Youth voices from around Vermont

Compiled and edited by

2014

What AfterschoolMeans to Me

What is afterschool? The truth is there is no one easy way to describe exactly what happens in many ofVermont's schools and community spaces after the dismissal bell rings each day. That'swhy we decided to consult the experts. On the pages ahead, you will find the answers.Thirty-one answers, in fact. You'll read that afterschool is about the new and fun activities such as cooking, acting,playing music, being outdoors, and building robots. It's about the inspiring leaders andthe opportunities for the youth to be leaders themselves. It's about having something todo besides going home to an empty house. It's about the friendships formed and the newskills built. The 31 youth, ranging from elementary to high school, pondered the question, "Whatdoes afterschool mean to me?" and thoughtfully responded with essays describing theirvaried and meaningful experiences. We were privileged to have 30 of them attend ourannual Afterschool & Summer Learning Day as our Youth Ambassadors on February 20,2014. They engaged with state leaders and legislators as advocates for their valuedprograms. Their essay submissions were part of a contest and four were selected as our winners.The essays of Lars Andrews, Aliyah Cross, Katelyn Ann Hersey, and Dillon Powers arefeatured in their full length. We were truly impressed with all of the submissions andare grateful for such strong young voices. It's apparent that our Youth Ambassadorshave a great appreciation for these wonderful skill-building and life-learningexperiences. Sincerely, Holly MorehouseExecutive DirectorVermont Afterschool, Inc.

One of my greatest passions is biking. Ever since I can remember, my dad has been an avid bikeenthusiast, taking my brothers and I on hundred-mile bike rides all over, from New York toCanada. If it's a hot summer day and I want to go swimming, I wouldn't drive the fifteen miles tothe swimming hole, instead I would bike. Biking has always been a way for me to relax and getoutdoors. Wings After-School Activities opened up a new door by introducing me to a new way ofbiking that quickly became one of my favorite sports: mountain biking. Gliding through the crispVermont air on my mountain bike, exploring the streams, waterfalls, and mountains of Vermontis one of my favorite things to do, and it couldn't have been possible if it weren't for Wings. Wings has also allowed me to greatly improve my math skills through a program called MathOlympiads. In this program, we have built catapults, learned math card games, endured extraenrichment work through tests and practice, and much more. As I said earlier, my academiccapability is important to me, so extra enrichment, tests, and hands-on activities helps me excel atmath. Wings has also offered many other programs I have participated in. Two of these programsare basketball and soccer, which have helped me to become a better player and teammate. Idefinitely wouldn’t be the player I am today if Wings After-School Activities wasn’t available.Some other after-school programs I have done include: Lego robotics, debate club, chess club, andmany others that have had a positive effect on my life. Wings opened doors that greatlycontributed to the person I am today, and I am very grateful for having the chance to participatein these after-school activities. Perhaps one of my most defining factors is music. I love to play my guitar. I am especiallyinterested in blues guitar and learning hard riffs. Every Thursday after-school, I take guitarlessons where I can learn new material and learn how to better play my instrument. How I spendmy after-school hours defines who I am, whether it is through guitar, biking, chess, or learningmore math. To me after-school means building my character and becoming a more interestingperson. In a sense, after-school to me means building my entire life ahead.

I have always pushed myself to do my best in school. Math, socialstudies, science, and literature are my favorite subjects, and Ialways strive to go that “extra mile” and achieve good grades. Myacademics are very important to me, but they don't fully defineme. What defines me is what makes me individual and special inmy own way. I hold my passions very close to me, because I don'taspire to be just “one in the crowd.” I want to be different andindividual; I want to be me. My main way to develop thesepassions is through after-school activities and how I spend myafter-school time.

