Author: handala

Wenas Mammoth Foundation—bringing earth science to life in Central Washington

By Adriana Zazula

What if we told you that Mammoths roamed Washington 16,000 years ago? What if we told you that you and your family could see it for yourself? The Wenas Mammoth Foundation (WMF) prides themselves on doing just that. Since 2005 the organization has welcomed the community, from archaeologists to kindergartners, to visit their property to dig for and examine Mammoth bones. Why? Because they love earth science and think you should too.  When we first discovered the mammoth—although we usually tell people it found us—we knew it was an opportunity to get the community involved in earth science. We wanted … [ ]

Building Quality in Washington State

By Sarah Terry & Sheely Mauck

The origins of quality improvement Since 2008, School’s Out Washington has been leading the effort to build and sustain a quality improvement system for expanded learning programs. The impetus for this work is grounded in the belief that all children deserve the opportunity to thrive and an understanding of how historical inequities continue to limit opportunity for children experiencing poverty and racial oppression.  The reality is that schools cannot meet these challenges on their own. We need an integrated approach to learning across the day and year to narrow opportunity gaps and amplify classroom learning. We know that children and … [ ]

Thriving as a Leader in Changing Times

By SOWA

Belonging to a team, feeling valued and respected (as a whole person, not just “as an employee”), and being encouraged to innovate–this kind of culture enables us to adapt during challenging times, and it emerges when we lead by integrating racial equity and social and emotional learning to create equitable environments for youth and adults. Join us to explore what it means to be this kind of leader, and how each of us, from wherever we stand within organizations, can work towards building thriving organizations. 

Summer Learning Week

By SOWA

National Summer Learning Week is a celebration dedicated to elevating the importance of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy every summer, ensuring they return to school ready to succeed in the year. 

Best starts and best practices—how 2020 highlighted the importance of out-of-school time

By Lex Gavin

In February 2020, the Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School Time Initiative (BSK OST) was heading into its final year of implementation. Then COVID hit, and communities across King County (and the world) were left scrambling to support each other through unimaginable challenges. Youth development workers navigated alarming funding cuts, rapidly changing safety protocols, school closures and the creation of virtual learning strategies, and the profound trauma their youth, families, and staff teams experience. A spotlight is now on the unique and vital role our field plays within the landscape of our communities—it’s never been more apparent how much our work … [ ]

Students get an up close look into the judicial system

By Brianna Kirschenbaum

Originally created for teachers, Judges in the Classroom is now open to youth development programs. Created by The Washington Courts, Case Method Institute, and Harvard Business School Professor David Moss this program provides up-to-date, free, curriculum-aligned, K-12 lesson plans for judges to present at your site any time during the year (currently through Zoom). The lessons are interactive and provide students with a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the legal and judicial systems as well as the basic concept of fairness. Lesson plans and supporting materials are free and are easily accessible to download.  High-quality civic education is crucial in equipping youth with the knowledge necessary for meaningful community … [ ]