Message From Co-Chairs

Children and youth across the Commonwealth need our help and support to become caring and productive members of our society. As Co-Chairs of this Special Commission, we welcome your input as we work together with our 36 members to craft recommendations on how best to support the healthy development of children and youth when they are in and out of school. In addition to the Commission meetings about this critical issue, we intend to hold at least nine public hearings across the Commonwealth. We are aware that not everyone will be able to attend and and invite you to use this blog to communicate with us about your issues and concerns. We look forward to your comments.

Posting Rules and Etiquette

We welcome and value your feedback and ask that you do the following in order to post your comments to this blog. 1. To provide your first and last name and the town or city in which you live to help us track the feedback statewide. 2. To label your comments so we can direct your feedback to the right Commission Work Group. The Commission's three Work Groups are: 1) Information and Access; 2) Quality, Workforce and Professional Development and 3) Sustainability. If your comments cut across all three Work Groups, please label that as "Crosscutting Issue". 3. To add constructive and professional comments - rude or profane comments will be deleted. Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Special Commission to Hold Final Hearing in Boston on September 20

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
Announces Public Hearing

Special Commission to Convene Tenth and Final Public Hearing in Boston, September 25, 5 PM - 8 PM

Boston, Massachusetts - September 24, 2007 — The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces its tenth and final public hearing to be held at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School on Tuesday, September 25 from 5 PM - 8 PM in the Auditorium located at 885 Washington Street in Boston. Before the public hearing, from 3 PM—4 PM, the Special Commission members will be visiting the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School at 120 Fisher Avenue in Mission Hill. Founded in 1999 the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School is a 6-8 grade public school serving 200 students. Its mission is to prepare students to enter, succeed and graduate from college.

This Special Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to "study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out of school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."

Led by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), the Chair of the Senate's Labor and Workforce
Development Committee and Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston), the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the 36 member Commission has committed to holding ten public hearings throughout the state to gather input about the Commonwealth's afterschool system. Youth, parents, community and faith-based providers, law enforcement officials, educators, funders, business and other community leaders are expected to attend and provide testimony.

"We have a historic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, youth and families," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Since a quality workforce is a linchpin of the afterschool system, we need to identify solutions to strengthen it. We look forward to gathering information from the public hearings and site visits that will help us figure out this and other ways to better serve children and youth when they are not in school."

"Currently, Massachusetts provides afterschool programs to approximately 20% of the
Commonwealth's school age population," noted Representative Marie St. Fleur. "It is well documented that the time period between 2PM and 6PM is the most hazardous, if unsupervised, for children of that age. It is clear that we need to closely examine how public/private partnerships can leverage existing resources to serve more children and youth to coordinate and strengthen a system of afterschool and expanded learning that promotes their healthy development. The public hearings and site visits will help us to hear from all stakeholders on this important matter."

“At Roxbury Prep, we believe that our students and families deserve enriching extended day/out of school time programs”, said Joshua Phillips, Co-Director of the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School. “Unfortunately, most out of school time activities are considered ‘extras’ by many schools and communities. However, we feel that they are an essential component of a child’s education and help us accomplish our mission of preparing students to enter, succeed in, and graduate from college.”

1.1 Million School Aged Children and Youth in Massachusetts
There are 1.1 million school aged children and youth ages 5-18 that live in Massachusetts. Of that group, 720,000 are children ages 5-13 and 380,000 are youth ages 14-19. Current state funding serves 205,500 children and youth leaving nearly 80% without access to quality and enriching afterschool and summer opportunities.

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time intends to study this issue more in-depth. In addition to holding the nine public hearings, it will also convene three working groups that will 1) analyze information and access issues; 2) identify quality, workforce and professional development concerns, and 3) determine how the afterschool system in the Commonwealth can be sustained. The Special Commission expects to issue a report in the fall of 2007 that will have recommendations in these areas which will strengthen the Commonwealth's
afterschool system.

