Ask, Imagine, Create: Youth Voices on the Value of Afterschool

“I have learned many things at ELO. In Art Explora-tion, I am able to use my imagination to create and dream up a wonderful design. This class gives us the ability to start and finish an art project in one class setting.

Since starting at ELO I have made many friends. During choice time I have many of the younger kids look up to me to help them with certain projects. I feel more confident about myself and look for-ward to coming to the afterschool program every day.“

Morgan StuartGrade 5

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) at CCSUDanville, VT

Katelyn BrownGrade 5


Youth Voices on the Value of Afterschool

ASKIMAGINECREATE

We have a lot of data that shows how expanded learning programs impact youth. For example, how their grades improve, how crime rates drop, and how graduation rates rise. There’s no doubt that the data backing expanded learning opportunities is powerfully persuasive.

But then there are the stories. Beyond the numbers, empirical data, and statistical evidence, there are the kids and their stories. This book brings these stories of afterschool to our attention and remind us of the val-ue in their varied experiences. You’ll read that afterschool is about the fun activities such as cooking, acting, playing music, being outdoors, and building robots. You’ll also read about how much kids look forward to going to afterschool and summer programs, and how they feel safe there to be themselves and supported as they try new things.

The 32 youth in this book responded to the question, “When have I had the opportunity to ask, imagine, and create in afterschool?” They submitted these essays in order to attend our annual Afterschool & Summer Learning Day as Youth Ambassadors on February 19, 2015. The students who participated as Youth Ambas-sadors were able to engage with state leaders and legislators as advocates for their valued programs.

Two of the essays were selected to be read in person at the event. These essays, by Deanna Gann and Henry Padnos, are published in their full length while the remainder of the essays are excerpted. Thank you to all the youth who submitted essays, the programs who helped to facilitate their attendance at the Afterschool & Summer Learning Day, and especially to the staff who provide these programs so that kids in Vermont have a safe and enriching place to be during out-of-school time hours.

Sincerely,

Holly MorehouseExecutive DirectorVermont Afterschool, Inc.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

Ask, Imagine, Create: Youth Voices on the Value of AfterschoolCopyright © 2015 by Vermont Afterschool, Inc.

Vermont Afterschool 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.

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.

www.vermontafterschool.org

2015 Youth Ambassadors

The Youth Ambassador program invites students in grades 5-12 to Montpelier for the annual Afterschool & Summer Learning Day in February. This event brings together expanded learning program providers, partners, parents, students, legislators, and supporters to advance learning and policy around afterschool and expanded learning in Vermont.

The Youth Ambassadors begin the day with a guided tour of the State House and then participate in a workshop on youth voice and advocacy. This workshops includes time to practice having meaningful conversations with their legislators at the luncheon.

Every year legislators remark that they look forward to meeting the youth. Truly, there is no better way to explain why afterschool matters in Vermont than to let the youth share their stories in person.



I’ve been attending the REACH! afterschool program at Hardwick Elementary School since I was six years old. Every afternoon I get the chance to imagine, create, and ask. Over the years I’ve created masterpieces of music, art, drama, gardens, and delicious foods. We imagine ourselves as different people in the plays that we put on in the drama activity. The staff is so wonderful and I feel like I can ask them questions in homework or during our groups and they always make me feel like I can be myself.

At the beginning of each session there are forms sent to every classroom for afterschool activity registrations. The staff gives us new and fun choices for activities each time. Last semester I imagined myself as Dorothy and my afterschool friends were the scarecrow, lion, and tin man in our performance of “The Wizard of Oz.” This semester

we are bringing to life one of my favorite plays: “Annie”!

When I’ve had a rough day at school and I just need to get away from it all, the staff are understanding and help me work it out. The activities are often a great outlet for my frustrations, whether it is playing basketball or digging in the garden.

I’ve really enjoyed the years I’ve had in the afterschool program. This will be my last year in the afterschool program and some day I hope to come back as a staff member so that I can give to other kids what the afterschool program has given to me.

Essay Winner:

Deanna GannGrade 6REACH!

