School: After Hours

As families increasingly explore homeschooling as an alternative to traditional education, Quinn offers insights into what the process truly entails. From curriculum choices to transitioning from traditional school systems, Quinn shares her personal experiences of homeschooling her own children for the past seven years. With a focus on individualized learning approaches, she provides practical advice for parents considering this educational path.

Key Takeaways:

• Homeschooling requires parents to take on the dual roles of both educator and administrator, providing a more personalized and adaptable learning environment for their children.
• The transition from traditional schooling to homeschooling often involves a period of "unschooling," which allows families to deconstruct structured learning methods and adjust to new educational freedoms.
• Building connections with community partners such as local businesses and organizations can enrich the homeschool experience, offering broader opportunities for practical learning and skill development.
• Homeschool evaluations differ from traditional schooling assessments, focusing on overall progress rather than grades, allowing for a customized educational journey.
• Parents exploring homeschooling should find a supportive community or "tribe" that aligns with their educational goals and philosophies to successfully navigate the homeschooling journey.

Resources:

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

Homeschool Harbor website:  www.homeschoolharbor.org

Socials: IG  @homeschool_harbor,  @homeschoolevaluations 

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast community:

• Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button to get fresh episodes delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform.
• Rate & Review: Love what you hear? Share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help us grow!
• Connect on Social: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Let's stay connected!
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Your support means the world. Together, let's keep the conversations going! 🚀

Connect With Us
 
Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter:  Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast

What if young people were taught the skills school often overlooks? In this episode, we spotlight Rob Heller, creator of the Boost program, a youth development initiative focused on 26 essential skills across people skills, character development, and healthy mindset. Rob shares how recognizing a gap in traditional education led him to build a program that uses role-play, peer-to-peer learning, and hands-on engagement to help young people develop real-world skills. We also discuss the challenges of growing a youth program, adapting its curriculum over 20 years, and preparing young people to thrive in today’s technology-driven world. Whether you’re an educator, youth program leader, parent, or mentor, this conversation offers practical insights into helping young people build skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

• Essential Life Skills: The Boost program focuses on developing 26 skills in three main pillars—people skills, character, and mindset—that are crucial for personal and professional success.
• Adapting to Modern Needs: Rob highlights the need to update traditional teaching methods to address current challenges such as social media's impact and the importance of creating calm among youth.
• Impact of Roleplay: These techniques are instrumental in teaching students to see and improve upon their real-world interactions, particularly during interviews and networking.
• High School Focus: Unlike many social-emotional learning (SEL) programs that target younger students, Boost emphasizes high school learning to leverage a critical brain development period for young adults.
• Collaboration and Strategy: Rob shares the importance of partnerships and adjusting program delivery strategies to effectively integrate Boost into educational settings.

Resources:

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

 Boost Program Link:  https://boostprogram.com/

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast community:

• Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button to get fresh episodes delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform.
• Rate & Review: Love what you hear? Share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help us grow!
• Connect on Social: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Let's stay connected!
• Share the Love: Spread the word! Share your favorite episode with friends, family, or anyone who needs a dose of School: After Hours Podcast.

Your support means the world. Together, let's keep the conversations going! 🚀

Connect With Us
 
Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter:  Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast

What if observations didn't have to be a nightmare? In this episode, I sit down with educator Craig Randall to explore Trust-Based Observations. This strengths-focused observation model replaces anxiety with psychological safety. Craig walks us through the full process: reflective conversations in the educator's space, the two questions every observer should ask, and the small "trust marbles" that build a culture where trying something new is celebrated, not feared.

Whether you're a school leader, a youth program coordinator, or anyone who's ever dreaded giving or receiving observation feedback, this conversation will change how you think about what observation can be: not a gotcha, but a foundation for real, lasting growth.

Resources:

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

 20 Minutes of Teaching Brilliance (On the Road with Trust-Based Observations)

Key Topics Covered

• Why traditional observations fail teachers (and observers)
• The 20-minute unannounced model and why "unannounced" becomes a good thing
• Brene Brown's trust-vulnerability-risk framework applied to classroom practice
• The nine core areas of pedagogy (and why less is more)
• How to offer feedback that educators actually want to engage with
• Building a culture where trying something new isn't risky — it's celebrated

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast community:

• Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button to get fresh episodes delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform.
• Rate & Review: Love what you hear? Share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help us grow!
• Connect on Social: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Let's stay connected!
• Share the Love: Spread the word! Share your favorite episode with friends, family, or anyone who needs a dose of School: After Hours Podcast.

Your support means the world. Together, let's keep the conversations going! 🚀

Connect With Us
 
Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter:  Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast

How do you make an out-of-school time program indispensable to a school community? That's what you'll learn in this conversation with Cornelia Cooper. She is an educator, consultant, and out-of-school time leader with over 15 years of experience in Baltimore's public schools. In this episode, Cornelia breaks down what it takes to build and sustain relationships inside the school environment. From knowing your role and identifying key players (including custodial staff and secretaries), to landing principal meetings, leading teacher trainings, and the power of small gestures like a cup of coffee, Cornelia shares practical strategies for embedding your program into a school's culture and making it the one everyone knows by name.

