#heartofafterschool

Our educators as afterschool professionals at Kenmoor Middle School. In Reach executive director, Toni Smith, third from left and program coordinator, Kayla Newsome, second from right.

In Reach, Inc. is joining with the National AfterSchool Association to celebrate the professionals that are at the heart of afterschool programs during "Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week" April 24-28, 2017.

There is no way we could operate without the dynamic educators who teach in our College and Career Ready 21st Century Community Learning Center or the superb principals who lead their school communities, Ms. Dorothy Clowers, William Paca Elementary School; Ms. Nancy Schickner, Carrollton Elementary School; and Ms. Maha Fadli, Kenmoor Middle School; and Dr. Lori Taylor at Parkdale High School for providing guidance for our Youth Ambassadors College Access Program. We appreciate you!

Carrollton Elementary School	William Paca Elementary School	Kenmoor Middle  School
Ernesa Bess	Alma Ardita	Annie Arches
Eboney Brisker	Melissa Bates	Mary Bass
Wanda Brooks	Denise Bishop-Edwards	Jeffrey Garcia
Gail Flowers	Sharie Canty	David Green
Shemayne Hooks	Novilen Capadnyan	Beverly Neal
Alisa Kove	Ailyn Carillo	Elizabeth Robinson
Tammy Little	Randi Coward	Gina Urban
Antonio Logan	Renee Mahomed-Washington
Lisa Smith-Parker	Claribel Mendoza
	Aileen Montillano
	Florence Moreno
	Melanie Rich-Neal and Janet Rivera

We are joining the effort because we believe Afterschool professionals make a difference in the life of a child. We encourage you to join us in thanking the afterschool professionals in your life. Here are some ideas on how you can show your appreciation:

• Declare on social media: "I believe Afterschool professionals make a difference in the life of a child. #heartofafterschool"
• Give a hand-written card from you and/or your child to the afterschool professional in your life.
• Send an email to an afterschool professional's supervisor describing why that person is appreciated.
• Make treats for the staff at your afterschool program. For more resources and information check out www.heartofafterschool.com.

#heartofafterschool

In Reach, Inc. 

Celebrates the Heart of Afterschool Programs During the First Ever

“AFTERSCHOOL PROFESSIONALS APPRECIATION WEEK”

April 25-29, 2016

Prince George’s County, MD, April 25, 2016 – In Reach, Inc., is joining with the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) to celebrate the professionals that are at the heart of afterschool programs during the first ever “Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week” April 25-29, 2016.

“We believe Afterschool professionals make a difference in the life of a child,” said Executive Director Toni Smith “We encourage everyone to join us this week in thanking the afterschool professionals in their lives.”

Why is it important to recognize Afterschool Professionals?

An estimated 10.2 million children participate in afterschool programs each year. Today, afterschool programs are viewed as much more than just childcare. They are widely credited as the way to enhance education in STEM, literacy, the arts, social and emotional learning, health and wellness, and more. With that demand comes increased responsibility on the estimated 850,000 of professionals who are making a difference in the lives of our children.

What is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week?

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a joint effort of community partners, afterschool programs, youth and child care workers, and individuals who have committed to dedicating time to recognize and appreciate those who work with youth during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations and public relations efforts to encourage people to thank afterschool professionals serving children in programs and organizations across the nation.

Who is an Afterschool Professional?

An Afterschool Professional is someone who works with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings to provide a wide variety of extended learning opportunities and care during out-of-school hours. Currently, there is an estimated 850,000 afterschool professionals in the US.

How can I thank an Afterschool Professional?

--Declare on social media: “I believe Afterschool professionals make a difference in the life of a child. #heartofafterschool”

--Give a hand-written card from you and/or your child to the afterschool professional in your life.

--Send an email to an afterschool professional’s supervisor describing why that person is appreciated.

--Make treats for the staff at your afterschool program.

When was Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week introduced?

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week was announced during the NAA Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, on March 20, 2016, by NAA President & CEO Gina Warner.

For more information about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week visit: http://www.heartofafterschool.com. For more information about In Reach visit www.inreachinc.org or call 301.357.8433.

Prince George's County's Finest - Excellence Always!

 L-R, Mr. Cliff Barnes, Hon. Ingrid Turner, NHC President Tomeka Bumbry, Program Chair, Crystal Christmas-Watson,
In Reach's Executive Director, Toni Smith, and Mr. Ronnie Gathers

Prince George's County's Finest - Founder and Executive Director Toni A. Smith Receives Award of Excellence in Education

Prince George’s County, Maryland – On Sunday, April 10, 2016, In Reach’s Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Toni A. Smith, received an Award of Excellence in Education from the National Harbor Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., during its Fifth Anniversary Celebration. “How appropriate,” she said “for me to receive my first Award of Excellence from an organization that values family, education and service. It does not get much better than this.” 

