StayConnected

July 20, 2023 – BSB Outdoor and Environmental Ed.
Come learn about Outdoor and Environmental Ed. opportunities through BSB such as our BioBlitz, Environmental Scavenger Hunt, and more!
Environmental Education Curriculum

Dakota Staggs, Assistant VP, Beyond School Bells

June 15, 2023 – Are you prepared? Ready to respond to a Threat, Hazard, or Incident in your Afterschool Program?
This presentation will be an interactive brief session on tools you should use to keep your staff, students, and parents safe in an emergency. This session with be an introduction to school safety which includes your program. Using the Standard Response Protocol bring common language and common signage to help protect you AND everyone else.

Scott Stemper, Department of Education – Emergency Operations Planning Specialist

June 1, 2023 – Splash into Summer Fun with Project WET and Project Learning Tree, Learn about Bloom Box @School

PLT Bloom Box
Growing Gardeners with Bloom Box
Gear up for fun in the summer sun with Project Learning Tree and Project WET programming. During this webinar we will learn about professional learning, educator trunks, field trips, and more all available to you and your students from your Nebraska Forest Service and our statewide network of partners.

One program we will highlight is the upcoming semester of Bloom Box @School. This unique partnership with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, funded by the Extended Learning Opportunity Grant, provides a 100 sq ft pollinator garden and/or 1- 10 trees for planting at your school: free of monetary cost to your program.

Now more than ever students need connections to the outdoors and natural world through quality environmental education experiences. Project Learning Tree and Project WET (Water Education Today) which are award-winning, internationally-utilized, environmental education curricula that align to the state and national standards. Give your students experiences they will never forget with PLT and WET!

▪ Jack Hilgert, Conservation Education Coordinator, Nebraska Forest Service
▪ Sarah Buckley, Sustainable Landscapes Coordinator, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum

VIEW OUR WORKSHOP CALENDAR AND SIGN UP FOR AN UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP!

• Bloom Box @School 

• •  Through our Bloom Box @school program, funded by the Extended Learning Opportunity Grant, we can provide a 100 sq ft pollinator garden and/or 1- 10 trees for planting at your school: free of monetary cost to your program. This is a great opportunity to enrich the fall semester as leaves change colors and autumn takes hold of Nebraska. Your commitment to this program will be to have 1-2 staff members trained in Project Learning Tree curriculum (6 hours), attend a Garden Training webinar (1 hour), and guide your students through 6 habitat related activities (15 student contact hours). Each eligible school can plant a garden and/or trees although we recommend spreading the plantings over multiple seasons. Schools can receive 1-10 trees, as is appropriate for the space on your campus.  To be part of the Bloom Box @school program, we will need to receive a Commitment to Plant from you by July 31^st. We are also happy to take commitments for future planting seasons through spring 2024 at any time.
  • Application Form.
• Affiliate Education Centers: Tree Trunks
  • Nebraska PLT has developed regional partnerships with organizations across the tree-planter’s state. Each center houses “Tree Trunks” that can be checked out by educators and the public which include PLT curriculum and additional materials.
• Forest Field Trips
  • Bring your students to the forest to explore, play, and learn during a field trip! These experiences are perfect for daycares, summer camps, and school/youth groups. Expose your students to a real forest before or after using PLT in the classroom.
• Bring the Forest to Your Classroom
  • Can’t take your students on a field trip? Bring the forest to your school with an Outreach Program from Nebraska PLT! We can visit schools both in person and virtually via zoom technology. Click the link for a menu of offerings.
• Apply PLT Activities through Nebraska 4H
  • Nebraska PLT works closely with Nebraska 4H to support forestry education including contests at the County and State Fairs. Students can apply knowledge gained through PLT activities to the 4H Fair Exhibits and Tree ID Contests while earning awards.
• Register for Our eNewsletter
  • Learn what Nebraska PLT has to offer each month via email! Upcoming workshops, activity ideas, grant announcements, and other environmental education opportunities are featured to enrich you and your students’ educational journey to appreciate trees.
• Past eNewsletter Issues
  • Miss out on an eNewsletter? Just register but want to know what is happening right now? Explore past issues of our PLT eNewsletter as well as other Nebraska Forest Service announcements here.

May 18, 2023 – Discover and Design

Discover and Design is a newly developed website that provides age-appropriate, engaging activities for young children birth-8. New lessons are added quarterly. Discover and Design is a part of the Fit and Healthy Kids multi-state program.
StayConnected Discover and Design.pptx
2022 Discover & Design flyer

Jackie Steffen, Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Early Childhood Extension Educator, jsteffen2@unl.edu

May 4, 2023 – College and Career Readiness Toolkit

Beyond School Bells will debut our new suite of Career & College Readiness (CCR) resources for afterschool programs in Nebraska. We will share the BSB College and Career Readiness Toolkit for afterschool educators – which provides comprehensive approach for CCR programs in afterschool, as well as information on the specific opportunities youth have for future readiness in Nebraska. Learn how you and your staff can be prepared with tools and information to excel at the CCR programs you provide to youth.

Jennifer Jones, Beyond School Bells, Senior Project Director, jjones@nebraskachildren.org

Beyond School Bells College and Career Readiness Toolkit
https://bsbtoolkit.org/college-and-career-readiness-toolkit.html

Beyond School Bells “So you want to be a…” College Career Ready Curriculum
https://beyondschoolbells.org/curriculum/college-and-career-readiness.html

Maryland Out of School Time College Career Ready Initiative
https://www.mostnetwork.org/initiatives/ccr/

April 20, 2023 – Beginning a Board Game Club

In a world saturated with technology, board games can provide mental and social stimulation in an engaging package. Join us to learn about key steps and take-aways to starting a board game club, including suggested games to begin with for different age and ability levels.