About The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time has been created 'to study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out-of-school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
For More Information Contact:
Debra McLaughlin, Consultant to the Commission
dmclaughlin@kunnusta.com
617.792.3173

Visit Our Blog:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.blogspot.com

Visit Our Website:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.org

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Special Commission Issues Press Release for Lynn Public Hearing

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
Announces Public Hearing


Special Commission to Convene Ninth Public Hearing in Lynn, September 20,
5 PM - 8 PM

Boston, Massachusetts - September 19, 2007 — The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces its ninth public hearing to be held at the North Shore Community College on Thursday, September 20 from 5 PM - 8 PM in the Gymnasium of the McGee Building located at 300 Broad Street in Lynn. Before the public hearing, from 3 PM—4 PM, the Special Commission members will be visiting the Gregg House and Girls, Inc. of Lynn, located at 106 Broad Street and 112 Market Street in Lynn respectively. The Gregg Neighborhood House is a program that serves 280 children annually ages 5 through 13; they have 300 children on their waiting list for services. Girls Inc., of Lynn operates afterschool programs for girls ages 6—18.

This Special Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to "study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out of school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."

Led by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), the Chair of the Senate's Labor and Workforce
Development Committee and Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston), the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the 36 member Commission has committed to holding ten public hearings throughout the state to gather input about the Commonwealth's afterschool system. Youth, parents, community and faith-based providers, law enforcement officials, educators, funders, business and other community leaders are expected to attend and provide testimony.

"We have a historic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, youth and families," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Since a quality workforce is a linchpin of the afterschool system, we need to identify solutions to strengthen it. We look forward to gathering information from the public hearings and site visits that will help us figure out this and other ways to better serve children and youth when they are not in school."

"Currently, Massachusetts provides afterschool programs to approximately 20% of the
Commonwealth's school age population," noted Representative Marie St. Fleur. "It is well documented that the time period between 2PM and 6PM is the most hazardous, if unsupervised, for children of that age. It is clear that we need to closely examine how public/private partnerships can leverage existing resources to serve more children and youth to coordinate and strengthen a system of afterschool and expanded learning that promotes their healthy development. The public hearings and site visits will help us to hear from all stakeholders on this important matter."

"What people don't realize is that school-aged afterschool programs are just as important as public school", said Kelly O'Connor, Director of the School-Aged Program at the Gregg Neighborhood House. "We spend on average 4.5 hours with a child and they spend 5 hours in public school. We closely align our activities with the Massachusetts Department of Education's curriculum frameworks to ensure that each child receives a quality learning experience. Kids should have the best you have to offer them." O'Connor further added that many of their staff participate in the North Shore Community College's School Aged Child Care Certificate Program. "We are glad that the Special Commission is particularly focusing on the issue of workforce and professional development. Sometimes the field does not get the important recognition it deserves."

1.1 Million School Aged Children and Youth in Massachusetts There are 1.1 million school aged children and youth ages 5-18 that live in Massachusetts. Of that group, 720,000 are children ages 5-13 and 380,000 are youth ages 14-19. Current state funding serves 205,500 children and youth leaving nearly 80% without access to quality and enriching afterschool and summer opportunities.

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time intends to study this issue more in-depth. In addition to holding the nine public hearings, it will also convene three working groups that will 1) analyze information and access issues; 2) identify quality, workforce and professional development concerns, and 3) determine how the afterschool system in the Commonwealth can be sustained. The Special Commission expects to issue a report in the fall of 2007 that will have recommendations in these areas which will strengthen the Commonwealth's
afterschool system.

