By Ian G. Strachan
Crime has many faces and is committed by men, women and children of every class, race and ethnicity. When we say that we want to “tackle crime”, however, we don’t mean the culture of lying, bribery, white collar t’iefin’ and political kleptomania, but instead we mean “violent crime”. I propose that we must go beyond recruiting more policemen, purchasing more police cars and bulletproof vests, and even beyond the imagined happy day when we start hangin’ ‘em high. Yes, violent crimes are brazenly being committed right before our eyes, and it is infuriating, but …

If you have been keeping up with recent U.S. current events, you may have heard mention of the “Candy Cane” case involving the Plano Independent School District.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is currently hearing arguments in the case of Morgan v. Swanson and Bomchill, in which families of multiple elementary school students in Plano, Texas have filed a lawsuit against district employees for religious discrimination.
This case dates back to 2001 and involves two Plano ISD elementary school principals who, in separate incidents, are alleged to have prevented the distributions …

The House just passed a FY2011 spending bill that cuts $100 million from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative, the only federal funding stream dedicated to afterschool programs. Contact your Members of Congress and ask them to oppose the cut.
Passed on Feb. 19, 2011, HR 1 includes over $60 billion in cuts overall. The bill, which is a Continuing Resolution funding FY2011, will be voted on by the U.S. Senate late this month or in early March. Call, write, email …

By GreatSchools Staff
Many parents are concerned about the availability and quality of after-school programs. Thanks to GreatSchools.org readers who wrote in to share what they like — and don’t like — about the programs their children attend.
What to look for:
A California mother of a 6-year-old appreciates her program’s atmosphere of love and respect.
“The program is wonderful and my son loves it. They have a fantastic staff that is so full of energy and enthusiasm that it inspires my son to play, learn and grow everyday. Part of their program is …

High-quality after-school programming can transform the after-school hours from a time of risk into a time of
opportunity for youth to develop competencies that will help them become successful, engaged and contributing
adolescents and adults.
This research paper from Partnerships for After-School Success outlines key findings regarding after-school programs for children.
Source: National Youth Development Information Center

by Frances Kemper Alston
Introduction
It was during the second World War that latch key children came to the country’s attention. Fathers had gone off to war, and mothers had gone into industry, making the tanks, planes, uniforms and bullets the soldiers needed. The children went home with keys on chains, ribbons, a piece of string tied around their necks. Some mothers chose to work the night shift, called the “swing shift” and tucked their children in bed, locked the door and went to the factory. The country’s response was prompt and …

A timely & factual overview of the afterschool hours in America. (Updated March 2010)
Source: Afterschool Alliance
Afterschool Issue Overview

In fall 1991, there were 31 million children under age 15 living with their employed mothers. Increases in the numbers of employed mothers with children have made child care concerns an important issue in upcoming employment and welfare legislation. How these children were cared for while their moms were at work is the focus of this Brief, which also present data on the costs of this care…
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census

Each day in America, millions of kids go home to an empty house after school. In recent years, the growth of quality, affordable afterschool programs—programs that keep kids safe, inspire learning and help working families—has begun to offer parents of these children positive alternatives. Over the past five years, afterschool programs have played an increasingly important role in providing valuable after school opportunities in the Hispanic community…
Source: Afterschool Alliance

A color booklet describing the facts and benefits of afterschool as well as tools parents can use for finding a program.