Brian Welch, NDE – Afterschool, Family, and Community Engagement Specialist, brian.welch@nebraska.gov

Tips for Running a Board Game Club

Board Game Library Starter Suggestions

Expanding Your Board Library

April 6, 2023 – 2023 4-H Reading Connections Resources: All Together Now

In our world today, emotional intelligence is vital to building relationships in early childhood throughout adulthood. This year’s 4-H Reading Connections program focuses on topics such as friendship, unity, and diversity to help children begin to build the skills needed each and every day with each and every interaction. Join this webinar to learn engaging ways to incorporate reading and extended learning opportunities into your summer program.
4-H Reading Connections (pptx)
4-H Reading Connections (PDF)

Jackie Steffen, Nebraska Early Childhood Extension Educator, jsteffen2@unl.edu
Jennifer Hansen, 4-H Youth Development Educator

RESOURCES

March 16, 2023 – 10 Minutes to Better Behavior

This session walks through a series of “grab-and-go” behavior management videos created specifically for staff caring for school-age children in out-of-school programs. All sessions are 10 minutes or less, introduce and describe a specific strategy to help with classroom management, and end with instructions for practice and next steps. Videos can be used when onboarding new staff, as well as for ongoing professional development throughout the year.
Resources

Carrie Gottschalk, NE Extension Engagement Zone Coordinator

March 2, 2023 – Youth Engagement Through Sport & Esports

Future Kids is Nebraska’s largest afterschool sports program. The workshop shall describe how Future Kids uses sport as a vehicle to get kids active and engaged statewide!

Graeme Eaglesham, Future Kids CEO

February 16, 2023 – ELO Innovation Invitational – an Overview

Registration and other informationIn this session we will be discussing the upcoming ELO Innovation Invitational, a no-cost conference BSB is hosting in partnership with NDE and NE Extension at UNL’s Innovation Campus conference center on March 7 – 9th. The conference will provide afterschool and summer program providers and advocates with opportunities to network with peers as you explore emerging trends in ELO programs, such as the value of play, girls in STEM, environmental education, entrepreneurship, career exploration, mentorship and programming meeting the unique developmental needs of boys. We will share research about what Nebraska youth want in afterschool programs as we explore strategies to provide more youth with opportunities for exciting, hands-on, engaged learning that characterize Nebraska’s school-based and community-powered afterschool and summer programs. Participants will also learn how afterschool staff can help cultivate purpose and hope to meet important youth needs and elevate afterschool and summer programs as an essential component of every Nebraska community’s learning environment.

Jeff Cole, Network Lead, Beyond School Bells

February 2, 2023 – Grants for arts field trips and visiting artists

Learn about arts opportunities and grants that are available to schools and after-school provider organizations. The Nebraska Arts Council has a number of programs that you may take advantage of!

Anne Alston, NE Arts Council Program Specialist
Joshua Brown, NE Arts Council Program Coordinator

January 19, 2023 – Walk to Unlock Nebraska – Spring Pilot (or Eastern Spring Pilot)

Presentation
Flyer

Students are loving Walk to Unlock Nebraska, don’t miss out!!

Walk to Unlock Nebraska invites students to combine exercise and learning through a fun, competitive virtual platform that rewards physical activity with fascinating historical, geographical, and agriculture information about our state.
The program provides checkpoints along routes across the state for youth (and their teachers) to virtually visit while tracking physical activity time, steps and/or miles. Walk to Unlock Nebraska was created with the idea of combining academic enrichment and physical activity:
1. This learning experience is targeted for students in kindergarten through eighth grade
2. Multiple lesson topics include science, social studies, math, language arts, nutrition and more
3. Virtual field trips, videos, experiments, & more!
4. Customizable: Teacher determines the structure of program & physical activity

Erika Wibbels, NDE – Healthy Schools Specialist

January 5, 2023 – After School Nutrition Celebrations and Summer 2023!

Feeding students through after school snacks and suppers is a big job! The Nebraska SNAC and NDE invite you to celebrate the hard work of nutrition staff with a unique event during the week of February 6-10, 2023. Come to the webinar to access a fun idea toolkit, learn more about the statewide effort, and figure out a plan.

We will also give an overview of the CACFP afterschool snacks and suppers program, a refresher on summer meals opportunities for 2023, and exciting developments in Nebraska Farm to School.

• Eric Savaiano, Nebraska Student Nutrition Action Committee (SNAC) Facilitator / Nebraska Appleseed Program Manager for Food and Nutrition Access
• Kayte Partch, NDE Nutrition Services Director

December 15, 2022 – Advancing Health Equity in Out-of-School Time

Out-of-school time (OST) programs play a critical role in the system of support established to ensure that all youth have a place where they feel safe, are surrounded by supportive mentors, have access to nutritious foods, and can be active. During this Stay Connected webinar event, you’ll learn about existing OST resources that can support you with your efforts to provide comprehensive OST programming to meet the social emotional needs of youth as well as improve their health and wellbeing.