About The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time has been created 'to study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out-of-school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
For More Information Contact:
Debra McLaughlin, Consultant to the Commission
dmclaughlin@kunnusta.com
617.792.3173

Visit Our Blog:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.blogspot.com

Visit Our Website:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.org

Monday, September 17, 2007

Massachusetts Special Commission Holds Eight Public Hearing in Lawrence

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
Announces Public Hearing

Special Commission to Convene Eighth Public Hearing in Lawrence, September 18,
5 PM - 8 PM

Boston, Massachusetts - September 17, 2007 — The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces its eighth public hearing to be held at the Northern Essex Community College, on Tuesday, September 18 from 5 PM - 8 PM in the Louise Haffner Fournier Education Center, White Fund Room, First Floor (LA 101) 78 Amesbury Street in Lawrence. Before the public hearing, from 3 PM—4 PM, the Special Commission members will be visiting the United Teen Equality Center in Lowell. The United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) was created in 1999 as a response to gang violence. Located at 34 Hurd Street, UTEC serves 150 teens and older youth (13—23) daily in their education, street work, organizing and youth development programs—all at no cost.

This Special Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to "study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out of school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."

Led by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), the Chair of the Senate's Labor and Workforce
Development Committee and Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston), the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the 36 member Commission has committed to holding ten public hearings throughout the state to gather input about the Commonwealth's afterschool system. Youth, parents, community and faith-based providers, law enforcement officials, educators, funders, business and other community leaders are expected to attend and provide testimony.

"We have a historic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, youth and families," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Since a quality workforce is a linchpin of the afterschool system, we need to identify solutions to strengthen it. We look forward to gathering information from the public hearings and site visits that will help us figure out this and other ways to better serve children and youth when they are not in school."

"Currently, Massachusetts provides afterschool programs to approximately 20% of the
Commonwealth's school age population," noted Representative Marie St. Fleur. "It is well documented that the time period between 2PM and 6PM is the most hazardous, if unsupervised, for children of that age. It is clear that we need to closely examine how public/private partnerships can leverage existing resources to serve more children and youth to coordinate and strengthen a system of afterschool and expanded learning that promotes their healthy development. The public hearings and site visits will help us to hear from all stakeholders on this important matter."

"Given the many challenge facing young people today, investment in youth programs that work with teenagers, specifically older youth, is at a critically important stage”, said Gregg Croteau, Executive Director of UTEC. “There is a very large need to institutionalize support for youth agencies so that we are not continually fighting on an annual basis for the allocation of funds. Ultimately, the professionalization of after-school and youth development programs needs to be seen as an essential service like so many other facets of our community's development. The Commission's efforts in professionalizing this field comes at a perfect time and we are very happy to be involved in their work."

1.1 Million School Aged Children and Youth in Massachusetts There are 1.1 million school aged children and youth ages 5-18 that live in Massachusetts. Of that group, 720,000 are children ages 5-13 and 380,000 are youth ages 14-19. Current state funding serves 205,500 children and youth leaving nearly 80% without access to quality and enriching afterschool and summer
opportunities.

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time intends to study this issue more in-depth. In addition to holding the nine public hearings, it will also convene three working groups that will 1) analyze information and access issues; 2) identify quality, workforce and professional development concerns, and 3) determine how the afterschool system in the Commonwealth can be sustained. The Special Commission expects to issue a report in the fall of 2007 that will have recommendations in these areas which will strengthen the Commonwealth's
afterschool system.

About The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time has been created 'to study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out-of-school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
For More Information Contact:
Debra McLaughlin, Consultant to the Commission
dmclaughlin@kunnusta.com
617.792.3173

Visit Our Blog:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.blogspot.com

Visit Our Website:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.org

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Commission Members Hear Testimony on Cape Cod on September 11


Co-Chair Senator Thomas McGee (third from the left) and members of the Special Commission on After School and Out of School (from left to right), Donna Traynham, Rick Metters, Jess Torres (Sen. McGee's Legislative Aide), Deborah Kneeland, and Joseph Gillis, Jr., were in Barnstable for a hearing on how children and youth spend their time when not in school. The Special Commission is conducting 10 regional hearings and site visits around the state, receiving testimony from a broad array of people about the value and importance of programs for school age children and youth in their communities. For more information visit the Special Commission's website.

Special Commission Announces Locations for Remaining Public Hearings

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces the locations for its three remaining public hearings. Please click the gray links, which will open up in new windows, for the hearing flyers and directions.