Resources:

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

Key Takeaways:
Mentorship and Early Inspiration: Cornelia attributes her passion for education to the mentorship she received from her basketball coach, highlighting the significant impact mentors have in shaping futures.

Community Integration: Successfully integrating out-of-school-time programming involves understanding the school's culture and fostering collaborative relationships with school staff and leadership.

Cultural Values: Emphasizing program-specific cultural values like excellence, respect, and collaboration can significantly enhance the alignment and effectiveness of educational programs within schools.

Building Rapport: Personal connections and consistent communication with custodial staff, teachers, and administrators can elevate a program's success within a school community.

Visibility and Branding: Keeping a strong presence during school hours and utilizing branding effectively can improve recognition and foster deeper relationships within the school community.

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast community:

• Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button to get fresh episodes delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform.
• Rate & Review: Love what you hear? Share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help us grow!
• Connect on Social: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Let's stay connected!
• Share the Love: Spread the word! Share your favorite episode with friends, family, or anyone who needs a dose of School: After Hours Podcast.

Your support means the world. Together, let's keep the conversations going! 🚀

Connect With Us
 
Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter:  Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast

What do you do when you know a conversation needs to happen—but you really don’t want to have it?

In this guest takeover of the School After Hours Podcast, Juan Alvarado dives into one of the toughest parts of leadership in the Out-of-School Time (OST) field: having difficult conversations.

Whether you're addressing staff performance, setting boundaries, addressing conflict, or holding someone accountable, avoiding the conversation can create bigger problems down the road. Juan breaks down three reasons managers often shy away from difficult conversations and shares practical strategies to help leaders approach them with greater confidence.

You’ll discover how to:

• Identify why you avoid difficult conversations
• Use the four communication styles to deliver feedback with care
• Use difficult conversations as an opportunity to strengthen your team and raise program standards

If you've ever thought, “I know I need to say something, but I don't know how to say it,” this episode is for you.

🎧 Press play and learn how to stop avoiding the conversations that could make you a stronger leader and a stronger program.

Resources:

First 30 Days Blueprint Workshop: https://www.schoolafterhours.com/first30days

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast community:

• Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button to get fresh episodes delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform.
• Rate & Review: Love what you hear? Share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help us grow!
• Connect on Social: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Let's stay connected!
• Share the Love: Spread the word! Share your favorite episode with friends, family, or anyone who needs a dose of School: After Hours Podcast.

Your support means the world. Together, let's keep the conversations going! 🚀

Connect With Us
 
Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter:  Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast

In this episode, I emphasize how the first 30 days set the foundation for a productive school year, impacting students, staff, and families alike. I delve into the crucial aspects of relationship building, the importance of predictable routines, and staff support to create a stable and nurturing environment for students. 

Key Takeaways:

• The first 30 days of a school year set the tone and are crucial for establishing healthy routines, culture, and relationships in youth programs.
• Relationship building is not merely additional work but a critical component of fostering a sense of belonging and safety for students.
• Consistent routines reduce stress and limit behavioral issues, making the environment predictable for students and staff.
• Frequent and open communication with families builds trust and reinforces program stability, paving the way for easier handling of future challenges.
• Regular evaluation and adaptation based on what's working and what's not can prevent major issues later in the school year

Resources:

First 30 Days Blueprint Workshop: https://www.schoolafterhours.com/first30days

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast community:

• Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button to get fresh episodes delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform.
• Rate & Review: Love what you hear? Share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help us grow!
• Connect on Social: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Let's stay connected!
• Share the Love: Spread the word! Share your favorite episode with friends, family, or anyone who needs a dose of School: After Hours Podcast.

Your support means the world. Together, let's keep the conversations going! 🚀

Connect With Us
 
Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter:  Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast

In this episode, we talk with youth empowerment speaker and author Dorian Young to delve into the complexities of emotional intelligence in youth and its key importance in educational environments. Through detailed discussions, Dorian breaks down the significance of emotional intelligence and leadership in educational settings, emphasizing the potential of youth to influence their environments positively. Highlighting the structure of his four-week program, which serves as a practical extension of his book, “Unleashing Your Own Unique Natural Greatness," Dorian discusses how this initiative aids both students and educational leaders in nurturing self-awareness, emotional management, and goal-setting capabilities. As the conversation unfolds, Dorian articulates how cultivating these skills among youth can lead to profound personal growth and improved interpersonal relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional intelligence begins with self-awareness, crucial for both youth and educational leaders to assess gaps and make needed adjustments.
• Dorian's four-week program, based on his book, provides a step-by-step approach to help youth realize their potential and plan for a successful future.
• Effective communication between students and educators is vital in creating a supportive and understanding environment.
• Leadership isn't about directing others but serving and meeting their needs, a philosophy endorsed by Dorian for both students and educators.
• Building and maintaining momentum post-program involves creating daily routines and setting future goals to avoid regression into old habits

Resources:

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast community:

• Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button to get fresh episodes delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform.
• Rate & Review: Love what you hear? Share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help us grow!
• Connect on Social: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Let's stay connected!
• Share the Love: Spread the word! Share your favorite episode with friends, family, or anyone who needs a dose of School: After Hours Podcast.