Hardwick, VT



When have I had the opportunity to ask, imagine, and create in afterschool and in summer programs? Here are some examples when I have done just that: in geocach-ing and video club, sailing, pottery, rock climbing, and hiking.

Geocaching and video club are connected because in video club I took the pictures and images we created in geocaching and put them into a movie. In geocaching I learned how to find geocaches. I have found two since the camp ended. I had the opportunity to ask when I was trying to find the foundation of an old house. I then pre-sented what we found to the Essex Historical Center.

When I was younger I was scared to go in sailboats, but then I overcame my fear. At many times I imagined why the boat was made just like it was, I could always create new ideas about boats, and ask the instructor questions. In pottery I have created bowls, plates, and sculptures. I have also asked how to do different techniques and have imagined what the clay would look like finished.

In rock climbing we go to Petra Cliffs, where I imagined that I was climbing up a mountain. I asked myself how to climb up. And I created new ways to climb. In hiking each day we went to different mountains and hiked them. I imagined and remembered what it was like when I had climbed some of the mountains before. I asked if we could do detours and hike a differ-ent way and I created different new paths to hike.

These are the experiences I’ve had in afterschool and summer programs. With each program every kid can ask, imagine, and create new experiences and ideas. And also have real life experiences!

Essay Winner:

Henry PadnosGrade 6

Hunt Middle SchoolBurlington, VT

Maggie AndersonGrade 6

Kingdom Kids at Newark Street School Newark, VT

“One of the times when I was asked to be creative in the afterschool program was when I did the Musaic class. It was a one-time event where we were asked to paint pictures to Jazz music.

When we walked into the room, the teacher told us that she was making a mural for the Catamount Arts Center and she was going to piece all our pictures together and cut them up to make a really awesome mural. Too bad we didn’t get to keep the pictures, but I am even more excited to see the finished mural at Catamount Arts.

Our afterschool program is fun and super creative!”

“Afterschool programs are things that I look forward to at the end of a long school day. I get to have fun and do what I enjoy and just forget about school and homework for an hour or two.

In Destination Imagination, I get to imagine things like pup-pets coming to life or unicorns that throw around glitter. In the play, I get to create the role that I become, make it in my own way, and be someone that I don’t normally act like.

I have had many opportunities in afterschool programs, many enjoyable times doing the program and hanging with friends. Afterschool programs have benefited me in many different ways and I am glad that my school has them.”

Shawn BakerGrade 8

Essex Middle SchoolEssex, VT

“I like afterschool. It makes me feel happy and safe. I have liked the homework time the most because I can get my homework done instead of trying to do it while babysitting at the same time.

In Siskins’ Outdoor Adventures we can imagine that we have no shelter so we have to make one, and it has to be waterproof and warm. I also create in theater class, and we made a whole play of zombie elves and a team of paranor-mal investigators. I would like to learn how to draw dragons someday, and there is a book in the library so I’m going to do that after this.”

Sage BatchelderGrade 6

Kingdom Kids at Miller’s Run SchoolSheffield, VT

“I run the UNBOUND activity called ‘Cupcake Wars.’ At first when I thought about leading a class that I would teach, I got to thinking on how I had a hard time working with younger kids because they always seemed like a lot to handle. Then I found out that I would have to have a teacher to assist me while teaching.

I really enjoy making foods and being creative while doing it. I learned that it doesn’t matter what age you are, you can still have an idea and be heard. I’m very happy with my idea of having an UNBOUND class. I think it is so much fun and if you ever have an idea make sure to share that idea with someone.”

Shawna BeattieGrade 7

UNBOUNDMorrisville, VT

Isabel la BucciGrade 8




“During the afterschool programs I have learned to work as part of a team, how to achieve goals, advocate and dream. The afterschool drama program, in which we have been pre-paring for a play, has helped me socially and academically. There are many lessons that I have learned while on the stage and working together with the rest of my cast to make a performance come to life.

I’ve had a hard time finding the courage to stand in front of a crowd and speak, but now that I have performed and done something I love in front of many people I have conquered that fear.”

“After a long day of school, I get to relax and catch up with friends while having the opportunity to experience things that I normally do not do in school.