Since its inception in December 1999, Ms. Smith has worked tirelessly to build In Reach into a full-fledged community-focused education organization with the primary goal of bringing opportunity in reach to more students in their communities. Starting with forty students attending two partner schools, an elementary afterschool program and an in-school high school program, both programs focused on preparing students for college, work and life. Today, In Reach provides afterschool programs to nearly two hundred students attending Title I schools through its K-8 College and Career Ready 21^st Century Community Learning Center and Youth Ambassadors College Access High School Program. 

Having worked in a variety of local and national youth advocacy nonprofit environments, Ms. Smith has over twenty-five years of experience in nonprofit service, management and leadership. She has a long-standing commitment to children's issues and an intimate understanding of the wide array of social justice issues faced by children, youth and families. Professionally, she has found her greatest joy through In Reach where she is able to bring her whole self to improving the lives of children and youth, empowering women and girls to reach their full potential, and promoting the vital work of the nonprofit sector. 

Ms. Smith was delighted to share the spotlight with three other amazing recipients: the Honorable Ingrid M. Turner, Esq., for Civic Excellence; Mr. Ronnie Gathers, director of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, MD for Recreational Excellence; and Mr. Cliff Barnes, member Epstein Becker & Green in the Health Care and Life Sciences Practice for Excellence in Health. However, the true star of the evening was Mr. Brandon C. Welcome, the National Harbor Chapter’s first Scholarship Awardee and student in the Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George’s Community College, graduating this year with a 4.25 GPA and a plan to attend Morehouse College in the fall to major in Political Science.

In Reach, Inc., is a tax exempt 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization designed to prepare students for college, work and life. Founded in 1999, In Reach envisions healthy, productive and prepared young adults in every family. To learn more about In Reach, visit www.inreachinc.org. In Reach is currently celebrating its sixteenth year, #TheBIGSixteen.

Turn the Lights On Afterschool!

On October 22, more than a million people in thousands of schools and communities across the United States will turn their lights on for afterschool by joining the only national rally for afterschool programs.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, more than 8,000 afterschool programs are expected to participate in the 16th annual Lights On Afterschool. The day will take shape in various community service events, museums, parks and recreation facilities, state capitols, malls, and other settings.

Here in Prince George’s County, we are honored and excited to take part in our third Lights On Afterschool event in collaboration with our partner school, Carrollton Elementary, at their Fall Harvest Festival on October 23, with crafts, relay races and workshops that celebrate afterschool programs as they keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families.

Lights On Afterschool is organized by the Afterschool Alliance to bring attention to the need to invest in afterschool programs, which provide homework help, healthy snacks, mentoring, physical fitness, robotics, computer programming, community service opportunities, art and music, college readiness, and countless opportunities for hands-on learning.

“Quality afterschool programs help students hone their skills and discover their passions, preparing them to succeed in school and in life,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “Lights On Afterschool events give children and youth the chance to showcase the talents they develop at their afterschool programs, which offer hands-on, engaging activities that are both educational and fun. But too many afterschool programs are without the resources they need to serve all the children in their communities who need them and families, schools, communities and the country suffer as a result.”

During the 2015 celebration, In Reach is looking forward to raising awareness about the value and necessity of afterschool programs in Prince George’s County, MD. In Reach's Executive Director, Toni Smith shared, "Afterschool programs are an extremely valuable extension of the school day that all children should have access to."

Help us protect afterschool funding. Sign the petition! For more information visit: www.afterschoolalliance.org

#ThankaPrincipal During National Principals Month

National Principals Month recognizes the essential role that principals play in making a school great. Here at In Reach we know just how important the role of the principal is in facilitating not just all of the happenings in the school, but also in building community partnerships to make each of their schools even better. This is what each one of our principals have in common. They understand their vital role in shaping and leading a robust academic community.

We are pleased to join the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) in honoring these unsung heroes for their tireless efforts in pursuit of excellence in education.

In Reach salutes the awesome principals of its partner schools. They rock!!!

Dorothy Clowers, William Paca Elementary School

Nancy Schickner, Carrollton Elementary School

Maha Fadli, Kenmoor Middle School

David Curry, Charles Carroll Middle School

Tanya Washington, Parkdale High School

 #ThankaPrincipal today!

What does public lands, partnerships and service have in common?

