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Rainbow Happenings

On July 8, 2003, twenty-three preschoolers participated in Rainbow's annual "moving on" ceremony for children who leave the Center to attend Kindergarten in the fall. Each year, almost half of the children enrolled in the preschool program become eligible for kindergarten providing a large turnover of children in September each year. This year's event was held at Girls, Inc. on Lincoln Street. The children gave a musical performance for family and friends under the direction of music performer and educator, Patsy Mollica. Patsy is a special friend of the Center. She volunteers her time and talents to the preschool by teaching her musical skills to the children on a weekly basis.

Rainbow's School Age Program is participating in the Massachusetts After School Research Study (MARS), a statewide study that will examine the links between afterschool program quality and student outcomes, and the efficacy of various models of afterschool for youth. The study is funded in collaboration with the United Way of MA Bay, Office of Child Care Services and the Department of Education. The study will take place in approximately 80 program sites in 6 geographically and economically diverse school districts. The data will be collected during the 2003-2004 school year and will include a variety of interviews and focus groups as well as program observations, student academic data and school and program attendance data. It is anticipated that the study results will contribute to positive outcomes for youth so that funders, providers, advocates and policy-makers are better prepared to expand the quality and availability of after school programs.

Executive Director, Barbara Guthrie, was elected in June to fill one of two voting private provider early care and education positions on The Worcester Community Partnership Council. She was also elected to fill the private provider position on the Partnership's Executive Council. Barbara co-chairs the Private Provider constituency group along with Karen O'Neill, YMCA's Child Care and Family Services Director.

Our volunteers are back this fall! 41 Assumption students, 16 MA College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences students, 2 Quinsigamond Community College interns and retired minister, Dave Miller, are volunteering in our preschool and school age programs. Rainbow is very appreciative of all our volunteers and interns as they give of their time and talents to work with Rainbow's children.

On November 1, 2003, 13 School Age Program children went on a field trip to Boston College with the Assumption College's Alana organization to view the "Reflections in Black History" exhibit located on the campus. Assumption College students led a discussion about the exhibit following the tour. The children were treated to lunch on the campus as well.

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