During afterschool, I got to learn to sew and create little pillows. This was my favorite class because we got to ex-periment with different things until it looked just right. In storytelling art, I mapped out different stories from my life. I am currently making a book to map out my favorite books that I have read.

These afterschool programs give me a creative way to work on math, history and science without dreading it.”

“Every day after school I get the joy of going to Bridges. That’s the happiest part of my day. First I get to have a snack and either talk or do homework if I have any, and if I don’t then I have more time to learn different things and activities.

I’m glad we have Bridges and glad we have a director that cares about the children. There is one thing I want to do as well: to thank the director and many others who help us raise the money to go to Bridges. And I can’t forget the bus driver who takes time out of his day to drive all around town to drop us off at our houses so we can see our family.”

Brandon BurnsGrade 6

Bridges AfterschoolNorthfield, VT

“I have had many opportunities to be creative afterschool. One program that helps me express myself would be when I am in Word Play, an activity we do with Champlain College.

I have friends that attend the Ping Pong program who have gained confidence and better feelings of themselves while also making friends with their peers. Another program that helps my peers gain confidence would be Chamber Choir. Many I know that attend Chamber Choir step out of their comfort zone and find that they are really good at singing. I really appreciate all the creative opportunities that after-school provides for me and others.”

Kolby DarrahGrade 8

Burlington Kids at Edmunds Middle SchoolBurlington, VT





Janizer Diaz-CartagenaGrade 8

Hunt Middle School Burlington, VT

“Spirals afterschool was one of the programs that opened doors for me to see the reality of what really happens in Bur-lington. In it we were able to ask questions about different groups in Burlington, their lives, and how they get their food. Asking these questions helped me to see how different people look at what being healthy means to them.

Besides Spirals, I’ve got to do many other programs such as Zentangles, beading, and felting that allowed me to explore many things I might not have been able to try if I still lived in Puerto Rico.”

Al iv ia EmersonGrade 5

All-4-OneSpringfield, VT

“I had the opportunity to ask, imagine, and create in after-school when I was in Leadership Club. Leadership Club is all about making fun events for kids and parents.

So far we have held Restaurant Night, when families were invited to come and eat food and have fun! We also did bake sales for the Wizard of Oz Musical we are performing in April 2015 and we did Wings Night when we made wings and have fun and talked to families.”

Lydia FreemanGrade 6


“Afterschool allows me to have fun with my sense of hu-mor. I have fun making life lessons with my best buddy, Jil-lian Algae Haviland (Algae is not actually her middle name). Vanessa, the site coordinator, gives me so many things to teach her. For example, vocabulary words that Jillian and I make up.

During the day the teachers don’t let you write on the board, but in afterschool I write jokes and puns on the board almost all the time even though people erase it. Humor is important because without it life would be a dull, meaningless thing.”

Abigai l Gr immGrade 7


“I’ve had great opportunities to create things in the after-school programs. This year I took a pottery class and a silk screening class during afterschool. I learned how to use the pottery wheel and create many things with it. I couldn’t have been able do any of that without this class, so I’m glad I got the chance to take this course.

It’s been awesome having this opportunity to create these things. Thanks to this class I have learned even more ways of expressing myself. That course was a great chance and I’m glad I took it. All in all, the afterschool program has given me access to things that I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.”





Edward HabeckGrade 8

UNBOUNDMorrisville, VT

“I have been teaching cooking classes in my school through the UNBOUND Program for the last two years. First, I taught my own version of ‘Chopped’ for two semesters. Next, I taught a class named ‘Cooking With Edward’ in which I guided the class through making delicious recipes. Right now, I am teaching my own version of ‘Masterchef’ where my students must complete culinary challenges.

Teaching has really given me a chance to express creativity with my younger peers. UNBOUND has really showed me how to be a leader, and it has even taught more about myself.”

“Bridges Afterschool lets me be creative by having fun with my friends. We have made a family tree and also life lessons for when our “kids” and Vanessa, the site coordinator, all grow up.

We have played in the snow and all bonded by snowshoe-ing out in the cold and by having hot cocoa when we came inside. The last time we went, we went to Garvey Field. I hid in a bush and tried to start a snowball fight with the powdery snow. We also played tag. We get lots of exercise from that!”