Kate Goddard, Education Development Center, Inc., kgoddard@edc.org

December 1, 2022 – Mysteries, Munchies, and Messes with Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom

Join Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom to explore mysteries, munchies, and messes. Participants will receive FREE hands-on educator guides to bring interactive and fun resources into their afterschool and summer programs!
Mysteries, Munchies, & Messes – PowerPoint

Brooke Tempel, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, Education Specialist, brooket@nefb.org

November 17, 2022 – Beyond School Bells Incentivized Club Grants

Beyond School Bells Incentivized Club Grants
In this session, Beyond School Bells will provide an overview of a variety of hands-on, engaging, and innovative club package grants on offer for Nebraska afterschool programs.

• Environmental – Conservation Action Program (E-CAP) PDF  PowerPoint
• PowerPoint – Beyond School Bells Mini-Grant and Incentivized Club Offerings
  January 20 – due date for spring family engagement grants

Alison O’Toole, Nebraska Children – Beyond School Bells, Program Director
Dakota Staggs, Nebraska Children – Beyond School Bells, Program Coordinator

Beyond School Bells Incentivized Clubs
Beyond School Bells is incentivizing Nebraska afterschool programs to use the free, high-quality afterschool curriculum by providing funding for club facilitators, supplies, and evaluation. If you are interested, please email Dakota Staggs at dstaggs@nebraskachildren.org

STEM Family Engagement Grants
Beyond School Bell’s family engagement mini-grants are built around a STEM-based family engagement planning tool and workbook that wrap evidence-based best practices around STEM programming and outreach.

Youth Videography
Does your program have any aspiring YouTubers, TikTok Wizards, or video Geeks? Partner with Beyond School Bells and The Bay/Rabble Mill to provide them with a Youth Videography Club to unleash student voices to tell the story of your afterschool program!

November 3, 2022 – STEM programming for your afterschool program

Computational thinking builds problem-solving strategies to help youth prepare for their future. Computational thinking can be a game changer for young people when they learn problem solving skills with computers. Dr. Frerichs will share resources you can use right away to bring more computational thinking into your afterschool program.

Dr. Saundra Wever Frerichs, Science Education Specialist with Nebraska 4-H, sfrerichs3@unl.edu,
402-472-2718

October 20, 2022 – School Gardens with Bloom Box
Bloom Box, a program of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, has scholarships available for schools to receive a 100 sq ft native plant garden + Project Learning Tree (PLT) training for 2 staff members at no cost to the school. Sarah will give an overview of what is included in a Bloom Box garden and what is required of participating schools. Jack Hilgert will give an overview of PLT and how the curriculum training works.
What are Project Learning Tree and Project WET?
Growing Gardeners with Bloom Box

• Sarah Buckley, Nebraska Forest Service & Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Sustainable Landscape Specialist for the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, sarah.buckly@unl.edu
• Jack Hilgert, Nebraska Forest Service, Conservation Education Coordinator for the Nebraska Forest Service, jack.hilgert@unl.edu

October 6, 2022 – Marathon Kids-The Perfect Fit for Youth Activity and Family Engagement

Nebraska Extension Marathon Kids is an evidenced-based physical activity program that encourages youth to get and stay active by introducing them to the joys of running. Nebraska Extension has taken a unique approach to program implementation by providing community coach training sessions that empowers motivated adults to begin their own programs. We guide each coach step-by-step in creating, promoting, and recruiting for their run clubs. Coaches can come from inside or outside the school, but no matter their day job, we will provide all of the technical support needed to “run” a fantastic club.

Beth Nacke, Nebraska Extension, Registered Dietitian, Extension Educator, bnacke2@unl.edu
Mariah Newmyer, Nebraska Extension, Extension Educator

September 1, 2022 – Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Overview

You for Youth (Y4Y) is the online professional learning and technical assistance portal for 21st CCLC programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Join this session to learn how to utilize Y4Y resources for program planning, implementation and assessment as well as staff training and development.

David McConnell, Center for Afterschool and Expanded Learning, dmcconnell@foundationsinc.org

August 18, 2022 – Why are the Lights On After School?

Join us Thursday, August 18, 2022 at noon to find out why the lights are on after school! This engaging session will highlight the many resources found at the After School Alliance’s website: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm . These resources can help you plan and execute a successful fall celebration. Beyond School Bells’ Sandy Day will facilitate the discussion between two after school directors – Deb Sawyer from O’Neil and Patricia Stewart from Lexington, NE. Learn how each has created and executed Lights On After School celebrations that truly reflect the great work done for youth in Nebraska. Whether your community is small, large, or somewhere in between, there will be a lot showcased in the session.
• Sandy Day, Director of Content and Delivery Beyond School Bells sday@nebraskachildren.org
• Deb Sawyer, Developing Eagles Director O’Neill Nebraska debsawyer@oneillschools.org
• Patricia Stewart, Director Lexington Academy Program patricia.stewart@lexschools.org

August 4, 2022 – Connecting to GetConnected

Links for the 2022 GetConnected Conference on September 16 in Kearney NE.
Conference web site https://www.education.ne.gov/21stcclc/nebraska-afterschool-conference/
Registration link https://negetconnected.com/
Group registration form https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Group-Registration-Instructions-Interactive.pdf

We’ll be previewing the GetConnected Conference which will be held on September 16th in Kearney.  Learn about the schedule, session presenters, topics, and other exciting activities that we have planned for our time together.  Registration will open Mon, Aug 1st, so don’t delay!

