WHAT SETS US APART

UNIQUE QUALITIES ABOUT GLO AT SHERMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Not unlike all the school GLO’s in partnership with, this is a long term commitment from the organization. What is special is that this partnership has a goal to bring one quality afterschool program for all Sherman Elementary School students provided by GLO by Fall 2010. For the next three years, GLO will work diligently to create a strong foundation for a sustainable program through joint activities, special events, and partnership between the GLO Director and SFUSD Excel Program Coordinator. The process will ensure a respectful and culturally competent program for children and families as well as viable situation for GLO to provide services. The process and outcomes will provide exciting and unique opportunities for everyone in the school community.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
K-3rd Grade will have a more general yet meaning enrichment experience. K-3rd Graders experiences will be grounded in an ECE / Child Development Framework.
4th /5th Graders will have an experience that is more specific to enhance and build skills. 4th / 5th Graders experiences will be grounded from a youth development research framework.


DAILY SCHEDULE (DRAFT)
1:50-2:30pm Attendance / Announcements and Group Time
This period will offer the children a time to get ready for their afterschool day. It’s a time for teachers to make announcements about the program, feedback about how things are going, and intentional bonding to occur. 

2pm – 3pm Choice Time
Give children the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities. Choices include science, group games, art, inside activity and of course, outside or inside free play. Empowering students to make choices teaches positive decision making and self confidence. The curriculum for Choices is designed to help children socialize, master new skills and most importantly, have fun.

3-4pm Homework Time

4-5:30pm Choices / *Enrichment Classes / KIDS CLUBs (Fridays)
*Enrichment will be provided by both GLO staff and through community partnerships. Potential Partnerships include: Tree Frog Trek, Root Division, Inspire Music, Academic Chess, Mad Science of Mt. Diablo, Playtime Gymnastics, etc.
KIDS CLUBS: Are project-based activities prepared and taught by the program staff. Popular Kids Clubs in the past include Sewing, Cooking, Lion Dancing, Team Challenges and Mask Making just to name a few. Kids Clubs give the children a chance to interact with small mixed age groups creating a fun learning experience!

5/ 5:30-6pm Extra Homework Time & Free Play

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES-DEVELOPMENTAL REPORTS
During the Fall, staff meet with parents to discuss program goals and each child’s individual needs. In the Spring, parents receive a comprehensive Developmental Report which assesses each child’s life skills, social/emotional development, and areas for growth.

STAFF AND LEADERSHIP
GLO’s largest investment is in its people. The organization’s ability to meet its high quality benchmarks is a responsibility of leaders at all levels of the organization.
To offer a safe environment, all program staff have received fingerprint clearance by the State of California. All staff are certified in CPR/1st Aid. Additionally, we offer professional growth advice, paid professional training, and tuition support for staff. GLO not only strives to hire staff based on qualifications, but also reflects the diversity of San Francisco’s culture and language. Most importantly, our staff are passionate about making a positive difference in the community by achieving GLO’s mission.


NEW to School year 2009-10
GLO ACADEMY
4th & 5th Grades

What is the GLO Academy?
GLO Academy: Youth Leadership Development in Action is an exciting new experience uniquely designed for GLO 4th / 5th Graders. Using Youth Development Principles and Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets® as framework, through the GLO Academy, 4th / 5th Graders will participate in character-building activities rooted in best practices and youth as authentic resources.

GLO’s Programs respond to the changing needs of young people
GLO’s work with young people continues to be an evolving process. Reflecting on the good work the GLO staff has done over the years with 4th / 5th graders, we also recognize that they are growing up with universal and unique challenges. Like generations of children before them, they are growing up with issues such as peer pressure, grades, self-esteem, and middle school. Young people are also challenged with new situations that are unique to growing up today: exposure to media, how to contribute to a sustainable world, becoming role models, and still have fun.

Meeting GLO’s mission to provide quality programs for children and families means responding to both traditional and changing needs of today’s youth. While we feel that the organization has historically done a good job with 4th / 5th graders, it was also clear that many of these children require an experience that better meets their needs and prepares them for middle school and life. To that end, a group of Directors from GLO formed a committee to take best practices from our existing programs and include new approaches for working 4th / 5th to develop: GLO Academy.

To see the GLO Academy’s flyer, please click below