Dedication | Patience | Love - #TeacherAppreciationWeek

Our amazing team at William Paca Elementary School in Landover, MD
In Reach Executive Director Toni Smith (far left) and Principal Dorothy Clowers (third from right)

During Teacher Appreciation Week, In Reach warmly thanks all of the amazing educators it is fortunate to work with in the Prince George's County Public School System to implement its College and Career Ready 21st Century Community Learning Center Program and Youth Ambassadors College Access High School Program. We could not do our work without these awesome educators. They are an intricate part of our existence and make our work possible.

This week, we recognize our educators for their

Dedication - most people do not understand the level of dedication it takes to manage a classroom with twenty or more personalities, learn each personality, teach each unique child, give assignments, grade them, complete assessments, talk to parents and so much more and this is all in one day!

Patience - with so much on their plate every day including working with partners like In Reach, usually after an already long day, we are thankful for their patience. 

Love - there is no way they could do all that they do without love. Although working with children can be very fulfilling, only love for them could truly sustain the amount of energy required to perform each day. We know this from experience.

Today, we recognize and thank each and everyone of our amazing and awesome educators.

William Paca Elementary School
Alma Ardita
Denise Bishop-Edwards
Novilen Bendebel Capadngan
Lisa-Michele Dunmore
Lekitta Epps
Renee Mahomed-Washington
Claribel Mendoza
Aileen Montillano
Florence Moreno
Teixeira Reynolds
Janet Rivera
Beverly Wilborn-Butler

Carrollton Elementary School
Ernesa Bess
Eboney Brisker
Tiffany Dupree
Rebecca Harrison
Edwin Ibias
Alisa Kove
Karen Mack
Teresa Trozzo

Kenmoor Middle School
Randi Coward
Jasmine Davis
Jeffrey Garcia
Beverly Neal 
Elizabeth Robinson
Maya Webb

Parkdale High School
Erica Bullock
Shayne Swift
Melvin Twine

#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.

#Money, Money, Money!

April is National Financial Literacy Month, the perfect time for a financial health checkup. For parents, especially, I am certain there are times where it feels like there is simply not enough money to go around. Between buying food, paying bills, and having enough funds for transportation, the money doesn’t seem last too long. Now is a great time to make a change. No matter what your finances look like today, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Here are five tips to get you started on your journey to better financial health:

1. $ave whatever you can, just get started. If you have $10 and can only save $1, then save $1. The important thing is that you begin to form a habit of saving, the more you do it the more you will want to do it and will begin to think about doing it.

2. Educate yourself on financial matters. The more you know, the better you will be able to plan. There is a lot to learn— everything from investing to retirement—so take your time. Look for free classes at your local library and through community organizations including your place of worship.

3. Think twice, purchase once. Do you really need whatever you are about to purchase? Really? 

4. Include everyone in your household. There is strength in numbers. When you work together as a team, everyone moving in the same direction, you are more likely to be successful. This includes the children too. 

5. Don’t compare yourself to others. We must all run our own race. Don’t let what others are doing with their money determine your course. Stay focused on your plan. 

For a full checkup, visit www.mymoney.gov to learn more about the five building blocks for managing and growing your money.

Special #Education Day - Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Today is Special Education Day. This day, in 1975, marks when United States President Gerald Ford signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, known today as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) into law.

Special Education Day, first celebrated in 2005, marks the anniversary of that very first special education law. The landmark law guarantees, “A free and appropriate public education to children with disabilities.” The law provides equal opportunities and access for more than 6 million students with disabilities and special needs. Since the law’s enactment, several programs have been implemented to help students with disabilities due to Special Education Day.

The Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services has programs and services related to infants and youth with disabilities and their families. These programs range from early intervention, preschool special education, access to nonpublic schools, Medical Assistance for school-health related services, autism programs and other mental health initiatives.

Find out more about programs and support available for children with disabilities in Prince George’s County, Maryland at http://www1.pgcps.org/specialeducation/ and nationally, https://ccrs.osepideasthatwork.org/, and http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html.

Great Public #Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility

In Reach was pleased to celebrate American Education Week with and the National Education Association. The week-long event, November 16- 20, 2015, celebrates public education and honors individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child in America receives a quality education.

This year’s theme, "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility," reflects on the National Education Association’s vision of calling upon every American to do their part in “making public schools great for every child so that they can grow and achieve in the 21^st century.” Each year, In Reach works with one of its partner schools to hold a special event and this year was no exception. Our amazing Youth Ambassadors at Parkdale High School showed their appreciation for teachers, substitute teachers and support staff with thank you cards, delicious delights, and by making their very own video showing gratitude for the amazing individuals that dedicate themselves to providing students with the best support and quality education.