• Saundra Wever Frerichs, Science Education Specialist, Nebraska 4-H, sfrerichs3@unl.edu
• Brian Welch, NDE 21^st Century Community Learning Centers, brian.welch@nebraska.gov

June 2, 2022 – Farm to Summer and Afterschool: Connecting to Gardens and Hands-On Learning

What happens to farm to school when school is out of session? Join us and learn about opportunities for students to engage in local foods and experiential education during Afterschool time and summer. Sarah Smith, NDE Farm to School Specialist, will describe expansion of Nebraska programs to support local foods education outside of the classroom. Kayte Partch, NDE Director of Child Nutrition Programs, will share tips for connecting students to free, nutritious summer meal programs across Nebraska. And Sarah Lane, Program Director at KidsGardening, will share exciting nature-based education lessons and activities. She’ll also share tips for accessing grants and funding garden development, and provide exciting information about how Afterschool program staff and garden educators can connect with each other in a national online community.

Kayte Partch, NDE Director of Child Nutrition Programs
Sarah Smith, NDE Farm to School Specialist
Sarah Lane, KidsGardening Program Director

Kids Gardening, Sarah Lane Presentation

Farm to Summer and Afterschool Handout

Nebraska Summer Meals Update
Questions or comments? Reach out to our new NS Program Specialist, Taylor Schorsch (taylor.schorsch@nebraska.gov), or Kayte Partch, NSLP and SFSP Director (kayte.partch@nebraska.gov).

May 19, 2022 – Youth Entrepreneur Marketplace

Learn all about the Youth Entrepreneur Marketplace that will be part of the GetConnected Afterschool conference on September 16, 2022. Get free resources you can use to bring entrepreneurship into your afterschool program. Be prepared to help the youth in your program be entrepreneurs.

Saundra Wever Frerichs, Science Education Specialist, Nebraska 4-H, sfrerichs3@unl.edu

Resources for your program from Nebraska Extension:
Food, Nutrition & Health https://food.unl.edu/
Early Childhood https://child.unl.edu/
Rural Prosperity Nebraska https://ruralprosperityne.unl.edu/
Nebraska 4-H Entrepreneurship Resources https://4h.unl.edu/priorities/entrepreneurship
TEC box curriculum https://marketplace.unl.edu/ne4h/curriculum/eship/tec-box-educational-kit.html
Extension Directory https://epd.unl.edu/

May 5, 2022 – Supporting Health and Wellbeing (recording)
Session PowerPoint
Session (pdf)
Afterschool program personnel play a vital role in promoting mental health and well-being and identifying and responding to emerging anxiety and stress in children and adolescents. However, individuals in the education sector have often times not received the education, training, and/or ongoing support needed to respond in the afterschool setting. Learn about how the afterschool setting can assist with providing a safe and welcoming space, supportive of fostering social-emotional competencies. Sign up for this session to receive a kit of supplies to create your OWN calming corner in your afterschool program.

Jessie Coffey, The Whole Child, Nebraska Department of Education

Oceans of Possibilities, 4-H Reading Connections
Children are naturally curious about nature and science.  Discover how you can foster an appreciation of STEM, 4-H, the oceans, and water conservation through engaging activities for early childhood and school-aged children.  These resources are perfect for youth development and early childhood professionals, libraries, afterschool clubs, summer camps, and parents.

Jackie Steffen, Early Childhood Nebraska Extension Educator
Jennifer Hansen, 4-H Youth Development Nebraska Extension Educator

Best Summer Ever grants

Dakota Staggs and Jeff Cole, from Beyond School Bells (BSB), will talk about Best Summer Ever!, a statewide summer learning grant BSB is facilitating as part of the Nebraska ELO Innovation Network.

Jeff Cole, Beyond School Bells
Dakota Staggs, Beyond School Bells

GetConnected Afterschool Conference Details – Kit Workshops

The upcoming GetConnected Afterschool Conference will be held on February 25^th at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. Join this week’s StayConnected webinar to hear about the Kit Workshops available to in-person attendees. Every person who participates in a Kit Workshop will receive training and materials needed to implement a unique club with students in their afterschool or summer program. This week’s StayConnected webinar will feature Kit Workshop presenters who will preview content as well as the kit materials received.

Jessie Coffey, Nebraska Department of Education
Michael Eskelson, Nebraska 4-H
Jack Hilgert, Nebraska Forest Service
Monica Macoubrie, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Tracy Pracheil, Nebraska 4-H
Amber Schiltz, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

GetConnected Afterschool Conference Details

It is just a few weeks away! Join this webinar to learn details about the February 25th GetConnected Afterschool Conference in Omaha. Exciting components include a free audiobook and book study resources, in-person and streamed workshops, Kit Workshops, 25 Walk N Talk Exhibits, and more!

Saundra Frerichs, Science Education Specialist Nebraska 4-H Youth Development, sfrerichs3@unl.edu
Jeff Cole, Beyond School Bells, jcole@nebraskachildren.org
Jan Handa, 21st CCLC Afterschool Program, jan.handa@nebraska.gov
Kim Larson, 21st CCLC Afterschool Program, kim.larson@nebraska.gov

Bring STEMentors into your Afterschool Program

STEMentors from UNL can bring new experiences in coding and robotics into your program. University students will be help students learn more about computer science through these hands-on programs. This year the team is working to make it an even better experience by offer more support and kits to help you implement the program. Learn what’s new in 2022.