MEDIA ALERT

September 15, 2015

Contact: Arielle Reynoso, Partner Engagement Specialist

Areynoso@inreachinc.org

The LEAPing Frogs Community Garden

The Value of Public Lands, Partnerships and Community Service

On Saturday, September 19^th Students, family members, teachers and volunteers “LEAP” (Learning. Environmental Engagement. Awareness. Productivity.) into a day of active volunteerism and ownership in beautifying school grounds prior to and in honor of National Public Lands Day.

In Reach and Carrollton Elementary School have planned a day of activities to raise environmental awareness, encourage an active lifestyle and build community in the New Carrollton city of Prince George’s County, MD. A collaborative event, funded by a grant from the Maryland's Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism, will take place on September 19^th from 9am to 11am.

The day will consist of a general clean-up of the garden area, removal of invasive plants, planting of tulips and preparing the garden for the winter. Additionally, volunteers will take part in pre-planting stretching and light exercising inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move Outside” children’s health initiative as it aligns directly with the vision and goal in our growing partnership with Prince George’s County schools and in this event. In a report provided by Alliance of a Healthier Generation, Maryland is the 21^st most obese state in the U.S. for children at a shocking 32% while the physical inactivity rate is at a solid 25%. Our event will help decrease screen and couch time and get the children of the Carrollton Elementary community on their feet and outdoors to take part in a meaningful day which will bring the community together and create something beautiful to bloom.

Although National Public Lands Day is formally taking place on September 26^th, it is the nation’s largest volunteer event acknowledging public lands. According to the National Environment Education Foundation in 2014, about 175,000 volunteers took part in this event at various sites across the nation! National Public Lands Day is a fantastic opportunity to get off the couch and out into the beautiful outdoors. Volunteers can participate as a family, with a school, community or other national organizations and non-profits. All volunteers will undoubtedly get the satisfaction that comes from preserving and protecting public lands, along with physical exercise and family and community togetherness in a day full of, planting, enhancing and beautifying.

For more information about National Public Lands Day and if you want to learn more about how to get involved at site near you visit their website at publiclandsday.org. To learn more about In Reach visit our website.

In Reach is a nonprofit organization with the mission of preparing students for college, work and life. It organizes on-going events with its students, their families, partner schools, and other community members and entities to raise awareness, educate and build relationships to reduce the issues that challenge its mission specifically those associated with poverty. 

Upcoming Opportunities

Who Is In Your Posse?

We want to nominate you!

In Reach is a community-based nominating organization to the Posse Foundation, a national organization that identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes.

In Reach can nominate 10 rising seniors (currently in the 11^th grade)  from Prince George's County for the chance of a four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarship. The Posse Foundation will extend to selected students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams - Posses - of 10 students.

If you are a rising senior who is just awesome and believe you should have an opportunity to join a "Posse" and you are not being nominated by your school, please email Mrs. Katrina Robinson, manager of college access programs, krobinson@inreachinc.org for more information. In the subject line of your email type: Posse. Mrs. Robinson will contact you with further information or call 240.334.6167.

For more information about both organizations, visit In Reach and the Posse Foundation.

High School Training Internship Program

In Reach is planning the launch of its High School Internship Training Program this summer. A training program for rising juniors (current 10^th grade students), the four week program is designed to equip students with the appropriate employment, social, and workplace etiquette skills to thrive in a professional environment.

Students will receive training and then be placed in a two week internship to practice utilization of their new skills. If interested, please send an email to Ms. Samantha Trotter, partner engagement specialist, at strotter@inreachinc.org. In the subject line of your email type: HSITP. Ms. Trotter will contact you with further information or call 240.334.6167.

Congratulations to our 2015 Nominees!

In Reach is pleased to present the 18 amazing parents nominated for its Fourth Annual Celebrating Amazing Prince George's County Parents Awards. 

Mark & Monique Adams

Gwendolyn Allen

Nicole Barnett

Gayle Brown

LaShawn James

Mary Lane

Sharon Lewis

Janice Lofland

Robert Mathieu

Jerrod Mustaf

Dina Nance

Lisa Ojeda-Brown

Christine Price

Sherry A. Rather

Debbie Robinson

Ayanna Niambi Shorter

Cynthia Weaver

Join us on Sunday, June 14 to celebrate these amazing parents.

Purchase an Ad in our Program Journal.

“Libraries are for making . . . communities stronger.” #TTW15

Fairmount Heights Library

On Wednesday, March 18, members of In Reach's Girls of Worth Literacy Club at William Paca Elementary (sixth grade girls) and the Quantum Project at Kenmoor Middle School (eighth graders) celebrated YALSA’s Teen Tech Week “Libraries are for Making...”at Fairmount Heights Library. Teen Tech Week is when libraries make the time to showcase all of the great digital resources and services that are available to help teens succeed in school and prepare for college and 21st century careers.

