Winter Break Reflections
We've just finished 2021 at our new location in Pasadena with our own facility. This year has been a blast. Time flew by as it always has. There were challenges, adjustments we had and especially due to COVID-19 but nonetheless, we are still here.
The kids learned a lot from Summer Break about how to deal with bullies (cyber or at school), how to deal with their own feelings cooped up from staying home an entire year due to distance and online learning classes with their schools during the start of the pandemic. They learned a lot about SURVIVAL. That was our theme for the Summer Program. We challenged them to weekly spelling contests, writing prompts in response to a daily Story Time, Money Matter Quizzes that assessed their knowledge of their money lecture that day, and last but not least, Games of Survival where they were challenged with a game which taught them tangible skills to survive in the wilderness and in life in general. As the kids from the Summer went back to school, we interviewed them with some questions about the Summer Program (also to give us some feedback on the program). Many of them responded they did feel ready and equipped to go back to school. This motivated us to help them through their new academic-pandemic year back-to-school. (A video will be posted of their responses soon!)
During their Back-To-School, the kids seemed to get into the rhythm of school days. They had to relearn how to write using a pencil and how to read physical books for their school assignments. Sometimes it was frustrating but a little faith in them and one-on-one helped them complete their work. It truly is amazing to see them do better and learn more to help themselves. One student has been learning to speak English and she has built confidence in herself. Lately, she has spoken to me the entire day in English! This was a miracle to witness. Although now we still need to work with her on speaking in front of classmates and other teachers.
After the end of Winter Break consisting of Christmas and New Year's Holiday Weeks, we kept the kids busy with Spelling Words. They must learn new vocabulary words and be tested on them each day. They continued to work on their work packets of course. They got to have a Infomercial about Winter Facts for Kids. "What do animals do in the Winter" or "Which is harder -ice or snow?" were some of the questions we reviewed during that session. After their Informercial, there was a Weather Report for the day. This was presented by students to help them practice and develop their verbal and presentation skills amongst others.
They got to practice wrapping gifts for Christmas, decorating Gingerbread Cookies, making many ornaments and crafts (which they do not get to do during their academic year at ASP) to take home. The kids got to experience almost everything you or I would have wanted to do as kids during our holiday breaks if we were their age. Our students were also invited to special holiday dinners from a partnership we formed with a non-profit named Restoration Church. They invited our kids to list 3 things they wish for Christmas and hosted a luncheon with them at their special Christmas Service. They gave nearly all the gifts our kids wished for on their wish lists! It was stunning and touching. Restoration's main goal was to help and reach out to families during the difficult time of the pandemic. They are truly so kind and appreciated for all they have done for our kids. The kids' faces and being able to eat together with their families was the real gift that day.
Lastly, to finish up 2021 properly, we had our fieldtrip to the snow on the last day of the year. It felt like we were rewarding them for all their hardships, stress (maybe at home or school), and achievements for all their hard work to survive this year. My wish and hope this year is that you find something that makes you passionate and alive for a hopeful future. I know I have and thank you so much for reading this!
-Kristina
(ASP Administrator)