Saundra Frerichs, Science Education Specialist Nebraska 4-H Youth Development, sfrerichs3@unl.edu
Tracy Pracheil, Extension Educator Nebraska 4-H Youth Development

What’s new from Beyond School Bells

Be sure to join Sandy Day, Content and Delivery Director for Beyond School Bells and the 21st CCLC Team as we explore three curriculum rich websites. Sandy will demonstrate content from the BSB website, https://beyondschoolbells.org/curriculum/, and Mizzen by Mott, https://www.mizzen.org/. These standards aligned lessons and activities are free to you to use in your out of school programs.

Mizzen by Mott
With activities from premier organizations like Jazz at Lincoln Center and powerful management tools, this new app can help you strengthen your afterschool program. Mizzen by Mott inspires, engages and sparks learning in young people. Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen is available at no cost to afterschool professionals!

www.mizzen.org

Sandy Day, Beyond School Bells

Connecting Child Nutrition Programs to After School Programs

Participants will be able to identify opportunities to participate in USDA Child Nutrition Programs to support their after school (and summertime) programming for children & students. They’ll understand basic requirements for participation, and be able to identify how the programs offer experiential learning opportunities through Farm to School/Summer resources.

Kayte Partch, NDE – Director Child Nutrition Programs
Sarah Smith, NDE – Farm to School Specialist

November 4, 2021 – Youth Entrepreneurship and After School

Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development offers many Youth Entrepreneurship Curriculum and Programming opportunities for After School Programs. We will highlight those programs and how we can support you, your staff, and your programs. Many of these resources and programs are offered for free in collaboration with your local Extension Office.

Andy Larson, Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development, alarson20@unl.edu

October 14, 2021 – Full-Service Community Schools

What is the definition of a Full-Service Community School?  How do Full-Service Community Schools work? Who can be a part of a Full-Service Community School?  Where do you start?  Join us in a discussion to learn more about the process and implementation plan to create a Full-Service Community School approach to support students, families, and communities.
PowerPoint

Joe DiCostanzo, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
Mariella Resendiz Alvarado, Nebraska Department of Education

September 16, 2021 – Planning your Lights on Afterschool Event

Lights on Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and their communities. Celebrate the 22^nd annual Afterschool Alliance Lights On Afterschool event on October 28, 2021. Join two 21^st CCLC directors as they share their experiences and recommendations regarding their local celebrations. This StayConnected webinar features Nola Derby-Bennett, Lincoln, and Patricia Sanchez-Stewart, Lexington.

September 10, 2021 – NEBRASKA TALKS

A free half-day virtual event designed to help school administrators, community partners and afterschool leaders learn about full-service community schools.  Participants will hear perspectives from Tony Smith, a national leader in community schools, Nebraska school administrators and the Nebraska Department of Education.  (Agenda)

June 17, 2021 – The Million Girl Moonshot in Nebraska

The Million Girls Moonshot is a national movement that seeks to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators by engaging one million more girls and underserved youth in STEM learning opportunities through afterschool and summer programs over the next 5 years. Learn what Nebraska is doing to help achieve this goal.

Anna Wishart, Beyond School Bells
Michelle Clark, Union Pacific Railroad
Miki Montgomery, The Malone Community Center

June 3, 2021 – How To Use Stay Interviews To Boost Employee Engagement

Think of a stay interview as a research tool. Stay interviews help you identify what’s working at your organization and what needs improvement. It’s quite similar in format to an exit interview, but by the time you’re conducting an exit interview it’s too late to implement change – you’ve already lost the employee. By conducting stay interviews, you can address problems before they become incentives for employees to leave and nip some of that disengagement in the bud.

Nicholette Seigfreid, Civic Nebraska, Director of Human Resources
PowerPoint

May 20, 2021 – Nebraska 4-H STEM Reading Connections – Tails & Tales Resources (video)

The Nebraska 4-H STEM Reading Connections Program (web page)

These adaptable and engaging resources are just the thing to “connect” 4-H & STEM to libraries, books, education, or any other area that needs a bridge. The 2021 Nebraska 4-H STEM Reading Connections Resources are a collection of Storybook Imagination Guides, Clover Kid & 4-H Workshops, and four lessons plans all tied together in a neat little package of the Collaborative Library Summer Program theme “Tails & Tales.” The inclusive resources are an opportunity to bring 4-H to youth through new and old partnerships. Youth have the opportunity to “connect” their experiences from books and the world around them to practical application through the interdisciplinary STEM approach, with the addition of “[A]rt” as a means to visually communicate their experience. With a wide variety of lesson topics (service animals, animal adaptations, financial literacy, farm animals, wildlife, and animal habitats) every youth and facilitator can find some “connection.”

Jennifer Hansen, Nebraska Extension, 4-H & Youth Development Extension Educator
Jackie Steffen, Nebraska Extension, Learning Child Educator

May 17, 2021 – A COVID-19 Discussion
Deadline for submitting questions is noon, May 13th.

May 6, 2021 – Nebraska Extension Marathon Kids

Marathon Kids is a national running program designed to motivate kids by utilizing running logs, boost their activity, and introduce them to the joy of running! When COVID-19 forced schools to transition to virtual learning in the spring of 2020, Nebraska Extension responded by launching a virtual running program to help families at home stay active in the midst of social distancing. In partnership with the Nebraska Nutrition Education Program and the NE Department of Education, Nebraska Extension is launching a new and improved FREE virtual running program starting May 1st, 2021! The pandemic has been hard on everyone, and physical activity is an important aspect of staying healthy in this midst of it all.

