, when their birthday is, if it's their real birthday or not. I had a student that was upset and she's been upset about her cat. She has a new cat at home. Mm-hmm. So she's eager to be there. So building a community and relationship with students is all of our biggest thing. With that, we have a very unique opportunity where we get a lot closer than a lot of, like the teachers can get close with the students. Building that relationship with the families and students has been big.

Curtis Long (03:57): Today we take an inside look at this unique program that provides the structure of school after school for hundreds of students district-wide, in which schools are the programs located, how do families enroll, what are the costs associated? And how our district puts so much care into this program called care.

Lindsay Snyder-Harris (04:15): And it's awesome when sometimes they leave to go to appointment and then the parents are like, Hey, can I drop 'em back off at three? I'm like, sure. So that's always huge to hear. Or when they get upset, like, mom, I wanted you to pick me up later today.

Curtis Long (04:26): And joining us today are three special guests who we could call the caretakers of our afterschool programs. Welcome to the show, NCSD's Director of Community Services Natalie Whisler, 21st Century Community Learning Center Program Manager Amber Barnes and Senior Director of School-based Clubhouses with the Boys and Girls Club, Rob Johnson. Natalie, Amber, and Rob, thanks so much for being here today. Let's start by having each of you introduce yourselves, your role in our school district and your involvement in NCSD's afterschool programs.

Natalie Whisler (04:53): My name is Natalie Whisler. I'm the director of community services and one of my roles and my department is running NCSD's own elementary afterschool CARE program.

Curtis Long (05:03): And that's what we heard at the beginning, that was elementary. But as we're gonna learn here, there's more than just elementary schools involved in our afterschool programs.

Amber Barnes (05:10): Yeah. Uh, with my role, I'm Amber. Our 21st Century Community Learning Center grant is a Title four B federal grant program that we received from the Oregon Department of Education. And it's on a five year cycle. And this five year cycle, we partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland, along with other community-based organizations to bring some elementary school programming and middle school after school enrichment programming.

Curtis Long (05:32): And you mentioned the Boys and Girls Club, that's what brings Rob here today. So Rob, welcome. Your group is kind of a partner with the North Clackamas School District.

Rob Johnson (05:41): Yes we are partnered with North Clackamas. I'm Rob Johnson and I'm with, uh, boys and Girls Club of Portland, and we run programming out of Oak Grove over there. Also Alder Creek Middle School, Rowe Middle School, and Lot Whitcomb Elementary.

Curtis Long (05:53): I'd love to know what each of you were thinking as you listen to those happy kids and the excitement and coordinator Lindsay's voice during those opening interviews. How can you not smile when you visit an NCSD afterschool program?

Natalie Whisler (06:03): Our programs are different, but I think that's one thing that we all share is that joy of afterschool time. It's a really special time for kids to be able to connect and explore and learn. And so I just loved hearing that, that joy coming through, um, as kids really look forward to the programs they attend and, and connecting with staff each day.

Curtis Long (06:22): And I can say firsthand for my visit there, they were very excited in everything they were doing. Big smiles on their faces. And for me, I just thought it was very interesting. These kids are actually excited about staying after school. They'd rather be at school, which is I think the case with a lot of our students thanks to all the work that all of you do.

Amber Barnes (06:37): Yeah. I hear from students a lot of times they get to spend time with their friends that may be in a different grade than them or a different classroom at school or have they've connected over their interest of Pokemon or certain game they play, they've made up together to play on the playground and they just have that time to spend with those, those friends after school. And that's such an important thing, especially for our middle schoolers coming out of the pandemic, was just being able to spend time together with their friends and do things that they, they're choosing to do.

Curtis Long (07:04): Let's make sure we can define these programs. So Sure. In the, in that opening segment, I refer to care quite a bit now CAREis at seven different elementary schools, but we also have things going on at elementary schools and at middle schools that involve both you, Amber and Rob, the in the partnership with the Boys and Girls Club. Let's make sure our listeners understand the difference between the two programs and maybe some of the similarities.