Your support means the world. Together, let's keep the conversations going! 🚀

Connect With Us
 
Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter:  Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast

In this engaging episode of the School After Hours Podcast, I sit down with award-winning children's author Julia Cook to explore the significance of self-regulation and emotional management in children. Julia offers valuable insights into why understanding and managing emotions are crucial for children's success in society. Strategies discussed include creating safe environments for children to express emotions, using storytelling as an educational and therapeutic tool, and employing practical exercises like "2, 4 breathing" to manage stress. Julia also introduces her membership site offering resources and activities designed to aid educators and parents in teaching these essential skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Children benefit significantly from understanding and regulating their emotions, which is essential for thriving in societal environments.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for teaching children about emotions and problem-solving, providing them with relatable scenarios and practical solutions.
• Safe spaces where children feel seen, heard, and validated are crucial for nurturing emotional intelligence and resilience.
• Practical exercises, such as "2, 4 breathing," can be effective tools for children in managing stress and big emotions.
• Resources such as Julia Cook's books and her educational website, Cookie Bites by Julia, are invaluable for educators and parents aiming to teach emotional regulation.

Resources:

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

Julia's website: www.juliacookonline.com

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast community:

• Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button to get fresh episodes delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform.
• Rate & Review: Love what you hear? Share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help us grow!
• Connect on Social: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Let's stay connected!
• Share the Love: Spread the word! Share your favorite episode with friends, family, or anyone who needs a dose of School: After Hours Podcast.

Your support means the world. Together, let's keep the conversations going! 🚀

Connect With Us
 
Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter:  Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast

Join us while Amy Anderson, the co-founder of Reschool, a nonprofit focused on expanding equitable learning opportunities beyond traditional classrooms in Colorado, delves into Reschool's innovative collaborations with families and community organizations to design educational ecosystems that reflect local needs. The discussion highlights creating ecosystems of learning by resonating with community values, challenges in maintaining sustainable funding, and future aspirations in navigating policy landscapes to get young people what they really need. 

Key Takeaways:

• Reschool is a nonprofit focused on extending learning opportunities beyond the classroom and making education more accessible and equitable for youth in Colorado.
• The organization partners with trusted community-based entities to understand and address local educational needs and gaps.
• Reschool has raised over $1 million to fund learning initiatives, prioritizing direct support for families and ecosystem providers.
• Amy highlights the importance of co-designing educational systems with communities to ensure that solutions are tailored to their specific needs.
• Current funding challenges have led to exploring new initiatives, such as potential policy changes and tax credits to ensure sustained educational support.

Resources:

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

Build and Brunch Bootcamp: https://buy.stripe.com/dRm5kF63RacW6OR6zjfAc03?prefilled_promo_code=EarlyBird20

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast community:

• Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button to get fresh episodes delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform.
• Rate & Review: Love what you hear? Share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help us grow!
• Connect on Social: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Let's stay connected!
• Share the Love: Spread the word! Share your favorite episode with friends, family, or anyone who needs a dose of School: After Hours Podcast.

Your support means the world. Together, let's keep the conversations going! 🚀

Connect With Us
 
Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter:  Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast

In this episode, I discuss the crucial role of documentation in youth programming to prevent burnout and chaos in subsequent years. We peel back the layers and shed light on how proper documentation can pave the way for seamless transitions and sustained success. I also talk about how to develop user-friendly SOPs and a comprehensive program playbook that serve as foundational resources for onboarding new staff members. 

Key Takeaways:

• Effective Documentation: Focus on documenting repeatable systems and successful strategies rather than one-off events to enhance future program execution.
• Building SOPs: Create simple, clear, and concise standard operating procedures (SOPs) that staff can easily follow and implement.
• Developing a Playbook: Compile a program playbook containing all essential systems, expectations, and resources to streamline staff onboarding and program management.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess which systems contribute to stress and inefficiency, revising or discarding them to support program evolution.
• Future Preparedness: Leave comprehensive notes for future reference to simplify August and September preparations, thereby reducing initial chaos.

Resources:

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

Build and Brunch Bootcamp: https://buy.stripe.com/dRm5kF63RacW6OR6zjfAc03?prefilled_promo_code=EarlyBird20

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast community:

• Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button to get fresh episodes delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform.
• Rate & Review: Love what you hear? Share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your reviews help us grow!
• Connect on Social: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. Let's stay connected!
• Share the Love: Spread the word! Share your favorite episode with friends, family, or anyone who needs a dose of School: After Hours Podcast.

Your support means the world. Together, let's keep the conversations going! 🚀

Connect With Us
 
Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter:  Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast