Subject: New Quality Standards, plus new grant opportunity in your November News!

Two Opportunities to Engage with our New Quality Standards for Virginia's OST Programs!

VPOST has two opportunities for your organization to engage with the newly developed Second Edition of the Quality Standards for Virginia’s Out-of-School Time Programs. The new standards address the vital need to define quality for school-aged programs and provide a critical framework to improve program quality, promote inclusivity, and achieve better outcomes for youth.

Virtual Launch, November 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM


First, join VPOST on November 14th at 11:00 AM for the Quality Standards launch. You’ll be introduced to the Quality Standards and chat with other professionals about how they can benefit your programs. VPOST will gather your opinions on what you need for support and you’ll learn about phase two of the project, which includes creating tools for the Quality Standards. REGISTER HERE 

Organizational Adoption


Second, after learning about them, organizations are invited to adopt the Quality Standards formally. By doing so, your organization will receive a comprehensive tool to guide your quality improvement efforts, gain visibility for its commitment to excellence, and join a growing movement that fosters cohesion across Virginia’s OST programs. View the Sign-On Form here. 

Live from the VPOST Conference it's School After Hours!

Check out the podcast, School: After Hours with J. Lee. VPOST recently hosted a panel for LIVE recording at our 15th annual conference. Facilitated by podcast host, Jenice Lee, the panel wrapped up the conference with a vibrant discussion with guests Dr. Virginia Patterson, Executive Director of Mentor VA, and Sharon Burton, Director of Education at Peter Paul Development Center. Listen here.

New Impact Report from VPOST on Building STEM at the Library

VPOST has released an impact report for the STEM at the Library Community of Practice. It highlights the impactful work done by libraries in the Hampton Roads region, with the guidance of VPOST and support by the COVA STEM Ecosystem, to further informal STEM education and leverage the power of libraries as hubs for hands-on, inclusive STEM learning, benefiting K-12 youth, families, and rural communities. Click here to learn how these efforts prepare the next generation for success in STEM careers.

As someone who understands the vital role afterschool and summer programs play in the lives of young people, families, and communities, the Afterschool Alliance wants to hear from you! In as little as 15 minutes, you can help tell the story of the impact of programs.  All those who complete the survey by 11:59 p.m. PT, Monday, November 18, will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win one of 50 gift cards in the amount of $50. Get started here.


The 2025 Class of Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders will honor individuals age 30 or under as of Nov. 1, 2024, who are: 

  • Active in the afterschool community beyond their specific organization or program, including, but not limited to membership in NAA and NAA affiliates

  • Actively engaged in higher-level efforts to elevate the afterschool field and profession 

In addition, nominees should demonstrate: 

  • A proven passion for developing themselves and others, and persistence in growing as a leader 

  • Contributions that have begun to influence entire organizations, communities, and beyond

  • Understanding of the NAA Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies (CKSCs) at the Apply Level, moving toward Amplify in many of the CKSC content areas. 

On-Demand Learning from Childcare Aware


Childcare Aware of Virginia has just released a new learning management system to provide asynchronous online training modules tailored specifically for childcare professionals to access at their convenience. Learn more here.

Application Open for Dangers of Fentanyl Activation Grants

Youth across the Commonwealth do not understand the serious harm that fentanyl poses to their health, and teachers lack the resources to keep them informed. In response to this challenge, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) developed the Dangers of Fentanyl Lesson to educate high school students about the evolving dangers of fentanyl. The evidenced-informed Lesson is free to download and can be used in any high school classroom across the Commonwealth. It is available in both English and Spanish.

 

To encourage the implementation of the Lesson, VFHY is providing up to twenty-five (25) $4,000 Activation Grants. Nonprofits, for-profits, schools, school systems, governmental organizations, and charitable organizations operating in Virginia are eligible to apply. This is a competitive process. The online application is due by Monday, December 2nd (5:00 pm). Learn more here.

November is Native American Heritage Month


Nationally, and in Virginia, November is Native American Heritage Month. Take the opportunity to celebrate the history, culture, and lives of American Indians. Here are some resources to start with:

  • Native American Heritage Collection: From PBS/VPM, this collection includes videos, lesson plans, and various media.

  • Native Land: This interactive map allows you to enter an address to see the relevant indigenous territories in that location. Links to information on the corresponding nation, language, or treaty will appear.

  • Indians in Virginia: This entry in the Encyclopedia Virginia, from the Virginia Humanities, provides a wealth of information on Indigenous communities and peoples of Virginia.

  • National Park Service: As an archaeological site, Werowocomoco was confirmed in 2002, nearly 400 years after the Indian leader paramount chief Powhatan and his people interacted with Jamestown settlers here. This page contains information, including short videos.


Every Hour Counts Membership Now Open


The Every Hour Counts network is expanding! Applications are now open for intermediary organizations committed to advancing equity and improving outcomes for young people furthest from opportunity. Every Hour Counts provides members with access to valuable resources, collaborative opportunities with visionary leaders, and a platform to influence national policies. Don’t miss this chance to join a national movement that we are proud to be a part of, making a difference across the country. 


Learn more and apply by November 22: everyhourcounts.org/joinournetwork



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