Natalie Whisler (07:25): So CARE has been a part of NCSD I believe for over 30 years. It's a district run after school program that every single elementary age student in the district is eligible to attend. The program is supported by parent fees and the goal is to keep those fees low enough to just cover costs so that as many parents and families as possible have an affordable, safe option for after school.

Amber Barnes (07:49): Yeah. And the difference, I think with 21st Century, uh, being a Title four B program, it's considered an academic program by the state and the federal government. And so we tie into the school day a lot and we have our staff working in the schools embedded and they're working with the school day teams to kind of carry that continuous line of care and academic support from school into the afterschool space. We also have a family component with the 21st century programming where we engage our families in a variety of engagement events where they come into our schools, see what their students have been up to take workshops and classes, specifically focused on things that the parents in that particular community are interested in learning about from other community partners and access to resources as

Curtis Long (08:29): Well. And Rob, that's where your group comes in with the Boys and Girls Club then?

Rob Johnson (08:33): Yes, we've been very, very, very appreciative of the 21st Century grant and everything is provided. And so like Amber said, our our team and our staff are embedded into the school. And so we were able to see these kids throughout the day, uh, and kind of step in and see how they're doing, check in with counselors or, uh, administrative staff, but also be that face that they're gonna see later, so another adult there to guide that presence of support throughout the day. So it's good to see them throughout the day. And so my team really looks forward to doing so.

Curtis Long (08:58): The staff members that kids are seeing after school, they're actually seeing 'em during the school day too. It's not just after school. That's not the only time I ever see that person.

Rob Johnson (09:06): Right. So it, it creates a great cohesive transition for kids because we are communication with the those staff every day and throughout the day. So we know if it gets having a bad day or having a great day, I want just continue, Hey, I saw you earlier, or Hey, you know, what's going on bud. So it's a great way to kind of segue into the afterschool piece of it and they feel more invited and more a part of the, the school as we continue throughout the day.

Curtis Long (09:29): That's fantastic. Now let's make sure with our listeners understand care is offered at seven different elementary schools. Natalie, you think you can name 'em off the top of your head? You can do it.

Natalie Whisler (09:37): I think I can <laugh> maybe, maybe not in order. Okay. But we have Oak Grove, Ardenwald, Linwood, Happy Valley, Scouters Mountain, Spring Mountain and Sunnyside.

Curtis Long (09:48): Very good. No problems. And by the way, she's not reading off of any notes here. I know. No, there's no video.

Amber Barnes (09:53): She knows from driving around.

Curtis Long (09:54): Yep. She knows we're being at all of them. And Amber and Rob, where are the 21st Century schools located?

Amber Barnes (09:59): They're located at Rowe and Alder Creek Middle Schools. Okay. And then at Whitcomb Elementary School. And then we also operate a program out of the Oak Grove Center, which is on the new Urban High School campus. And that program serves students from Aredenwald, Lewelling, Riverside, and Oak Grove Elementary schools.

Curtis Long (10:16): Now, I think there's a difference too, between Amber and Rob's program and Natalie, the care programs, I think at the 21st century, you have to attend that school to attend that. Is that correct?

Amber Barnes (10:26): You do, yeah. Those are the federal requirements that you, they attend the school that, um, is covered by the grant title four B

Curtis Long (10:32): Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. But in the care program, you don't necessarily have to attend one of those seven schools you just gave right off the top of your head with no problem.

Natalie Whisler (10:39): No, every elementary school, uh, feeds into one of our seven programs. So if a site doesn't host a care program, we'll provide transportation to a site that does.

Curtis Long (10:48): So let's say I go to, and I'm just thinking off the top of my head, I go to Verne Duncan Elementary School. Those kids are, those families who are interested in care would go to probably the nearest one, which is Scouters Mountain, I would imagine.

Natalie Whisler (10:57): Exactly.

Curtis Long (10:58): And they take a bus from there after school. And there's also before school care, correct?

Natalie Whisler (11:03): We do, we run before school care out of three locations. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> in our district. And again, that's open to everyone and we'd be able to provide transportation from that site to your school in the morning.