Essay Winner: Lars AndrewsGrade 7

Wings Community ProgramsWest Halifax, VT

-Lars

I’m sitting in the library doing my homework thinking I am very grateful to be able to doafterschool. I really like my afterschool for three reasons: it keeps me fit; it gives me ideas of what Iwant to do for a living, and helps me communicate in many different situations. One thing that my afterschool does for me is that it got me thinking that I don’t have to be friendswith just the kids in my class. I can be friends with the kids younger than me and people in mycommunity. Being able to communicate with people doesn’t just affect your school life; it affects youlifelong. Being able to talk to people and tell them how you feel is a very important skill everyoneshould be able to do. It’s important to be able to do this because if you are mad or feeling downtalking to people can help you. My afterschool keeps me fit mentally and physically: mentally by helping me with my math and allother subjects and physically by giving me a chance to play sports that I enjoy like basketball andsoftball. Being able to stay fit is very important to me. My afterschool is a peaceful place to bebecause they provide snack and I get a nice time to do homework. I like being able to have thattime because when I get home from whatever sport or activity I'd been doing I’m usually tired, andthings at my house aren’t quiet. The last session I did a program of CSI (crime scene investigation). At first I didn’t think I wouldlike it a lot but it turned out instead of just being okay, I loved it. It got me thinking what I wouldlike to do for a career. My afterschool didn’t just give me something to do, it got me thinking aboutwhat I want to do with my life. I can remember talking to my mom when I was little and havingher say she wanted to go into CSI for a career. It didn’t mean anything to me then, but once Istarted CSI I understood why. If it weren’t for my afterschool I still wouldn’t understand. In closing, my afterschool means a lot to me because I stay fit mentally and physically and it alsogot me interested in something I can do with my life. Being able to communicate with people hasmade a huge difference in my relationships. I’m grateful for the people who give their time with uskids in the afternoon. Why? You could call sitting down and watching TV afterschool, but that justisn't right. Everyone has made staying fit and being at afterschool for an extra two hours fun. Thatis why my afterschool means so much to me.

Essay Winner: Aliyah CrossGrade 6

REACH! Afterschool and Summer ProgramWolcott, VT

Well, it means many things to me. First, I love seeing the afterschool teachers; they are always friendlyand helpful. They put a lot of time and effort into taking care of us each day. If we have a problem, wecan count on them to help us or just to talk. At Community Connections, we learn every day! We have activities that are fun and help us discovernew things. I have attended some programs like Gardening, Story Art, Weird Science, Yoga, and CraftyCooking. They were all fun programs and I learned a lot. I remember in Gardening, we went to plant avegetable garden at the State House Lawn and we made fun pictures with our food in Crafty Cooking. This year, I am doing Dance it Out, animated Journaling and Puppets and Playwrights! All of theseprograms are enjoyable and I am learning to be more assertive. This program helps me look at the world more openly. There are so many things I can do when I grow-up. I have learned to like cooking, to write books, to sing and dance, and look at how things work. It’samazing all the stuff I have uncovered here at CC. I have also learned to share with others, by being helpful and having fun. We follow CARES here(Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, Self-Control), and this has helped me feel moreconfident in myself. I love helping others. I help out in the K-program by reading to the children and helping them with theAlphabet. It is cool playing with the little children. I also like playing with my friends at recess time. Wehave tons of games we play together. Our afterschool program is a great placeto be and have a healthy snack. It’s aplace to discover new things.

My name is Katelyn Ann Hersey, and I attend Community ConnectionsAfterschool Program at Union Elementary School in Montpelier, Vermont. Ihave been attending Community Connections Afterschool Program since Iwas in 1st grade. Throughout my 5 years, I have participated in many CCprograms, summer programs and have met lots of friends. I can truly say Ienjoy coming to Community Connections. Afterschool is a very important part of my life. I come straight from class tothe afterschool program Monday through Friday. When I arrive at CC I amexcited to meet my friends, learn something new and have tons of fun. What does Afterschool mean to me?

Essay Winner: Katelyn Ann HerseyGrade 5

Community ConnectionsMontpelier, VT

The after school program has played an important role in my life for the past six years.During middle school I participated in programs such as indoor-outdoor, and homeworkclub. I did a lot of fun activities in indoor-outdoor such as sledding in the winter time,kickball, dodgeball, basketball, and football. In homework club students get help and aquiet workplace to work on homework, and even if necessary take a quiz. Then in seventh grade I made the decision to try out for theatre. I had stage fright at firstand almost dropped out. I decided to stick with it and am glad that I did. I went on to dotheatre for the next 2 years. I did every play that I could. Then in eighth grade a group ofus joined video production and decide to enter the Afterschool for Excellence Challenge. Wehad to make a video depicting what the Enosburg Falls middle-high LEAPS program wasall about. Throughout the process I learned how to properly edit and produce a high qualitymovie. We then went on to win the competition. We won $1,000 and six Flip video cameras. I am now in my sophomore year of high school. I still attend the program daily. It hashelped my grades tremendously. I take many honors classes, and it is helpful to haveteachers there at night that can help me complete my work if needed. They offer me help onboth class work and homework. They can check my grades to see what I am missing andhelp me make it up. I was recently chosen to represent Enosburg Falls high school as aHOBY student ambassador. I feel I earned this honor because I learned how to speak infront of my peers, teachers, and principals while acting on the stage. This gave me theconfidence that I needed to go far in life. All of the opportunities I have been given through the after school program have helped meset goals for what I want after high school. I hope many students will be given theopportunities that I have been given for many years to come.