J i l l ian Havi lanGrade 6






Kayley HayesGrade 8

Burlington Kids at Edmunds Middle SchoolBurlington, VT

“I have had many fun and memorable times in afterschool. When I go to homework help, I know that I can always ask for help, and get the help I need with a problem but still learn how to do it. Ms. D is always the teacher that makes sure you are able to do certain things and have a ton of fun at the same time.

So many times in afterschool have I realized how amazing and great it is--sometimes I go when I have free time, and just hang around with everyone afterschool.”

“This session I am taking Design and Build where I have to solve problems with limited resources. In another session, I participated in a Robotics class, which was similar to Design and Build but used different technology-based tools and resources. Solving these problems gets a different part of my brain working than I normally use in school. These classes provide different ways to challenge myself.

Cambridge Connections provides opportunities to be cre-ative, use my imagination, and solve problems through ask-ing questions. It is a valuable resource to me because I have made many friends, tried new things, and learned a lot. “

Vio lette MartinGrade 5

Cambridge ConnectionsJeffersonville, VT



Shakiah McCul loughGrade 6

Wonder and WisdomGreensboro, VT

“I like Wonder and Wisdom because we can meet new friends and see our old friends again. Did you know this program has a summer camp where we play and go to the beach at Caspi-an Lake? At the lake we fish and swim.

Every summer we make a float to enter in the Greensboro parade. Two years ago we created a colorful paper maché rooster to ride with us on the float. The town cheered when we went by. Wonder and Wisdom is mostly about having fun and joy, and it’s the best program I have ever went to in my whole life.”

Cody O’BrienGrade 4

All-4-OneSpringfield, VT

“LEAP (All-4-One) is important to Springfield because parents that work late, their children can go to LEAP until 5:30 pm. I like to go to the gym and the game room. Sometimes I go to the homework club. I like to go on field trips with LEAP.

The younger kids go to the yellow room because they do dif-ferent activities than the older kids. You can be at LEAP from kindergarten through 5th grade. I really enjoy going to LEAP. When I get too old to go to LEAP I might be a counselor.”

“I have been participating in REACH! afterschool since I was in 1st grade. It has been an important social time for me when I can hang out with my friends and have conversations that I can’t have during school. It is also gives me a space and time to complete my homework. Without REACH!, I wouldn’t be getting the help I need.

We did an engineering unit creating an air drop box that protected a water balloon. We were asked to imagine that we were delivering water to a country that was in need. Our package was dropped from several feet above the ground. It was a success! When I reflect on this experience, I realize how important it was for my team and I to compromise.”

Jasmine PerryGrade 6REACH!

Hardwick, VT

Laura PrintonGrade 7


“Afterschool programs have many values that make differ-ences in kids’ lives. I’d like to add that if I hadn’t done some of the afterschool programs that I do now, I wouldn’t know half my friends.

In school, kids are taught all kinds of different subjects, from math and science to art and P.E. However, at the end of school hours, learning opportunities don’t end. After school, kids get the learning privileges to learn what is not provid-ed in school hours to get that little bit of extra experience that makes the biggest difference.”

“Being in an afterschool program as a child and a summer program as a young adult helped me grow and become mature both through my actions and my words. During the Summer Soak program, I was a Counselor-in-Training. This let me really see and feel how younger children acted in differ-ent situations, and I enjoyed it very much.

Throughout both programs, the staff were sensational. They not only loved having fun, but they also had a way about them that made me want to listen to them. The Summer Soak program provides an opportunity for two different age groups to collaborate and creates an enjoyable time for all ages!”

Min PurvisGrade 8

Woodstock Union Middle SchoolWoodstock, VT

“When have I ever had the opportunity to ask, imagine, and create in the afterschool program you ask? Well, I ask ques-tions all day long. I never stop asking them. I use my imag-ination in almost every activity that I’m in, it is just like dreaming.

I enjoy creating things, especially in the ‘Animation in Art’ class. In the ‘Animation in Art’ class that I take, I created a thaumatrope. It was pretty cool! It was a jar and when I spun it just right, it made it look like there were lighting bugs inside it.”

