We know that some programs have had to limit contact with families due to changes in pick-up procedures. Normally, pick-up time provides staff and families an opportunity for casual conversation where the staff may feel appreciation from the parent in the form of an extra smile, watching the parent hug their child and say “Wow, you’ve never done that before”, or even a direct “Thank you” from the parent to the staff.
Frontline staff still need those moments so during Lights On Afterschool week, we encourage you to provide a way for the parents to let your staff know they are appreciated.
Here’s a sample e-mail that you could send. If you have one site, you might suggest that they send the comments directly. If you have several sites, you might want to make a quick survey to help you organize the responses and easily forward them to the sites.
Sample e-mail:
On October 28, 2021, our nation will celebrate Lights On Afterschool! Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide celebration which expresses the importance of before/afterschool programming for families and communities. Afterschool professionals work hard to support youth with their academic, social and emotional needs.
To help us celebrate Lights On Afterschool, please take a moment to send a message to the staff at (insert one or more e-mail addresses.)
OR
To help us celebrate Lights On Afterschool, please take a moment to help recognize our staff by taking this quick survey.
Example of survey questions:
What do you like most about the afterschool program?
If you could give a shout out to one of afterschool program staff members, who would it be and why?
How does the afterschool program help your family/child(ren)?
However you choose to celebrate Lights On Afterschool, we hope you know that the MASN Team appreciates all of the dedicated professionals who choose to spend their mornings, afternoons, and summers with Missouri’s children and youth.