Curtis Long (11:14): And in the 21st century programs, those are just those schools that you're a student in those schools. But Rob, I think that lends well to what you were saying and that's why how we get to know those students so well because those are the same kids that are coming after school. You see them in the hallways or in their classrooms, or hopefully not in the office too often unless it's for a positive reason. But I imagine you make pretty good connections with those kids then.

Rob Johnson (11:32): Yeah, my team is, is amazing. And they're really good at keeping those connections going and, uh, have great relationship with those admin staff who are wonderful and those teachers that are there. And there's a pair of educators that are there. So great communication at all sites. So it's, it's a wonderful place to be.

Curtis Long (11:47): Now let's talk about some of the things that are going on in these programs. And you heard Lindsay talk about as she gave a a, a pretty good summary of what's going on, but I think some people perceive this as maybe just as afterschool babysitting and it's much more than that. It's very structured and you guys put a lot of thought into what goes on in these afterschool programs. Let's talk a little bit about that at either level, either at the cares level or at the 21st century level.

Amber Barnes (12:08): Yeah, I think at for 21st Century, one of the main pieces is we do have an academic component. And so some of our North Clackamas School District teachers actually stay after school with us in the 21st century program and either provide specifically their subject matter tutoring or general support and academic support for our students who stay after school. And then they also provide some specific programming based on whatever subject they teach or a specific personal interest they have. So it's a really fun time for our students, especially at the middle school level, to be able to see their teachers in a little bit different light. Sure. Um, so it may be, you know, your, your science teacher during the school day and then after school they're leading your skateboarding club with an engineering focus. And so it's a really fun time for students to get and for teachers to be able to get to connect on a personal level based around interests.

Curtis Long (12:53): Yeah, I'm sure, uh, you probably don't see your science teacher on a skateboard too often. I can just imagine how that would be. Natalie, for you, a lot of thought goes into the structure of what happens in a, at the elementary level, at an afterschool program.

Natalie Whisler (13:05): Yeah. And you heard Lindsay talk about those eight week long enrichment classes. So every day after school and care a student has, you know, at least that hour of, uh, enrichment instruction. And we really do a ton of hands-on science, a lot of project-based learning students designed taco trucks. Students do a lot of bridge building and catapult designing and they're having a blast. They're doing things that are hands-on, but they really get to implement a lot of their learning from the school day. They're practicing those math skills, they're testing out a design, they're making predictions, they're planning their work in advance. And so it really gives kids an opportunity to extend their learning from the day in a way, um, that doesn't feel like a big push. They're excited to do it, it's fun.

Curtis Long (13:49): Now I wanna find out more about the taco truck that designs it.

Amber Barnes (13:52): You wanna taste test maybe <laugh>

Curtis Long (13:54): <laugh> Do they design the truck or what they sell out of the truck or a little bit of both? It sure sounds like they're having a lot of fun there. Now we heard Lindsay briefly mention it a few minutes ago. Sounds like you're always looking for more staff members for both before school and after school care programs. And I don't know what the 21st century, you're looking for those as well, but let's talk a little bit about that. Maybe there are some parents or guardians listening right now and think, say, you know what, that might be a good option for me. I could absolutely, I could do that.

Natalie Whisler (14:17): Our CARE program has pretty lengthy wait lists right now at most of our locations and are really our, our number one limiting factor to providing services is being able to staff all of those programs. I would love to be able to offer a spot in afterschool care to every single NCSD student that's interested, but filling those part-time positions is a challenge. These are three and four hour a day positions during the afterschool hours. So some folks that can be a great fit for those positions might be paraeducators. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> that work at schools during the day and want additional hours after school. Or perhaps someone that's going into the field of education and taking college classes in the morning and wants a chance to get some hands-on work, leading classroom activities with students after school. And sometimes we have parents that are coming back into the workforce. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> maybe they spent a lot of their children's elementary school years volunteering in the school and now their kids are in middle school and they miss that elementary school environment. That can be a good fit too.

Curtis Long (15:16): And Amber and Rob, how about for you guys? Are you looking for more staff members and, I don't know, middle school...I think some people get a little nervous when they hear that, but I love the middle schoolers. They, they're a great time.