Essay Winner: Dillon PowersGrade 10

LEAPS, Enosburg Falls Middle/High SchoolEnosburg Falls, VT

"On the rare times that kids don’t havehomework, there are other activities to helpus with interests we may have. Some ofthese activities are working in the schoolstore where we can sell things. There is alsothe “big buddies” where we help youngerkids with homework or an activity. One ofmy favorite activities to do when I do nothave a lot of homework is the “Junior IronChef.” I love to cook and learn newways to do it. I often bring home therecipes to share with my family. Thisis a great skill to have for when you live onyour own."

Kelsea Aldrich, Grade 8CNSU Kingdom Afterschool

Lyndonville, VT

"There are so many activities there andso many great teachers to teach them. Ifyour parent works later than three o'clock,then afterschool is for you. Not only that butit helps kids socialize while doing somethingthat they enjoy doing."

Violet Arnold, Grade 5REACH! Afterschool & Summer Programs

Wolcott, VT

"Some of my favorite [activities] have beensewing (which included quilting),cooking, multicultural art, homeworkclub, and the one I am in right now, JazzLab. There are many programs to choosefrom so it makes it hard to choose. Every sooften I go to homework club if I don't havesomething that day or can't get a ride home.[...] I have had many positive and funexperiences in the [program] and lookforward to many more."

Emma Baker, Grade 6Wallingford Wildcat Jazz Lab

RSSU AfterschoolWallingford, VT

"Part 2 is not like other afterschoolprograms. What makes it differentis [that] we have a special programand we call it the junior counselorprogram. [...] What this means isthat I get to help people and Iget to have fun and play withkids."

Maddie Baker, Grade 6Part 2 Afterschool

Hinesburg, VT

"We have a fun special [activities] liketaking pictures with a camera, makingpaper bridges, learning how to survivein the wild and practicing a play whichwe put on in front of an audience. [...]All of this makes me feel happybecause afterschool is a lot of fun, andwe have all these nice kids around us.We have very nice teachers and awonderful school. Afterschool means alot to me and I don’t know what Iwould do without it."

Ava Collins, Grade 5CNSU Kingdom Afterschool

Sheffield, VT

"Afterschool program gives me a safe placeto play and have fun while my parents areat work. [...] Summer camp is my favorite partof afterschool program. During the summerwe get to swim, go on field trips, play outside,and we have guests come in and do activitieswith us like No Strings Marionette. The bestpart of summer camp is Kid City. Kid City iswhen kids get to work together and create apretend shop and make it real. We havebakeries, Lego shop, a spa and pet shop allrun by kids."

Derick Cookson, Grade 4Morristown After School Program

Morrisville, VT

"I am a member of the Open Doorscommittee, something that has givenme a whole different set of skills that Ifeel are necessary in the world today.For example, through Open Doors, Igot the ability to take initiativeand make things happen andbecome a better leader. I was ableto get one of my teachers to teach anafterschool Open Doors class, and Iam helping him plan it. I am able toshow the creative side of me." Samantha Desjardin, Grade 6

Open DoorsSt. Albans, VT

Jonah Edge-Gerrol, Grade 6 Wallingford Wildcat Jazz Lab

RSSU AfterschoolWallingford, VT

"The [afterschool program] hashelped me improve my skills tobe more artistic in an art studio.One reason it has improved myeducation in art is because last year Iwas a student volunteer to help outlittle kids but I also learned how tomake jewelry, wire art, and muchmore. I love helping other youngersouls now even more."

"Our After-School programs seem tobring our small communitytogether. This year we performed a playand children from all districts weregranted the opportunity to be in it. Thisplay united all of the schools in amonumental way. As result I see kids fromother schools attending other school’sfunctions. It really brought us all togetherand I know many people from otherschools. After-School has really helped mein an educational aspect. I havewidened my perspective in debateclub and since I started, my gradeshave been skyrocketing for thebetter. From an athletic perspectiveAfter-School programs have given me theopportunity to play on the soccer teamand basketball team. I truly love playingthese games; the sense of teamworkthat comes from it is phenomenal."