Autumn RobertsGrade 7

Kingdom Kids at Lyndon Town SchoolLyndonville, VT

“My favorite day of afterschool this year was building a fort in the woods with the Northwoods Stewardship Center. We got to imagine what we wanted our fort to be like and then create it.

I think imagining makes you feel young because your imagination can take you places you may never see in real life and makes you feel like a kid.

Asking questions makes people feel young because when you’re asking your socializing. I also think that creating makes people feel young because your creation may be similar to other projects, but what you create is unique.”

Sophie RoushGrade 5

Kingdom KidsLyndonville, VT

“I have time to create in afterschool when we cook on Tuesday; we call Tuesdays Foodie Day. Every Tuesday we cook food from different countries, like Italian pizza and Spanish soup. Monday is camp day. Sometimes we go out and explore nature. We went out on the ice at Caspian Lake. Sometimes we make things outside, like tunnels or snow forts.

I like to use my imagination by creating art and games. I like to ask questions about different animals and space. The teachers always help me learn about new things. I think afterschool is awesome.”

Ruth RubleeGrade 5


“Last summer at One Planet I learned how to make Rube Goldberg machines. Rube Goldberg machines are a series of objects that move to do a simple thing. When I made my machine, I tried to make it as close as possible to my draw-ing. After that I tested the machine to see if it worked, and if it didn’t work than I tested it again to see what went wrong. Sometimes I had to adjust things to make it work.

It was a fun experience to make a Rube Goldberg machine, once you make one you want to keep making them over and over. Every time you make them, you get better and better. I want to try this fun experience again.”

Jacob SeaverGrade 5

One PlanetThetford Center, VT

“One day at afterschool we were given the project of making a hobbit hole for Build It Day. I imagined what my hobbit house would look like before I started building it. In my mind it looked like a hill carved out and built into a house with a round door and a door knob in the middle of the door.

The reason I imagined it that way is because I was thinking about what it looked like in the movie and the book. I liked my hobbit house and if it was life sized, I would have want-ed to live in it.”

Liam SecoreGrade 6


“One place where I have the opportunity to ask, imagine and create afterschool is with my Destination Imagination team. Last year our team worked on a science-based challenge of doing a skit where our team had to pretend to prepare for and survive a harsh environment.

Our group decided that our harsh environment would be after a solar flare. I don’t know of another afterschool group where you can do something like that. Destination Imagi-nation is completely student directed. There are adults to manage the team but they are not allowed to say anything that would be an idea for the story.”

Spencer SlatteryGrade 8


“When I first started at Danville School I felt a little lonely. I had no one that I could call a friend. Since starting at ELO I have made many friends. During choice time I have many of the younger kids look up to me to help them with cer-tain projects. I like ELO because when the little kids look up to me I feel like a big sister to them.

I feel more confident about myself and look forward to coming to the afterschool program every day. There is one more thing that I would like to tell you. I am so excited that I got picked to meet you.”



“In the four years that I have been attending the Afterschool Program at Sutton Town School, I have learned so much from the teachers, peers, and even the younger group. In the two hours and fifteen minutes we have here, we learn about teamwork, survival, friendship, and collaboration.

A big part of the Afterschool Program at Sutton is giving the students ‘voice.’ We are asked to lead meetings, activities, and provide assistance during enrichments. Because of this chance to use our voice, we are able to ask questions, imag-ine, and show our creativity each day that we meet.”

Kamryn TrepanierGrade 6

Kingdom Kids at Sutton Town SchoolSutton, VT

“In art club I was able to ask questions like how best to draw a person figure and how to add value without dark-ening a drawing. I was also able to create drawings of still life and faces. This was really fun for me to learn more about something I love to do.

In Zentangles I got to create sketches and drawings of all different things and patterns. I liked this class so much I took it three times. Overall I have not had a moment in any of my afterschool or summer programs where I wasn’t thinking and having a great time.”

Maddie TrybusGrade 6


Documents

Ask, Imagine, Create: Youth Voices on the Value of Afterschool