WHAT'S NEW
Introducing Our Exciting New Podcast:
Inside Out-of-School Time
Student-Centered Teaching and Growth Mindset
Our back-to-school episode of Inside Out-of-School Time is here! Host Karin Wolfe and Cappella Brown continue their conversation with Johanna Friedel - Project Director for the Texas Afterschool Centers on Education in the Greenville Independent School District - this time exploring the "Explain" and "Elaborate" phases of the 5E learning model. Learn how out-of-school time programs can center student voice, foster growth mindset, and create engaging opportunities for students to reflect on and apply what they've learned. Whether you're shaping instruction, leading a team, or building partnerships with families, this episode offers tools to strengthen learning and engagement.
🎧Tune in and take away:
- Tips for helping students explain their thinking
- Ways to extend learning through real-world application
- Family engagement strategies that deepen impact
Missed Johanna’s first podcast on The Power of Engagement in Afterschool Programs? No worries—we’ve got you covered! You’ll find the full episode linked below so you can catch up anytime.
Johanna Fridel's first episode of Inside Out-of-School Time is now live! Join host Karin Wolfe and Cappella Brown as they welcome Johanna Friedel, Project Director for the Texas Afterschool Centers on Education at Greenville ISD, to explore how the 5E Learning Model can bring curiosity, play, and deeper engagement to life in your OST program. From sparking wonder to sustaining student growth, this conversation offers real-world ideas for creating hands-on, student-centered learning environments where youth feel seen, safe, and excited to participate. Start listening now and discover how engagement becomes transformation - one "E" at a time!
To see more Inside Out-of-School Time podcast episodes, click here.
Discover the Best Practices Shared by OST Professionals at the OSTI-CON Conference
Spotlight on Alief ISD: Staying Engaged Through Long Summer Days
Rochelle Jenkins, Gabriele Sam, and Sycreeda Bryant, site coordinators, and Steven Henderson, district assistant coordinator for afterschool programs, with Alief ISD in Houston, Texas, share how their various elementary schools have converged on one building for the summer and made it a destination for excitement and collaboration. Students venture to Oz, Whoville, and the Spider-Man multiverse while engaging in STEAM activities, taking plenty of brain breaks, and enjoying the results of their hard work at the school store.
👉 Watch now to see where these ideas from Alief ISD might take you.
Spotlight on Fort Worth ISD: Cooking Up Confidence and Curiosity
Tanya McClendon, site coordinator at Wedgwood Middle School in Fort Worth, Texas, shares how students are stepping out of their comfort zones — and into the kitchen — through the Cooking Canvas Club. With support from the Tarrant Area Food Bank, students are learning kitchen safety, trying new foods (hello, fish tacos with coleslaw!), and building confidence one bite at a time.
👉 Watch now to see how a hands-on cooking club is teaching life skills, encouraging healthy choices, and bringing a little extra flavor to summer programming.
Spotlight on Elgin ISD: Academic Fun That Sticks All Summer Long
Angelina Campos, Cydney Crayton, and Susana Martinez, site coordinators with Elgin Independent School District (ISD) in Texas, are bringing academics to life through engaging, hands-on learning this summer. Students are reading Because of Winn-Dixie, running their own shops in a kid-friendly economics unit, and exploring science through butterfly life cycles. With fun activities like DIY snacks and upcoming field trips, learning doesn’t stop when the school year ends — it just gets more creative.
👉 Watch now to see how Elgin ISD is keeping students learning and loving it through thoughtful, engaging academic programming.
Spotlight on Marble Falls ISD: Painting With a Twist and Family Participation
Tara Christian, site coordinator, Pamela Turner, site coordinator, and Nabria Willis, Afterschool Centers on Education administrator, with Marble Falls Independent School District (ISD) in Texas share how creative expression is bringing students and families together. From a student art gallery showcasing year-long projects to an engaging "Painting With a Twist" event where families painted side by side, these activities have sparked excitement and connection. This summer, students are continuing the fun with art classes that let their creativity shine on full-size canvases.
👉 Watch now to see how Marble Falls ISD is using the arts to deepen engagement and celebrate student voice.
