Opportunities Discussed During Recent Partner Summit

Participants during a "Chalk Talk" activity

On July 23, 2013, CVSA and Vermont Afterschool, Inc sponsored a “Partner Summit,” where a variety of out-of-school organizations and school systems met to discuss opportunities within Calendar 2.0. There were 64 participants total, representing:

• 13 statewide and cross-region partners
• 7 superintendents (and a handful of school leadership members)
• 18 afterschool programs 
• 6 libraries

This Partner Summit was the first time school systems and out-of-school organizations ever met to discuss our communities’ most valuable asset - children - and more specifically, how to create opportunities to enhance their learning experiences, both in and out of school.

The meeting agenda focused on: setting the context for the proposed Calendar 2.0, brainstorming opportunities, creating themes, and discussing next steps.

By the end, the entire group came up with nine themes that needed further exploration: Equity, Intersessions, Funding, Logistics, Communication, Childcare, Transportation, Teacher Contracts, and Learning.

Click here to view the presentation from the Partner Summit.

Discussion between school systems and local/regional organizations will continue into the school year. Partners and school leaders will be present at the upcoming Fall Engagements (Oct. 2, Oct. 3, Oct. 9, and Oct. 10) - these locations/times will be scheduled soon.

All participants scribed their thoughts about four questions (the first three questions were done in silence as participants walked around tables with large paper and markers)