Amber Barnes (15:26): They're great. Uh, yeah, we also have faced some staffing issues, um, with being able to, to really fill our market capacity. I think at the middle school level, we've done, we've done pretty good because of our, our teachers and our other community based partners we're able to come in and offer kind of once a week classes. Like we have partnerships with Chapel theater and a company called three o'clock Rock out of Oakland. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, uh, that provides instructors for after school kind of theater and arts programming. And so they're able to come in and just kind of run their specific niche program for us, which has been great at the middle school level, but at the elementary school level, we're still yeah. Looking for those four hour positions, both for folks on, on the NCSD side of things to come in and support our students and boys and girls club staff, um, looking for to have staff for their organization as well.

Curtis Long (16:10): Yeah. Rob, same question for you with the Boys and Girls Club. Uh, looking for more staff members or people that can uh, be a part of that?

Rob Johnson (16:16): Yeah, I'll echo with exactly what Amber said. It's been amazing to have those teachers partner with us and to show their different side to those students that, you know, those interest piece. So, uh, to them and for us, yes, we're definitely looking for those part-time positions to come in and, and fill that void that we could open up some more, some more spaces for more kids,

Curtis Long (16:34): For our family members who are listening. Then if someone's looking to join a care team or an afterschool program team, what, what's their next steps they posted on our website? Where can they find out more information?

Natalie Whisler (16:43): All of the CARE positions are posted on the NCSD website, but I can guarantee that if you're in the vicinity of a care staff member and you mention that you're looking for work, you'll, you'll get a phone call and a text and an email within the next 30 seconds.

Amber Barnes (16:55): A fruit basket...

Curtis Long (16:56): And same for Amber and Rob, same thing.

Amber Barnes (16:59): Yeah. Any positions that we have open go on our NCSD website for ours. And then Boys and Girls Club has their own own website for their employment. Oh. And they're posted on the Boys and Girls Club website as well.

Curtis Long (17:06): Well unfortunately, you know, and you mentioned it earlier, Natalie slots in our districts after school program aren't easy to come by. What if families are thinking about enrolling either for the last couple of months of this school year or thinking ahead to next year, what should they be thinking about now for the school year?

Natalie Whisler (17:21): For the care program, we run a lottery system. So that lottery window is open now. Um, parents can put in that request to be considered in the lottery. And in June we'll look at our available spots for next year and enroll using that lottery and also create our wait list using that lottery system. So I always encourage families to go ahead and enter that to get on the wait list. I know it can feel really daunting to be on a big wait list, but please, you know, go ahead and and submit the form and hopefully we'll have a spot for you.

Curtis Long (17:52): But you said it's a lottery, right? So it's not necessarily how quickly you can sign up if you're on a wait list, it's a lottery. So based on where you're drawn, people who are listening right now, they can still sign up to get on that wait list and they would have just the same chance that anyone else would in that lottery coming up.

Natalie Whisler (18:06): Absolutely. And we'll be at a lot of the kindergarten events in May letting families know about their options.

Curtis Long (18:13): How about for you Amber and Rob? Are slots filled in your programs as well?

Amber Barnes (18:17): Uh, for our elementary school programs, they're full for the school year. We don't anticipate being able to add anyone else this school year for our school year programs, both at the elementary school and the middle school. Uh, we actually work directly with the school to prioritize students based on a variety of factors. So maybe it's that they missed a lot of school last year mm-hmm. <affirmative> for some reason or they need to be reengaged or maybe they recently moved into our school district from somewhere else and having a little bit of a hard time, you know, making those connections with their community. So we open our enrollment a little bit into the school year, like right around the first part of school and it's again, not a first come first serve. And then once families express their interest in participating in the program, we then work with the school admin teams and counseling teams to prioritize students based on a variety of, of social emotional needs. And then we enroll from there.

Curtis Long (19:06): And Rob, I imagine for your staff it's pretty nice to have students then that maybe need that little extra mentorship and your staff can connect with them and and keep in close contact with them throughout the school day and after school.

