Back to Afterschool: Meet the Site Team Leaders

School has started and, in a few weeks, so will YouthQuest programming. With 15 different sites, the YouthQuest team is working hard prepping for the school year.

“Our amazing team is planning lessons and attending professional development,” says Cheryl Adkins, program director for YouthQuest. “We want to make sure our staff is fully prepared for this upcoming school year.”

Site team leaders are the point people who oversee the YouthQuest program at each individual site. They plan lessons, manage staff and make sure YouthQuest runs as smoothly as possible. Afterschool Download caught up with these educational professionals to find out what they thought about the start of the new school year.

Jordan Kleinedler, Dye Elementary

What can students look forward to this year in YouthQuest?

Sharing new and fun experiences with their friends through clubs, field trips, family nights and more. The goal is for ALL students to excel, excite and explore when they are attending YouthQuest.

 Miranda Manns, Pierce Elementary

What is one thing parents can do to help students transition back into the school year?

Remind them of the 4 B’s: Be respectful, Be responsible, Be ready to learn and Be mindful!

Bridget Sims, Randels Elementary

What is the best part about starting a new year?

That everything is new! New start, new friends and new teachers.

Jenna Ruiz, Eisenhower Elementary

What can do to help students transition into the school year?

Create a calm morning routine, have a night routine including “talk time” and going over homework, support emotional needs and help to keep learning engaging and fun by immersing themselves into their child’s educational world.

Brook Borrow, Holmes STEM Academy

What can students look forward to this year in YouthQuest?

More student leadership opportunities, and new and exciting trips they haven’t experienced before.

Keoshia Cook, Durant Tuuri Mott Elementary

What is the best part about starting a new year?

Seeing the faces of new and returning students. We get a fresh start to make an impact in students’ lives. Another year of fun, exploring and learning!

Kourtney Jones, Doyle Ryder Elementary

What can do to help students transition into the school year?

Make sure students come to school prepared and encourage them to maintain a positive mindset.

Donna Tanner, Neithercut Elementary

What can students look forward to this year in YouthQuest?

Support for academic excellence, enriching experiences through clubs, field trips and opportunities to build great relationships.

Korie Harden, Scott School

What can do to help students transition into the school year?

Make sure your student is prepared – full night’s rest, a proper breakfast and plenty of supplies.

Brittany Miller, Freeman Elementary

What can do to help students transition into the school year?

Parents can start the year off on a strong foot by stepping into the buildings with their child and taking advantage of things like school open houses and teacher meet-and-greets. Being present at these events sets the tone that involvement is not only important to the teacher and school, but to the parent and student as well.

LaQuanda Hammons, International Academy of Flint K-7

What is the best part about starting a new year?

No matter what worries or troubles you had last year, you get a chance to start over and learn new things.

Valerie Newman, Southwestern Classical Academy

What can students look forward to this year in YouthQuest?

Outside-the-box learning opportunities, new activities, enrichment and more. We plan to integrate more youth voice in planning this year.

Michael Fortelka, International Academy of Flint 9-12

What can do to help students transition into the school year?

Help their students get back on a regular sleep schedule.

Marjona Kemp, Brownell STEM Academy

What can do to help students transition into the school year?

Be supportive and present. The students want someone in their corner to encourage them, and I believe they truly want to make their parents or guardians happy!

Whitney Miles, Potter Elementary

What can students look forward to this year in YouthQuest?

Plenty of engaging and enriching field trips and on-site activities. Learning the arts, reading competitions, family and community events, theater, poetry, sign language and more!

YouthQuest is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

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