Donnia Behrends, Nebraska Extension, Educator
Beth Nacke, Nebraska Extension, Educator

April 15, 2021 – 2021 Nebraska GetConnected Afterschool Conference is September 10th!

The 2021 GetConnected conference will be held in Omaha at the CHI Health Center (Conference Center) on September 10, 2021. Join this week’s StayConnected webinar to learn about the exciting conference facility, the in-person and virtual options that will be offered, the conference themes, and more. We will spend most of the webinar time listening to your ideas through facilitated conversations. Please help us plan the best conference ever!

April 1, 2021 – Planning Summer Units and Lessons

Saundra Frerichs, Nebraska 4-H, sfrerichs3@unl.edu

This StayConnected experience will focus on resources to help plan for summer.  I’ll share an afterschool lesson template and afterschool unit template designed especially for Nebraska; and my favorite sources for high-quality, free STEM curricula.  We will discuss the differences between planning units and planning lessons.
Afterschool Planning Template
Afterschool Unit Planning
STEM Curriculum Resources for Afterschool Programs

March 18, 2021 –E-Afterschool: Utilizing Out-of-School-Time Experiences to Develop an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Youth

Kelly Biggar, Afterschool Program Manager, Young Entrepreneur Institute
Anna Wishart, Director of Partnerships, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
Breann Hines, COO Young Entrepreneurs of the Future

Join Beyond School Bells, the Youth Entrepreneurship Institute, and Young Entrepreneurs of the Future to learn about the E-Afterschool opportunities available this year to the youth you serve. From statewide pitch challenges, to youth marketplaces, to entrepreneurship clubs, there are many opportunities to engage youth in building their entrepreneurial mindset.

March 4, 2021 – Preventing the Summer Slide

Dr. Abby Burke, Reading Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education
Nancy Armstrong, Afterschool Project Director, Ogallala, NE
Holly Myers, Afterschool Project Director, Loup City, NE

Summer slide is a decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur over the summer months when school isn’t in session.  Learn ways to enhance literacy skills during one-on-one or small-group time. Explore options for embedding literacy development at home as well as throughout a summer program.
Preventing the Summer Slide handout

February 18, 2021: Summer Planning: Easier

Sandy Day, Beyond School Bells
Saundra Frerichs, Nebraska 4-H, sfrerichs3@unl.edu

Sandy Day, Beyond School Bells, will lead a discussion regarding the importance of summer learning and new opportunities for funding to support efforts to make 2021 a Summer of Innovation. In addition, Saundra Frerichs, Nebraska Extension, will share resources to assist in your summer planning offering models and available hands-on curriculum.

February 4, 2021: Summer Fun and Learning

Heather Bebout, Project Director, Schuyler Afterschool and Summer Program
Deb Sawyer, Project Director, O’Neill Afterschool and Summer Program

Join this week’s StayConnected webinar to hear from two 21^st CCLC Project Directors about their summer program plans. Heather Bebout, Schuyler Project Director, and Deb Sawyer, O’Neill Project Director will discuss their summer program schedules, staffing, their community partners, and also share some resources others might find helpful. There will be time to ask these experienced program leaders questions and share participants’ experiences.
Summer Programming in Schuyler

January 21, 2021: Building Staff to Build Kids: Using The Other Wes Moore to Foster Understanding

Megan Crawford, Project Director, Broken Bow Super Kids Club Afterschool Program
Jan Handa, NDE 21st CCLC Coordinator

Examine how to tailor training for your staff using the book The Other Wes Moore.  This session looks at how one program connected resource materials for meaningful discussion with their staff.  Learn the impacts this training had on staff as well as discuss how this training could benefit your program.

January 7, 2021: Supporting Self-Care and Resilience for our Staff

Saundra Wever Frerichs, Nebraska 4-H, sfrerichs3@unl.edu
Emily Koopman, Executive Director, Belmont Community Center, Lincoln

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt our lives and our work, we are all experiencing stress and fatigue.  Let’s start 2021 by focusing on what we can do, what we can control, and how we can support each other.  We’ll share resources you can use to take care of yourself and your staff so that we can all be more resilient together.

December 17, 2020: SEL Support Afterschool

Expanded Learning Opportunity INNOVATION NETWORK – PowerPoint
Carrie Lienemann, Project Director, North Platte Kids Klub Afterschool Program
Angela Bear, SEL Coordinator, North Platte Kids Klub

December 3, 2020 : Use of Space in Afterschool Settings during COVID

Join this panel discussion led by:
Lorna Eliason, Project Director, Chadron Afterschool Program
Marcia Fritz, Project Director, Cozad Afterschool Program
Patricia Sanchez Stewart, Project Director, Lexington Afterschool Program

Thursday, October 29, 2020  – Who Are The People In Your Neighborhood?: Unboxing the other Wes Moore
LaRon Henderson, Program Quality Director, Collective for Youth, Omaha

Come learn the importance of building culture and learning about who is really in your neighborhood.  We will be discussing the impact of the amazing book, The Other Wes Moore, as well as the power of building community through participating in a book club.

October 22, 2020, 12:00 Noon
Keeping Conservation in the COVID-19 Classroom
Jack Hilgert, Conservation Education Assistant, Nebraska Forest Service, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Now more than ever students need connections to the outdoors and natural world through quality environmental education experiences. During this session learn about program offerings from the Nebraska Forest Service and gain ideas on how to keep your students connected to conservation and engaged with their environment during this tumultuous time.

