| Save the Date for Our 12th Annual Conference Are We There Yet?!: Cultivating Joy on the Long and Winding Road
Originally, VPOST intended for our 2021 conference to be held in person. However, 2021 had different plans and we quickly shifted to a virtual conference. It only seems fitting that this year’s conference theme authentically speaks to the enduring journey we are all on. “Are We There Yet?!: Cultivating Joy on the Long and Winding Road”, is a humorous and honest nod to the collective fatigue from constant adaptation. Nevertheless, when you are in a place where the future seems unpredictable, the need to remain in the present moment, and find joy in every day becomes paramount in staying resilient while serving children and families.
We're looking for high-quality workshop presenters for our annual conference! Join us cultivating joy for the out-of-school time community in Virginia. VPOST is looking for those that have expert insights, proven strategies, inspiration, and innovations in the field to meet this moment! Workshop Strands ● Activities and Environments for the Whole Child ● Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ● Social-Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Care ● Relationships, Connection and Self-Care Strategies ● Policy, Advocacy, and Pandemic Relief Funding Full details are in the Request for Proposal, including when and where to submit your application. Sponsorship and Exhibition opportunities will be coming soon. Questions can be directed at Christine Jones Monaccio, Professional Development and Quality Coordinator at Christine.jones-monaccio@v-post.org. Proposals are due by COB, this Friday, September 17, 2021.
Mark your calendars for November 9th and 10th and plan to join us in cultivating joy in the here and now! | | | ICYMI: VPOST Facilitates a Summer Learning Program visit with Senator Bernie Sanders! | Last month, VPOST was honored to facilitate a summer learning program site visit with Senator Bernie Sanders (VT). As a result of his efforts to increase funding for afterschool and summer learning programs via the American Rescue Plan, Senator Sanders visited the Reston YMCA, about 30 minutes outside of Washington DC. Here, he toured the summer learning program, where Senator Sanders heard directly from the YMCA staff, including Executive Director David Rodriguez, and staff and participants from Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Teen Center, on the support kids and families received throughout the pandemic from afterschool and summer learning programs, just like the one at the Y, across the Commonwealth. | VPOST Continues to be a Voice for Afterschool in Virginia
VPOST Executive Director, Blaire Denson recently met with staff for gubernatorial candidate, Terry McAuliffe, Delegate Carr (Richmond), and will be meeting soon with Virginia Senator Jennifer McClellan. VPOST plans to meet with all candidates to elevate the important work we are involved in. In these meetings, we have shared the critical role of afterschool programs in keeping kids safe during out-of-school time hours, all while providing unique learning opportunities and positive relationships.
Additionally, Blaire Denson and VPOST Leadership Advisory Committee Chair, Dr. Mark Emery of the Fairfax County Public Schools, Middle School Afterschool Program, co-authored an opinion piece advocating for funding in the Northern Virginia Sun-Gazette. Read here. | | | VPOST is proud to be joining the Afterschool Alliance and thousands of out-of-school time programs in the largest nationwide showcase of afterschool programs during the 22nd annual Lights On Afterschool celebration on October 28th!
Register your Lights On event by September 16, and you'll be entered to win a box of flavored syrups from long-time afterschool supporter Torani. Use the collection to flavor sodas or coffee, hold a virtual soda party, or reward hard-working staff with a bottle to take home! Every program registered will receive 10 free Lights On Afterschool posters.
Check out the Lights On Afterschool homepage for event ideas & toolkits to help make this year the brightest Lights On celebration in Virginia yet! | | | As you may be aware, on August 12, 2021, Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Oliver issued a Public Health Order requiring all students, teachers, staff, and visitors in K-12 schools, aged two years and older, to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. All Virginia public and private K-12 schools (including PreK classrooms) must implement a requirement that students, teachers, and staff wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
The Virginia Department of Health, in partnership with Virginia Department of Education, has developed the Virginia School Screening Testing for Assurance (ViSSTA) program to provide free testing to K-12 schools, public and private, in the Commonwealth in an effort to ensure the learning environment is as safe as possible for students, teachers and staff. Pilot programs are in place now, with an anticipated program role out in October.
How You Can Help Your Community
Afterschool programs have long been trusted sources in the community and staff often have deep connection with the families they serve. You can help in the fight against COVID-19, and it's impact, in your community.
Encourage a "Healthy Back to School" with these posters and graphics on hand washing techniques, social distancing reminders, proper mask-wearing guidance, and more. The pandemic has affected more than health and many families are struggling. At Bridges2ResourcesVA you can access a database of free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training across the commonwealth. Know and share signs on mental health support for children during the pandemic. Read this article, which outlines pandemic-related stress and mental health issues. Also, this is a great handout for parents.
As always these resources will be listed on VPOST Pandemic response page.
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