Weekly Media Roundup: March 24, 2021

Helping Kids Cope with Changes Through Storytelling, KGUN 9 (Arizona)

At the Literacy Connects afterschool program in Tucson, Arizona, middle schoolers brainstorm ideas for skits, write their own original scripts, and work together to rehearse and film the scenes. Literacy Connects has offered virtual programming this year to keep students engaged, help them cope with stress, and develop their skills in writing, speaking, teamwork and more. “We hope to give them these skills that will help them with their future because it can definitely help in the workplace,” Youth Center Site Coordinator Alyssa Ruiz told KGUN 9. “We want to make sure they're not out there, you know, getting into trouble. So, if there's a space here where they can hang out and also learn some good skills, I think it could do well for their future.”

Invest in Out-of-School Time to Revive RI Economy, The Providence Journal (Rhode Island)

In a guest column for the Providence Journal, Rhode Island College Youth Development Program faculty members Corinne McKamey and Victoria Restler outline the many reasons investing in out-of-school time (OST) programs is essential to recovering from the pandemic. They note that OST programs provide students with crucial social and emotional support and help them succeed in school, and that OST benefits families and the economy by helping parents work. “Our young people — and especially working-class youth of color — have been navigating immense financial, educational, emotional and health challenges. Out-of-school time programming can be a bridge toward healing and growth for youth, families and our state,” McKamey and Restler wrote.

Local Resources Help Students Get Back On Track After Falling Behind Academically Due to the Pandemic, KPRC (Texas)

For the past year, the Hester House afterschool program in Houston, Texas has continued to provide virtual academic help as well as enrichment activities for all of its students. “We’ve definitely seen a big increase in parents needing help,” Andrea Sankey, Hester House’s development director, told KPRC. “We have a vested interest in making sure that our students succeed and that they aren’t just supported academically but are able to support students and families holistically as well.” In addition to tutoring, students can take part in chess, music and virtual yoga.

A Heartfelt Thank You, Mountain Democrat (California)

In a letter to the editor in the Mountain Democrat, Placerville Union School District Superintendent Eric Bonniksen highlighted the many nonprofits, government agencies and community leaders that have stepped up to meet the needs of students in Placerville, California during this unprecedented school year. Bonniksen expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado County and the El Dorado County Office of Education to support students through out-of-school time programming. “Your willingness to open your doors while still complying with state safety guidance allowed students to succeed. We know that those decisions were not easy but we have never been more appreciative of the partnership we have,” Bonniksen wrote.