Liam Fisher, Grade 7Wings Community Programs

West Halifax, VT

"To me after school is more than just a program;it's the backbone of our education, or better yet,a prop supporting us in school and even outsideof it. After school has given me gloriousopportunities I would have never gottenthe chance to do. One example of this is Legorobotics. In this workshop, we learn how toprogram and create robots. How would I evenhave gotten the chance to do this in ruralVermont without Wings (our after schoolprogram)? We would not have our yearly play orsummer camp or even our exchange studentprogram. Wings is a crucial part of mycommunity, and no matter what happens, it willalways be embedded in my success."

Sam Fisher, Grade 7Wings Community Programs

West Halifax, VT

"REACH! gives me the chance tolearn hands on and have fun whilelearning. We do a lot of thingsfrom cooking to sports to buildingthings. One of my favoriteactivities I have done atREACH! is rock climbing.When we rock climb we have toget our equipment on likeharnesses and helmets. Once wehave our equipment on we standin line and climb one at a time."

Natalie Geoffrey, Grade 5REACH! Afterschool and

Summer ProgramsHardwick, VT

"I participate in [Afterschool]because it is a fun transition from schoolwork to homeresponsibilities, it is a place tocalm down from the events ofthe day and debrief, and it isfull of kind people who careabout me. I like [it] because it is aplace that I can calm down and goover what happened during theday. I have time to think and timeto recover from my school day."

Laurel Goodwin, Grade 8CNSU Kingdom Afterchool

Burke, VT

"To me afterschool is abouthaving kids get time to play,spend more time with theirfriends, and learn lifelongskills. [...] At afterschoolprograms I like to hang out withthe kids my age, younger andolder. I also like to hang out andtalk to the counselors. I like totalk with people all ages becausewe are like one big wovenfamily."

Caroline Hobbs, Grade 6Part 2 Afterchool

Hinesburg, VT

"I like afterschool because we playFrisbee. I think we owe Mr.Smith, a school day teacher, athank you because he has paid hisown money for some of the equipmentand has given his time to stayafterschool for the extra hours. He hasalso gotten a grant for UltimateFrisbee supplies for the program andthe school."

Matthew Lazzaro, Grade 6CNSU Kingdom Afterschool

Newark, VT

"Coming to Jazz Lab, which isthrough the afterschool programmeans that I can learn all sorts ofmusic that I've never learnedbefore. Some of the music I'velearned [has become] my favorite,like the Best of Queen. It's also agreat way to improvise (create yourown music to play). I loveimprovising so much because Idon't have to read any music; I canjust find a beat that goes with thesong. Learning about musicmeans I can do more withmusic."

Adam Luzader, Grade 6 Wallingford Wildcat Jazz Lab

RSSU AfterschoolWallingford, VT

"Last year a bunch of my friends and Idecided to join the Wonder & Wisdomcooking program that was beingoffered at the time. We made a lot offood including vegetable curry, Thaichicken and delicious butternutsquash. I helped cut the chicken,marinate it and sprinkle [it] withcilantro. The cooking experiencewas fantastic. I learned how toprepare food with confidenceand safety because we weretaught be be cautious butambitous in the kitchen."

Malea McAllister, Grade 5Wonder & Wisdom

Greensboro, VT

"Through Open Doors I have learnedmore about myself. For example, Itook a mural class where we painted amural on the wall at Saint AlbansLibrary. It was a lot of fun. Bytaking this class I realized that Iam a good painter. I can paintthings I never knew I could paint.When I was taking a painting class Isaw teamwork happening.Everyone was working on somethingtogether which helped us move on toour next project."

Lillian McCray, Grade 8Open Doors

St. Albans, VT

"I am glad there is a Wonder & Wisdomprogram after school because if therewasn't, I would probably be out of mymind not knowing what to do. I wouldgo home afterschool and be bored. Thestaff provides us with snacks becausesome afterschool programs don't giveyou snacks. We are grateful for thesnacks. They also throw parties, give usChristmas presents and cards for ourbirthdays. This means they want us toenjoy ourselves and have fun. It issomething to look forward to."

Morgan Mercier, Grade 5Wonder & Wisdom

Greensboro, VT

"I participated in Caution: WetPaint! after school. This programwas working on our writing andperforming skills. When I was doingthis I was nervous, but working withother kids my age and watchingthem do it helped make it easier.[...] My confidence level withpublic speaking got better, and Ienjoyed working with myclassmates and friends."