Tuesday September 18, 2007 Special Commission Public Hearing
Join us from 5 PM - 8 PM at the Northern Essex Community College in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Tuesday September 18, 2007 Public Hearing Flyer.
Tuesday September 18, 2007 Public Hearing Directions.

Thursday September 20, 2007 Special Commission Public Hearing
Join us from 5 PM - 8 PM at the North Shore Community College in Lynn, Massachusetts.
Thursday September 20, 2007 Public Hearing Flyer.
Thursday September 20, 2007 Public Hearing Directions.

Tuesday September 25, 2007 Special Commission Public Hearing
Join us from 5 PM - 8 PM at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Tuesday September 25, 2007 Public Hearing Flyer.
Tuesday September 25, 2007 Public Hearing Directions.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Special Commission Issues Press Release for Cape Hearing

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time Announces Public Hearing

Special Commission to Convene Seventh Public Hearing in Barnstable, September 11, 2007, 5 PM - 8 PM

Boston, Massachusetts - September 7, 2007 - The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces its seventh public hearing to be held at the Barnstable Town Hall, 367 Main Street in Hyannis on Tuesday, September 11, 2007, from 5 PM - 8 PM in the Town Council Chambers. Prior to the public hearing from 3 PM to 4 PM members of the Special Commission will be touring the Town of Barnstable's Parks and Recreation Program at the Horace Mann Charter School located at 730 Osterville-West Barnstable Road. This municipally operated program serves up to 200 5th and 6th graders in a variety of activities that promotes their physical fitness and overall well-being. The Special Commission also plans to tour the skateboard park as well as the site for their newly planned $24M youth center.
This Special Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to "study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out of school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."

Led by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), the Chair of the Senate's Labor and Workforce Development Committee and Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston), the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the 36 member Commission has committed to holding at least nine public hearings throughout the state to gather input about the Commonwealth's afterschool system. Youth, parents, community and faith-based providers, law enforcement officials, educators, funders, business and other community leaders are expected to attend and provide testimony.

"We have a historic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, youth and families," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Since a quality workforce is a linchpin of the afterschool system, we need to identify solutions to strengthen it. We look forward to gathering information from the public hearings and site visits that will help us figure out this and other ways to better serve children and youth when they are not in school."

"Currently, Massachusetts provides afterschool programs to approximately 20% of the Commonwealth's school age population," noted Representative Marie St. Fleur. "It is well documented that the time period between 2PM and 6PM is the most hazardous, if unsupervised, for children of that age. It is clear that we need to closely examine how public/private partnerships can leverage existing resources to serve more children and youth to coordinate and strengthen a system of afterschool and expanded learning that promotes their healthy development. The public hearings and site visits will help us to hear from all stakeholders on this important matter."

"Our kids are everything to us," said Patti Machado, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation in Barnstable. "We've seen that kids that stay involved in any program and stay busy do better overall. This is important to us as we focus on the whole child and their well-being. We are trying to build the best community we can, one child at a time."

1.1 Million School Aged Children and Youth in Massachusetts
There are 1.1 million school aged children and youth ages 5-18 that live in Massachusetts. Of that group, 720,000 are children ages 5-13 and 380,000 are youth ages 14-19. Current state funding serves 205,500 children and youth leaving nearly 80% without access to quality and enriching afterschool and summer opportunities.

The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time intends to study this issue more in-depth. In addition to holding the nine public hearings, it will also convene three working groups that will 1) analyze information and access issues; 2) identify quality, workforce and professional development concerns, and 3) determine how the afterschool system in the Commonwealth can be sustained. The Special Commission expects to issue a report in the fall of 2007 that will have recommendations in these areas which will strengthen the Commonwealth's afterschool system.

About The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time has been created 'to study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out-of-school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time

For More Information Contact:
Debra McLaughlin, Consultant to the Commission
dmclaughlin@kunnusta.com
617.792.3173