PAS @ Oakland Is Staying Connected with Virtual Programming
Staying connected! That’s what the Partners After School (PAS) @ Oakland is doing with its programming this school year. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, it put the staff and the students in a very difficult situation. How could they keep serving their students and families in a safe and productive way? Virtual programming was the answer!
The Oakland online program meets virtually with students three times a week for one hour each day. Students participate in a variety of activities such as trivia night, music night, service projects, and other fun activities that give the students a break from the stresses of online learning and lets them interact with their classmates outside of school. At the same time, activities focus on increasing trauma-informed services and preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Helping the team with programming this school year is the University of Maryland 4H Extension Office. They bring activities such as Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) and Health Rocks Mentoring curriculum to the already active program. Students also participate in prevention lessons provided by Prevention Specialist Kristen Walker from the Garrett County Health Department each week. Students get hands-on lessons that empower and support them in their daily lives.
Thanks to the Garrett County Public Schools Meal Program, the staff of PAS @ Oakland have been able to pick up and deliver food to all their students each week. Students also receive a packet of materials and supplies for the activities for the following week. This is also allowing the staff to touch base with the parents to see how they are doing and to offer any resources they may need. PAS @ Oakland is making sure families are doing well and thriving during this difficult time.
PAS @ Oakland is actively recruiting new students to join in their adventures. Students in 3rd through 8th grades who go to Broad Ford Elementary, Yough Glades Elementary, or Southern Middle School are invited to come and see for themselves how much fun After School can be.
The PAS @ Oakland staff consists of James Michaels, Director; Kristen Walker, Prevention Specialist; and Assistants Candace Jones, Derek Silbaugh, Cassy Baker, and Madison Prudnick. Volunteer services are provided by AmeriCorps member Landon Custer.
Partners After School programs are provided by the Garrett County Local Management Board (LMB), Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services, United Way of Garrett County, Garrett County Department of Social Services and University of Maryland Extension Office. Programs are administered by Garrett County Health Department. For more information call 301-334-7730.