Rob Johnson (19:17): Definitely. It's definitely a great advantage for us to be in there and be in space and be able to see them again and be more eyes for the school, you know, hey, get the class, you know,

Curtis Long (19:27): Hey, I know you

Rob Johnson (19:29): In the club. You know, so those little things that, that really add up and show kids that you care. And for our middle school sites at Rowe and Alder Creek, you're more, more than welcome to sign up now and be a part of of club.

Curtis Long (19:39): I can just imagine the middle school student out in the hallway think, oh shoot, there's my after school guy. Mm-hmm <affirmative>, they see me. I better get the class. A big concern for all of us these days is school safety. What types of safety measures are put in place, especially when the school office staff maybe is gone later in the day? How do we ensure a safe transfer of a student to a caregiver when students are all packed up?

Natalie Whisler (19:59): Absolutely. After school, we follow the same emergency procedures as we do in the school day. So we use the standard response protocol, we run drills just like they do during the school day and we're able to take care of students' needs just like we do in the school day. We could administer medication, we can support students with disabilities, with accommodations. We have a lot of plans in place to be able to continue a similar experience for our students.

Curtis Long (20:25): And same at the middle school level as well?

Amber Barnes (20:27): Yeah we operate on a really secure campus environment after school. So our boys and girls club staff who are the site coordinators there, make sure that the, this campus is secured once the school staff leave for the day. And then parents have to call and let a staff member know they're there to pick up or if they need a student for any reason. And um, they monitor, you know, our, our campuses after school, how while students are there making sure that they're safe. And like Natalie said, we follow all the same procedures every day and our, we provide transportation home with our North Clmi school district bus drivers so we can make sure that students all have a safe ride home in the evenings or verify that they get picked up by an authorized adult.

Curtis Long (21:04): Hey, don't hop on the bus for home just yet. We've got more to learn about our district's afterschool care programs, whether they're in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club for middle school or for our elementary kids who can't seem to sit still after school.

Elementary Student (21:17): I just think that cares is like a fun place to like have before you go to your house because it's really fun to get all your energy out

Curtis Long (21:25): Still ahead. We focus energy on upcoming summer programs offered at both middle and elementary schools. And when they look at all those smiling students after school in our district, what do our three guests feel most proud of?

Natalie Whisler (21:37): I know that we have a lot of staff members in care, you know, that go to bed every night worrying about kids that are always thinking through, you know, what else they can do for their group. They're already eight weeks ahead to that next enrichment class. What will these kids enjoy? What will get them thinking? How can I encourage friendships? How can I learn a little bit more about my group? And I really appreciate that. We have some wonderful folks.

Curtis Long (21:58): And a wonderful second half of this after school edition of the Proud To Be NCSD podcast is up next...right after this.

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Curtis Long (23:01): Okay. So that might be a little bit different. So our 21st century kids can get bus transportation home and it sounds like our care kids, they have a family member come pick them up. Yes. No, I did not know that.

Amber Barnes (23:11): Yeah middle schoolers need, need a ride in the afternoons, you know, <laugh>, it's right around, it's right around dinnertime. So when they get out at six o'clock. So they need a ride home.

Curtis Long (23:19): Yeah. So they could get picked up if a family member's able to get, but if they go all the way to six then a bus is taking them home.

Amber Barnes (23:24): Absolutely. Mm-hmm.

Curtis Long (23:25): <affirmative>. Oh that's fantastic. So do you have quite a few kids who stay the duration all the way up until six o'clock?

Amber Barnes (23:30): Uh, yes. Every day we have busloads of students leaving our schools at six o'clock full of bellies and ready to go home and eat again. <laugh>, hopefully a little bit middle school is exhausted. Hopefully. Yeah. <laugh> the excitement of the day.

Curtis Long (23:41): And that sounded like what Lindsay was alluding to too at the, the beginning that they tire those kids out, they're pretty pooped by the time they're done with their afterschool activities. For sure.

Amber Barnes (23:50): You'd think they would, they would be tired at the end of a school day. Yeah. But they somehow find a second wave right after the bell rings.

Natalie Whisler (23:56): Yeah, I think I can speak to that one. I have a fourth grader that attends Care at Ardenwald and I have a sixth grader that attends the Boys and Girls Club 21st Century program at Rowe. So we have two kids in our house that attend after school every day and come home pretty pooped <laugh>.