The Nebraska Forest Service is the state coordinating agency for both Project Learning Tree and Project WET (Water Education Today) which are award-winning, internationally-utilized, environmental education curricula.

Keeping Conservation in the COVID-19 Classroom
Nebraska Forest Service Virtual Classroom Visits
MiniWorkshop Community Trees!

October 15, 2020, 12:00 Noon
I Appreciate You! The Power of Diversity
Dr. Vann Price | Director of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion | Human Resources Supervisor for Secondary Personnel  | Lincoln Public Schools

Diversity is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and applauding the richness that is encompassed within each individual. This session will remind all of us about the magnificence that is in each of us.

October 8, 2020, 12:00 Noon
How To Start A Book Club…The Other Wes Moore
Jan Handa, 21st CCLC and Leslie Huerta, Francie & Finch Bookseller

One of the themes of the GetConnected 2020 conference was Equity & Inclusion. The conference organizers selected the audiobook The Other Wes Moore and all registered participants have now received the code for their audiobook.  We will spend a little time discussing the book and its relevance to the work of afterschool program leaders and staff. A book club is a great way for a group of people to individually listen to the same book and then periodically come together to talk about it.  Leslie Huerta from Francie & Finch Bookseller will show us how to get started.
Book Club – The Other West Moore

August 20, 2020 – Support for the Wellbeing of the Whole Child
Jessie Coffey, Nebraska Healthy Schools Program, Nebraska Department of Education

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that schools and afterschool programs are a key support system within communities across the state and play a critical role in supporting the wellbeing of the whole child.

This week’s StayConnected webinar will highlight the Nebraska Healthy Schools program CDC resources to help staff and students enforce healthy hygiene practices. Resources shared are “plug and play” tools  you can use immediately in your program, intended to support your district plans (whatever they may be). The evidence-based materials address multiple audiences and topics to promote a healthy school environment for staff and students as you start the school year.

Nebraska Healthy Schools Program / Back to School Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Schools and Childcare Programs: Plan, Prepare, and Respond

August 13, 2020 – 5-4-3-2-1 Go!®: helping children and families make healthy choices
Claire Brown, Youth Wellness Coordinator, The Wellbeing Partners
PowerPoint

During this session, Claire Brown—Youth Wellness Coordinator for The Wellbeing Partners—will introduce the 5-4-3-2-1 Go!® program. Participants will learn how this research based, evidence-proven program encourages children and families to make healthy choices for their bodies.  Claire will discuss the many ways that the program can be implemented and share free access to the program following the session.

Post Survey
CLOCC‘s COVID resources
TWP COVID resources
Follow us on Facebook
Contact Claire

June 25, 2020 –  Beyond School Bell’s Free Summer Activities and Challenges
Jeff Cole, Beyond School Bells

Tune in to hear how you can use these new national materials and BSB created challenges to supercharge your summer learning programs.
Free Summer Activities

June 18, 2020 – Virtual Programming from Nebraska 4-H
Saundra Frerichs, Nebraska 4-H  sfrerichs3@unl.edu

In just a few weeks, our staff have learned a lot about virtual programming.  This webinar discuss building meaningful relationships through virtual programming and the new programming options from Nebraska 4-H.  You can see the virtual programming at https://4h.unl.edu/virtual-home-learning

Handout – Developing Self-Paced Virtual Learning for Nebraska
Tools We Are Using

June 11, 2020 – Nebraska Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge
Anna Wishart, Director of Partnerships, Beyond School Bells

Research shows that cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in youth – skills such as initiative, self-reliance, adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and communication – help pave the way for success in school and life. Beyond School Bells is launching a Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge to invite youth to develop a 60 to 90 second video that pitches a business solution to help their community rebuild from a public health crisis or natural disaster.

Please join the June 11 webinar to learn more about this challenge and how your students can participate. You can learn more about the pitch challenge at: beyondschoolbells.org.

June 4, 2020 – Virtual Field Trips: Bringing the World to Your Students
Peter Brunette, Omaha’s Henry Doorley Zoo & Aquarium

Virtual Field Trips are more important now than ever before! Join us live from the Scott Aquarium at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Experience one of our interactive virtual field trips and learn tips and tricks for presenting and engaging students with Zoom. You will learn how to find both paid and free virtual field trips, and the best technology options for cameras and microphones.
PowerPoint

May 28, 2020 – NASA-Based STEM Activities
Terresa Greenleaf, Walthill Public Schools and NASA Nebraska Space Ambassador

STEM based activities that can be done at home or can be used in the classroom, after school program, and summer science camp will be shown. Terresa will also discuss how she uses NASA based activities in a science camp setting.
T Greenleaf’s Webpage and Contact Information

May 21, 2020 – Investing in your Future
Becky Barnard, UNL, Nebraska Council on Economic Education

Personal finance is important for success in life, this session will introduce basic financial concepts; saving, spending and investing to support students as they solve practical problems and issues they will encounter throughout their lifetimes. This session will provide age appropriate lesson outlines and sample activities that center educators can prepare and present to their students.
PowerPoint – Investing in your Future

May 14 2020 – Sprouting Success in an Afterschool Program
Courtney Schaardt, courtneys@nefb.org, Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation

Discover hands-on, virtual, and at-home learning for youth through Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom! Learn more about resources that thoughtfully connect PreK-12^th grade students to their source of food, fiber, and fuel! This webinar will feature engaging, customizable activities and instructional strategies that can be immediately implemented into your program.

