NAA's second Let's Talk the Future of Afterschool conversation, held on May 20, 2020, welcomed Jonathan Melendez, Coordinator, Fairfax County (Virginia) Out-of-School Time Network, and focused on school and afterschool coordination as we move forward towards reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 2013 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that those who are victims of bullying are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and poor school adjustment, and those who bully others are at increased risk for substance abuse, academic problems, and violence later in life. Learn more about bullying and how to prevent it with materials from the Montgomery County Collaboration Council for Children and Families.

4 ways to enhance orientation before the new school year starts

As fall is approaching and the new school year is underway, most afterschool programs have begun the cycle of hiring and orientating new staff. As you dust off your orientation packets and new staff checklists, this can be a perfect time to evaluate your current methods and consider new strategies that may increase effectiveness and assist your new employees in surviving the new school year. This critical time can be challenging for new staff, existing staff, families, and program participants.