Curtis Long (24:13): Well I bet mom enjoys that. That's nice for mom. Well it's hard to believe that we're already in the second half of April. I'm sure many families are thinking ahead to summer now. What does care or our other afterschool programs, what do they have available in the summertime or is there anything available in the summertime?

Amber Barnes (24:28): There's lots available during the summertime. Hopefully there'll be a lot more <laugh> once the Oregon legislature lets us know how funding

Curtis Long (24:35): <laugh> That's based on funding. Sure.

Amber Barnes (24:36): Right. But yeah, we do have programs. So 21st Century will be operating some programs this summer. We're still figuring out what those will shape out to be cuz we usually braid funds with our summer learning grant money. But we will be offering a middle school enrichment for Alder Creek and Rowe students at Rowe Middle School and we'll be offering the Oak Grove Boys and Girls Club program for our elementary school students out of the Oak Grove Center for sure. And then we may have some other things as well depending on, on what funds get allocated.

Curtis Long (25:00): And I think what families need to understand and we talked about a little bit earlier because the 21st century program is for students in those particular schools. So sometimes here in the communication department we post things about we all the cool stuff that's going on. I know. And we get some families as, hey I never got to sign up for that. We never signed up for that. Well you have to attend those schools. That's how the federal funding works.

Amber Barnes (25:18): Yeah, I wish we could do it at every school. It would be great. Just like Natalie said, we wish we could have 'em everywhere.

Curtis Long (25:23): And the boys and Girls clubs are active during the summer as well, Rob?

Rob Johnson (25:26): Yes we are. We are not clear on what we're gonna be doing yet, but we are excited to to get kids in those spaces.

Amber Barnes (25:31): And the Boys and Girls Clubs have clubhouses all over the metro area. There's one that's pretty close in the Lents neighborhood as well. Families are looking for additional and have transportation outside of our, our district area

Curtis Long (25:42): Now, if I remember correctly. And we've posted things out of our department before. There's quite a few field trips that go on in the summertime. Mm-hmm <affirmative> some fun things going on in the summertime. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, uh, um, for both divisions, right? Mm-hmm.

Natalie Whisler (25:51): <affirmative> CARE will offer an eight week long summer program out of three buildings. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And so our program will be open all day from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Curtis Long (26:00): During the summertime. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, as we start to wrap things up, I know I had a blast when I visited the Oak Grove Elementary Care site last week. When you look at the seven elementary sites, Natalie and Amber and Rob, when you look at what's happening in our middle schools and some of your elementary schools, what are you most proud of of what's going on in our afterschool programs?

Amber Barnes (26:18): Gosh, trying to pick one thing would be <laugh> would be hard.

Curtis Long (26:20): You don't have to pick one.

Amber Barnes (26:21): I think for me it's the student leadership that I've seen develop over the past couple of years. We have some clubs and events and activities that are happening that are totally youth led. It was their idea. The staff in the afterschool program were able to say, yes, let's run with that. When, when students pitch them for an idea sometimes and they, uh, there's been some kiddos that have really stepped up and are leading their peers and being an instructor, I mean, there's an adult there to supervise and help them out and help them kind of problem solve when they get into to, it's like, oh, I'm not sure what to do here, how to move this along. But they've really made it their own. And I think that for me is, is what I would be most proud of. Cuz that to me is the, the spirit of what afterschool can be, which is students being in charge of their own, uh, learning and their own interest.

Natalie Whisler (27:04): I'm really proud of the community building that I see after school. I know kids lost a lot of those social connections during the pandemic. So to have another space that they can be and practice those social skills and learn and be active and be supported in community build friendships, build adult mentors and learn how to interact with each other, uh, in a positive way. That's something that we maybe lost a little bit <laugh> and we've had to really build back towards. And it's exciting to see that extend into after school.