Taylor Phelps, Grade 10TCPI at the Art House

Craftsbury Common, VT

"I like that you come in and that there arefriendly and peaceful vibes. Then youcan go and eat snack and release energyfrom the school day. You can also hangout with friends. It seems like a placeof understanding. We also go on fieldtrips like to Lyndon Institute (for dance)and also the Sheffield food pantry. In thefuture, I hope that afterschool could be onFridays and maybe include activities suchas cooking and sports."

Hannah Roberts, Grade 5CNSU Kingdom Afterschool

Sheffield, VT

"Summer camp is also really fun. We get togo there 5 days per week for 3 weeks. Weget to do a lot of fun things. My favoritething to do is GO FISHING. When we gogishing we go to Lake Bomaseen. We catchbig fish and small fish and bass and pike.It's such a good feeling when youhave a fish on your line. [...] I think it'sgood to have activities planned for afterschool and during the summer because youget to learn more instead of playing videogames."

Jacob Rodgers, Grade 4Wallingford Wildcat Jazz Lab

RSSU AfterschoolWallingford, VT

"I've learned a lot about how jazz music isplayed. The rhythms and beats are differentthan in a regular bands. I have becomebetter at playing my tenor sax by playingwith the jazz group. I like jamming with myfriends. It's a fun time to be with other kidsthat love music like me. I like performingfor people and sharing my music. I'mproud of the musician I [have]become. I appreciate my jazz teacher Mrs.Baker because she has patience with uswhile we learn our music. She's a reallygreat musican and role model."

Tyler Shelvey, Grade 6Wallingford Wildcat Jazz Lab

RSSU AfterschoolWallingford, VT

"If I didn't have after-school Iwould sometimes go home to anempty house since my mom anddad work. I would have to get myown snack and probably watchTV or something before I starthomework. After-school is betterfor me because I am doingsomething active not justsitting around bored at my housealone." Ethan Shopland, Grade 5

REACH! Afterschool andSummer Programs

Hardwick, VT

"I remember growing up I was alwaysmoving around, and by now I havebeen to six different schools. [...]School always changed, but one thingI learned is that the after schoolprogram was always the same. [...] Tome, when I was younger, afterschool programs were a safeplace. You are not overwhelmed bypeople, the caretakers are alwayskind, and you get to be a kid withouthaving the everyday responsibility.Other students are more apt tointroduce themselves to you, and youmake more friends through them."

Kylann Tanner, Grade 10TCPI at the Art House

Craftsbury Common, VT

"I love going to CommunityConnections Afterschool program formany reasons. Here is where I can letmy creativity run wild. I love artsand crafts. I enjoy many of theprograms CC has offered. I especiallylove programs like Anything Goes Art,Painting Palooza, Wacky Weaving, andSnow Art. Yes, I love art. I havelearned different styles of art anddifferent materials I can use. Art is allaroud us. It's inspiring."

Olivia Toohey, Grade 5Community Connections

Montpelier, VT

"My archery class that I took waswonderful. It taught me a lot ofskills I need to know such as howto shoot an arrow, how toconcentrate, how to be focusedand how to express myself. Italso taught me leadership skills.These skills will help me in myfuture because all of the skills willhelp me start my career, and maybeeven help me start my ownbusiness one day."

Lynn Trahan, Grade 8Open Doors

St. Albans, VT

"The afterschool program is awesomeand it doesn’t just help out the childrenand parents. It helps the wholecommunity. My teachers at theafterschool program are very kind to notjust the children, but the adults too. [...]The afterschool program provideswonderful people who do theirjobs for the kids and for the fun ofit. The volunteers do it for fun nomatter how loud, obnoxious, orannoying the kids are. Just like theadults, some children come toafterschool for no reason but to havefun."

Kamryn Trepanier, Grade 6CNSU Kingdom Afterschool

Sutton, VT

What Afterschool Means to MeCopyright © 2014 by Vermont Afterschool, Inc.Vermont Afterschool's is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support organizations in providingquality afterschool, summer, and expanded learning experiences so that Vermont’s children and youthhave the opportunities, skills, and resources they need to become healthy, productive members ofsociety. www.vermontafterschool.org All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic ormechanical means including storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from VermontAfterschool, Inc. Powered By Bookemon. www.bookemon.com