The staff at Fairmount Heights Library rock! They engaged students, each group for ninety minutes, in a session of coding and a session working in the new Dream Lab which is set up like a studio with all of the bells and whistles, and students were encouraged to check out books at end of the visit, which many of them did. From the computers that students can learn and practice coding on, to simply checking out books, whether online or in-person, there are so many wonderful options available to children, youth and families right at their neighborhood library. Options that can help make our communities stronger by increasing and supporting literacy from every angle. The Prince George’s County public library system has even made it easier for students to apply for their own library card.

One of our goals, this school year, was to engage as many students as possible in the use of their neighborhood library. The PGCMLS offers homework help electronically or via telephone and assistance with preparing resumes and much more for adults. Our libraries offer teens a space to extend their learning beyond the classroom where they can explore, create, share content and connect in meaningful ways to gain the digital literacy skills they need to be successful.

For more information about library services in Prince George’s County, MD, contact www.pgcmls.info.

YALSA - Young Adult Library Services Association, http://www.ala.org/yalsa/

What do adults and Dr. Seuss have in common?

On March 17, In Reach staff and guest readers from Kentland Palmer Park’s Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNi) celebrated Read Across America day with eager elementary-aged students from the area. Each year, on Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2, students everywhere celebrate his life and legacy by reading a good book. Inclement weather conditions may have delayed the celebration this year but not the fun of two events enjoyed in one - Dr. Seuss and St. Patrick’s Day. The Kentland Community Center’s Aftercare program services all school-aged students, while most commonly students are kindergarten to sixth grade.

After In Reach staff gave a hearty welcome, students watched Dr. Seuss on the Loose, a short film collection of three Seuss sing-a-long stories The Sneetches, The Zax and Green Eggs and Ham. Shortly afterwards, students were separated by grade level and our guest readers took over. Each guest reader read as many of their favorite childhood stories as they had time to read. With enthusiasm and the excitement of young children themselves, it was apparent, by the brightness in the children's eyes, that the adults were fully engaging each one of them and having a great time as well.

Before dismissal everyone enjoyed a delicious treat of St. Patrick’s Day themed cake and each student was able to choose one Scholastic book and a bookmark to take home. This celebration marked the official launch of In Reach’s Catch Them by Third Power of Literacy Program pilot at Kentland Community Center for second grade students designed to inspire and help them build literacy skills, ensure that they are able to continue to develop literacy skills throughout the summer, and help families foster language and literacy skill development in their young children.

Thank you to our awesome TNi guest readers: Lavinia Baxter, Ralph Moultrie, and Alexia Clark, and In Reach’s Dream Team: Katrina Robinson, program manager; Samantha Trotter, AmeriCorps VISTA partner engagement specialist and organizer of the day’s activities; Randi Coward, afterschool program facilitator; and Toni Smith, executive director.

Take Action! January is #Poverty Awareness Month

In recognition of Poverty Awareness Month, In Reach has prepared an informative calendar of useful resources for everyday of the month, and an accompanying infographic that provides a snapshot of Prince George's County's poverty indicators.

Poverty is the number one challenge to our mission - preparing students for college, work and life. So many of our students and their families are affected by poverty. It rears its ugly head in every imaginable way, all usually recognizable in an educational setting. We see its affects when we work with a student who can not read proficiently, who may be homeless, receive inadequate health care, is food insecure, and/or lacks self confidence. 

Please share the calendar and infographic with your family, friends, colleagues, political and civic leaders and others to raise awareness about this often misunderstood and polarizing epidemic and join us in becoming a part of the solution, a poverty buster, to reduce its horrible affects.

Save the Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2014!

If you can't join us on Tuesday, consider supporting In Reach in one of the following ways:

• If you are an amazing parent or know someone who is, purchase In Reach’s “I Am An Amazing Parent” t-shirt in gray, red, or pink (Ladies T) and gray or sapphire (Unisex). The purchase of one t-shirt will provide a student with $25 worth of books while participating in our new Power of Literacy Program in partnership with Scholastic’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE™) Initiative to help students build literacy skills. 

• Making a workplace contribution via the Maryland Charity Campaign, designation code #6720. 

• Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 2, 2014, the big day, #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. We would appreciate your support in raising funds to support the development and implementation of our High School Internship Training Program, a much needed resource to help prepare rising juniors to interact and conduct themselves in professional settings.

We appreciate your support! Please share.

Lights On #Afterschool!