Rob Johnson (27:35): I'll agree with, with both those two amazing takes on that. And I have to agree that the community building as well for me, that I've seen just kind of outreach to families and bringing everyone back in. So kind of know more isolation, more of the family and bringing back together, uh, at our clubs. And so it's been great to bring families in for family nights and kids develop in themselves and become stronger and more folk in their leadership. And then be able to show those parents in those spaces just kind of like, Hey, here's your kid and this is what they're doing, uh, in these spaces. So it's been really, really awesome.

Curtis Long (28:05): Now next week is National After School Professionals Appreciation Week. What can you say about the wonderful group of afterschool professionals that we have here in NCSD?

Amber Barnes (28:14): Gosh, uh, they're an amazing bunch. They really are. They're so dedicated and you know, after school is a is a special time, it's a different time. Kids can be different after school than they are during the school day <laugh>. Um, which surprises some people including themselves I think sometimes. And so I think it's really, uh, we have just, uh, a really fantastic bunch of folks who are able to see and get to know. Like Lindsay said, she knows every student. Uh, she knows what they're interested in. All of those things. Just like teachers get to know their students during the school day and get to know their learning needs and, and what they're great at. Um, our afterschool staff really get to know our students' interests and maybe what they're working on socially or personally or with their families. And so I just really admire their ability to show up for those students every day with the energy and match their energy

Curtis Long (29:01): <laugh>. So Amber, are you saying that the maybe the quiet introverted students throughout the school day is not the same student after

Amber Barnes (29:07): Student running lap around the gym with like a balloon hat on like Yes. It's great <laugh>. It's so fun.

Natalie Whisler (29:13): We have some amazing staff members and their dedication and the connections that they make with kids. I know that we have a lot of staff members in care, you know, that go to bed every night worrying about kids that are always thinking through, you know, what else they can do for their group. They're already eight weeks ahead to that next enrichment class. What will these kids enjoy? What will get them thinking? How can I encourage friendships? How can I learn a little bit more about my group? And I really appreciate that we, we have some wonderful folks.

Curtis Long (29:42): And you guys really have connections with the school. I know when I was an elementary school principal, it was really fun to be able to show off, "Hey, you did this great thing today in school. Let's make sure we show after school today." And to see the excitement on the assistance faces or the site coordinator's faces, there really is a connection. I think that's the goal of it right? Is to have a connection between school and after school. And I know Rob for sure with you guys, that's a big part of it.

Rob Johnson (30:04): Definitely. Definitely. And you know, we just feel like we're an extension of the great work that teachers and admin staff are doing and always front desk and always

Amber Barnes (30:11): Mention

Rob Johnson (30:12): <laugh> Smart right there, uh, that are continuing to do throughout the day. So we're just an extension of that. And obviously like Amber pointed out, the behaviors change. <laugh> kids come outta their shell.

Curtis Long (30:21): That cracks me up.

Rob Johnson (30:22): Which is awesome. Right? Yeah. Um, because it's funny cuz you're at the school staff see them during school and they're like,

Curtis Long (30:27): Hmm, <laugh>,

Rob Johnson (30:28): You're a little, that's

Curtis Long (30:29): Not what you act like. That's not

Rob Johnson (30:30): What, you know, you're a little more louder

Amber Barnes (30:32): Than that

Natalie Whisler (30:33): <laugh>.

Rob Johnson (30:33): It's great to see that switch and that's, that comes with that growth. But as far as our staff, we are happy and and privileged to be that continuation of that support for those kids after school.

Amber Barnes (30:43): And after school is for some kids, the reason they come to school for sure. Which is something I think that we've worked really hard at to make sure that students are engaged in school. However we can get them engaged in school and sometimes that might mean an afterschool activity that they look forward to or an afterschool staff that they is their person on campus that day. Cuz the care staff, the 21st Century staff, the Boys and Girls Club, they're on campus during the day, a lot of them. And so they're another safe space where kids can go when things aren't going quite right during the school day and say, I'm gonna go sit with Ms. Lindsay for a little while. And I think that is one of the most invaluable things about our afterschool staff.

