1. Lead Teacher Meeting Tuesday, September 21, 2015

2. What is Lights On Afterschool? Launched in October 2000 The only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs Organized by the D.C. based Afterschool Alliance More than 8,000 afterschool programs are expected to participate this year!

3. Raise awareness and grow support of Schuylkill ACHIEVE locally and of the effectiveness of afterschool programs nationally Let’s share our afterschool story! Celebrate our successes and year ahead in Schuylkill ACHIEVE Remember the tag line for afterschool programs: “inspire learning, keep kids safe and help working families” Be an advocate for Schuylkill ACHIEVE and afterschool programs Remember that afterschool programs WORK

4. 811, 954 kids in Pennsylvania would participate in an afterschool program if one were available to them (50%) Only 42,559 kids in Pennsylvania participate in a 21 st Century Community Learning Center program-programs that serve children living in high-poverty areas. 321,296 kids in Pennsylvania participate in afterschool programs 74% of parents surveyed in PA agree that afterschool programs help working parents keep their jobs. 85% of parents in PA support public funding for afterschool programs In Pennsylvania, the average cost for 1 child to attend a 36 week program during afterschool time (if one is available) is $4,000.00. The average cost for a 5 week summer program is $1100.00

5. When afterschool participation is highly consistent, there is no gap in low-income and high-income children’s math achievement at grade 5 The more consistent the afterschool participation, the narrower the gap in math achievement The more rarely students participate in afterschool activities, the wider the achievement gap

6. Imperative to make your guests feel welcome! Station greeters! Keep record of attendees Evoke the feeling that your guests and students are a part of something BIG…because THEY ARE! Take photos! Remember a “take away” The Short List: 1.Use time as your “soapbox” 2.Tell your program’s story with past events and your year ahead 3.Share facts about OST time at the national or state level 4.The main event Presentation from guest or legislator Activity to engage both families and students Program tour What has been planned already…