Prince George's County Council Member Ingrid M. Turner, Esq. (D-4) and Kentland Community Center afterschool students

Contact: Samantha Trotter

240.334.6167

What Does a Nonprofit Organization and Community Center Have in Common?

Collaboration is Key in Afterschool

Landover, MD | On Thursday, October 23, 2014, In Reach, Inc. in collaboration with the Kentland Community Center celebrated Lights On Afterschool, the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. 

Forty students ranging in kindergarten to eighth grade from surrounding schools enjoyed an afternoon full of activities including decorating paper light bulbs, Lights On’s symbol, competing in a relay race, and sharing reasons why they love their afterschool program.  While some students took home winning prizes, everyone took home a book bag filled with goodies. “Our Lights On Afterschool celebration was a huge success thanks to In Reach. The kids were still talking about all of the fun they had days later,” commented Tarik Brown, Director of the Kentland Community Center.

All over the country public officials recognized the special day. Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley signed a proclamation claiming October 23^rd the official Lights On Afterschool Day in the State as well did the Prince George’s County Council in a proclamation presented by Council Member Ingrid M. Turner, Esq. (District 4) to In Reach and the Kentland Community Center for their hard work and dedication to providing children with afterschool programming in Prince George’s County.

  

In Reach and the Kentland Community Center are both members of the Kentland-Palmer Park Transforming Neighborhood Initiative (TNi), one of six neighborhoods in the County that face significant economic, health, public safety and educational challenges. Several TNi members attended and supported the event. Corey Smedley, Team Leader, Kentland-Palmer Park TNi shared, “Education is the key to success and our County Executive, Rushern L. Baker, III, has set the vision for the County. Whether it is integrated school governance or Transforming Neighborhood Initiatives, education is the foundation, and improvements will take a collaborative effort.” 

This collaborative event was just one of many that took place in the county, and all over the state, committing to increase awareness about the value of afterschool programs and their necessity. It is just one way In Reach and the Kentland Community Center work to continuously expand its afterschool opportunities in Prince George’s County. Afterschool programs play a pivotal role in keeping kids safe and healthy, inspiring them to learn, and relieving working parents of worries about their children’s activities during the afternoon hours.

# # # #

In Reach, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, mission is to prepare students for college, work and life.

Kentland Community Center is a facility of the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children have access to quality afterschool programs, organizes Lights On Afterschool. Read more about the importance and value of afterschool programs at www.afterschoolalliance.org. 

Turning Dreams into Reality at Largo-Kettering Public Library - Celebrating #TeenReadWeek

Every year the Young Adult Library Services Association celebrates Teen Read Week, its purpose is to encourage teens to be regular readers and library users. In Reach’s own Girls of Worth Afterschool Literacy Club visited the Largo-Kettering Public Library, one of their neighborhood libraries, in celebration of Teen Read Week. The group included 19 sixth grade girls, In Reach Executive Director, Toni A. Smith, Manger, College Access Programs, Katrina Robinson, and Partner Engagement Specialist and trip organizer, Samantha Trotter.

Largo-Kettering branch director, Devon Holland, opened her doors to the Girls of Worth. She gave an impromptu tour and provided the opportunity for each young lady to sign up for the new Student Library Card. This new card allows students to check out a limited number of items without a financial burden. The girls were intrigued to learn of some of the overlooked resources Prince George’s County Metropolitan Library Services offer. Some of which include online homework help, test prep sessions and access to online movie and music streaming all with their library card.

After the tour and discussion the girls had a chance to familiarize themselves with the branch. This time was filled with chatter between the young ladies about their favorite genres of literature as well as which books they would begin next. The bus ride home was filled with excitement. The girls discussed how they would be visiting the branch and checking out books, music and movies as soon as they received their new card. This Teen Read Week event met its goal of encouraging teens, in this case preteens, to be more frequent readers and library visitors! 

The Girls of Worth Afterschool Literacy Club is back!

First Team Win of the Year - Crossing the River Activity

Our Girls of Worth Afterschool Literacy Club is back in session for the 2014-2015 academic year with 19 sixth grade girls! Now entering its second year at William Paca ES in Landover, MD, another amazing program year is underway.

The purpose of Girls of Worth is to prepare girls for middle school by engaging them in fun, hands-on and confidence building activities that will strengthen them academically and further develop their 4C's - communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity - 21st century "super" skills.  

This year, in addition to using the Kindle Fire, we have added Practutor, an online tutoring program that customizes learning for each student based on individual skills and empowers them to master every concept of the Common Core Standards, to help strengthen the girls reading and math skills. Club members will also become pen pals and organize and implement a community service project.

Stay tuned for much more from these awesome girls!