StayConnected

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
Browse the 5-4-3-2-1 Go!® program
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.
GoNoodle at Home
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.