Why Agriculture in the Classroom resources? Agriculture connects people. Farms and ranches are everywhere in our nation. Agricultural businesses are in towns, cities, and communities throughout our state. In Nebraska, agriculture creates one in four jobs, which fuels the economy. Without agriculture, we could not feed, clothe, or fuel the world. The bottom line: agriculture is an important industry for all of us.

FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 – Introduction to Mizzen, C.S. Mott Foundation
Join BSB Network Lead Jeff Cole and Sandy Day as they walk us through Mizzen and how it can be used to enrich out of school time programs across Nebraska.

Developed by the C.S. Mott Foundation, a long-time partner of Beyond School Bells, Mizzen is a state of the art app designed to meet the needs of afterschool and summer providers – as well as parents and other caregivers who are now playing this role in households across Nebraska during these challenging times.  Mizzen combines over a thousand units of free content developed specifically for afterschool, summer or home learning environments, options for back office support, scheduling and as well as professional development tips that come to you just as you need them. Through support from the Mott Foundation, the app and all of its content are available for free.

Mizzen by Mott

May 7, 2020 – Digging in the Dirt!
Marcia Fritz, Cozad Community Schools, Afterzone
Digging in the Dirt! (HANDOUT)
KidsGardening.org
Master Gardener Program, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Children love being outside, playing in the dirt, and watching things change.  Gardening is perfect!  I will share some hints, activities, and resources for gardening with children.  In our current situation, there are ways for you to connect with your students through gardening.

April 30, 2020 – A Digital Repository: Nebraska Honors Afterschool Clubs
Emily Sutherland, UNL Honors Program Coordinator
Shannon Mangram, UNL Honors Program, shannon.mangram@unl.edu

Students in the Honors Program at UNL have been creating curriculum and leading afterschool clubs in Lincoln Community Learning Centers for the past 2 years. This opportunity allows Honors students to share their passions with others in a unique way, while also filling a need in the community. Honors Afterschool Club curriculum is uploaded at the end of each semester and available to download worldwide through the Honors Club Repository.  Come explore the repository and learn about all this resource has to offer. (Honors Afterschool Club Repository)

April 23, 2020 –Playing with Systems to Develop Social and Emotional Skills
Erin Ingram, UNL Science Literacy Initiative

Social distancing has made for a strange spring season. Educators and students have been called upon to adapt and continue learning during uncertain times. In this presentation, we will explore an online tool called Loopy in which students draw and play with complex systems to better understand how they function. We will discuss ways this tool can be used to develop student awareness of themselves, others, and their communities in order to adopt positive behaviors and build resiliency
https://ncase.me/loopy/
Playing with Systems and SEL
Systems Thinking and Science Literacy

April 16, 2020 – GoNoodle: Good Energy At Home And Healthy Out of School Time Resources
Jessie Coffey, Nebraska Healthy Schools Program, Nebraska Department of Education

Learn about resources and tools available from national organizations to support health and well-being for staff working in summer and out of school programs to support children and families.  The webinar will provide an overview of FREE resources provided by; GoNoodle, CATCH Kids Club and Alliance for Healthier Generations.
Newsletter with resources (S’more)

April 9, 2020 – Toolbox – a new tool to build new and support existing ELO programs in Nebraska
Jeff Cole, Beyond School Bells

In this presentation, Beyond School Bells staff will provide an overview to Toolbox, a new website designed to support the development of new, and enhance existing, Expanded Learning Opportunity programs.  Developed as part of the NDE-funded ELO Design Challenge, this tool was designed to complement existing resources and will be a platform for sharing information that can help all of Nebraska’s ELO advocates.

April 2, 2020 – Virtual Programming
Saundra Frerichs, Nebraska 4-H  sfrerichs3@unl.edu

This webinar will highlight new virtual programming options from Nebraska 4-H and ideas for supporting learning at home.  We will also discuss strategies for engaging with families remotely.  You can see the virtual programming at https://4h.unl.edu/virtual-home-learning
Virtual and At Home Learning Handout

March 26, 2020 – Tree-A-Thon, Sandy Day, Beyond School Bells

Let’s All Root for Trees! 

This 30-minute webinar will explore new after school lessons developed by Beyond School Bells’ Design Studio Team.  The goal of the curriculum is to get kids and families excited about planting a tree in conjunction with April 24th Arbor Day Celebration across the nation.  There are two sets of curricula to review. The first one, is a three-hour activity that focuses on why trees are so important to us, how to plant a bare-root tree and how to care for the newly planted tree.  This curriculum could be used in conjunction with a family night at your site. The second set of lessons is a 7-topic, 22 lesson club that could be offered during the full month of April. Each lesson accesses prior knowledge, highlights a short – 4-minute video and contains a hands-on activity. All national, state and local standards are noted on the lesson in the footer.

For more information about the Tree-A-Thon, to access the curriculum, and to sign up to participate, visit the Beyond School Bells website.

February 20, 2020 – The Three C’s of Leadership, LaRon Henderson
Program Quality Director, Collective for Youth – Omaha, Lhenderson@collectiveforyouth.org

This webinar introduces participants to Clarity, Conviction and Courage – the 3 fundamental principles of leadership. There will be opportunities to explore how these principles are developed in order to implement them instantly in your professional or personal life’s plan. These leadership principles prepare you to build collaboration, teamwork and trust to help other excel and address current challenges in all areas of life. Participants who successfully complete this webinar will have a better understanding of how to clarify their personal or organizational mission, create an inner conviction and lead with courage.