After-School Program seeking students

VW independent/submitted information

The YWCA of Van Wert County is beginning the fourth year of its After-School Program, with Jessica Yoder selected as the program’s new supervisor.

“Jessica comes to us with a background in education,” said YWCA Executive Director Kimberly Laudick. “She is a graduate of Ball State University, where she earned her degree in communication studies.”

Yoder is also employed by Parkway Local Schools as the junior high softball coach and is a certified substitute teacher.

“Jessica brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to the program and we are looking forward to the exciting changes ahead,” Laudick said.

The YWCA After-School Program offers quality care for children in grades K-5 from the end of the school day until 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Van Wert City Schools provides busing directly to the YWCA for its students enrolled in the after-school program.

Mind and body nourishment serve as the program’s primary focus. A nutrient-enriched meal is served at 4:15 each day, followed by homework time and various group activities. The YWCA After-School Program is also working to implement a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning experience to help students succeed in these ever-growing fields. Students will also spend time reading, learning about music, arts, and crafts and participating in athletic activities.

The underlying goal for the program is to build a foundation of life skills and competencies that will help guide students throughout their younger years and prepare them for adulthood.

The 2018-2019 After-School Program started September 10; however, it is never too late to register, and children can join the program at any time. Registrations can be picked up and dropped off at the YWCA, 408 E. Main St. in Van Wert. Laudick stressed that students are not to turn registrations into their teachers at school; they need to be turned in at the YWCA.

For more information or for assistance getting a registration form, contact Yoder at 419.238.6639 or email her at jyoder@ywcavanwertcounty.org.

The YWCA is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation and is a United Way agency.