Curtis Long (31:15): And Amber, that's a great point because in our district it's all based on connections with kids and making sure that kids feel that they belong. And for some of those kids it may be their bus drivers, their favorite person they get to see Absolutely. Before or after school. For others it could be their after school person. It's not always the classroom teacher. And I think we forget about that. The custodian or the recess attendant or somebody on that staff somewhere on that campus somewhere is really making a difference for that kid. And our job is to try to figure out who that is and for, I think for a lot of kids, and we heard it at the beginning, it's the afterschool person. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> who makes a big difference in those kids' lives. I think we heard that through Lindsay and her group at Oak Grove, but we have that going on at six other elementary schools and all the sites that you're at as well

Amber Barnes (31:53): And they get to know them year to year too. So like your first grade teacher might not, you know, they might see you in the halls. Yeah. Or you know, they might wind up as your fourth grade teacher by chance o luck at some point. But these afterschool folks know folks sometimes from kindergarten all the way through, you know, eighth grade potentially. So it's a, it's a long term relationship

Curtis Long (32:11): <laugh> and you probably ha, I would imagine you've had that some kids that have started in kindergarten and been a part of your program mm-hmm. <affirmative> through the end of eighth grade.

Amber Barnes (32:18): Yep absolutely.

Curtis Long (32:19): That's great. That must be pretty exciting to see some of those kids that started, as kindergartners and, you're still see them now as eighth graders.

Amber Barnes (32:24): Mm-hmm. We haven't aged at all in that time.

Curtis Long (32:26): No, not at all. We look exactly the same.

Natalie Whisler (32:28): Exactly the same <laugh>. We follow up on them too. Oh we do. I find out which of my kids are in Amber's program now and we check in. I got to go and visit a student that was in care for first grade through fifth over at Alder Creek Middle School. And it was so fun to see her flourishing and with her friends and to check in and for me to show up after school and be like, Hey, I'm here now. Like I'm still around. It was a great experience.

Curtis Long (32:52): That's so cool. Okay. As we wrap things up, as families are listening to this right now and they're thinking, you know what, that would be a great opportunity for my student no matter what grade, what should they be doing right about now?

Amber Barnes (33:01): Keeping up with Parent Square for their school. That's how we'll communicate all of our information when we're ready to enroll for summer programs or fall. And it'll all go out through their students homeschool. And so, uh, that communication will come out in back to school information or through a parent square communication. So that's the best way for our programs for 21st Century and Boys and Girls Club to keep up with that.

Curtis Long (33:21): And those will go out through, say Rowe's Parent Square information. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> or Alder Creek's Parents Square.

Amber Barnes (33:26): Absolutely.

Curtis Long (33:26): Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And then for CARE, which is a little more widespread at the elementary level, again, be looking through your emails, uh, other things what are places they could be checking?

Natalie Whisler (33:34): Parent Square is a great place for information. We'll always send out, uh, reminders on Parent Square for summer registration and for school year lottery registration. And in addition on the NCSD CARE website, you'll see a form where you can put your email address and then we'll send you additional updates and reminders anytime we have a major event or registration is coming up.

Curtis Long (33:55): Okay. Everyone, you've heard about all these wonderful opportunities that are available to our students before school and after school, and the great people who lead those. Anything else that we haven't touched on that you'd like to add?

Amber Barnes (34:06): Just thank you to all of our schools and all of our families for trusting us to spend time in this space after school every day. It's fun.

Curtis Long (34:12): Well, this is episode number 25 of the Proud To Be NCSD podcast and most of them have been focused on topics that take place during the school day, whether academic subjects or extracurricular activities, but we rarely focus on what happens outside of the school day. That's what makes this week's podcast so special. The wonderful opportunities for Ncsd kids at seven elementary locations and the other middle school and elementary locations under the 21st Century Act. Under the direction of you, Natalie, Amber, and Rob are truly remarkable. Thank you for leading such a terrific program for our students. Just as the name of the podcast says, each of you truly makes us proud to be NCSD. Thanks so much for joining us today.

Natalie Whisler (34:49): Thanks for having us. Thanks for having us.

Curtis Long (34:52): Thanks for listening to The Proud To Be NCSD podcast. In North Clackamas, we know that education is a community effort and we're so thankful that you and your family are a part of our community. Until next time, remember, there are always great things to see wherever you go in N C S D.