Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week 2023, (April 24th-28^th) is the perfect time to recognize, appreciate, and support those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.

As director of CASE for Kids, I would like to recognize and express deep appreciation for the immense dedication of all the professionals who work with Houston area children and youth during out-of-school time hours. Afterschool matters for kids, and talented afterschool professionals impact the quality of that programming. Afterschool professionals throughout the nation support 10.2 million children in activities that help them enhance skills in STEM, literacy, social and emotional learning, health and wellness, and much more (Afterschool Alliance, 2023).   CASE for Kids recognizes that afterschool professionals are committed to enhancing their knowledge of OST best practices, exposing youth to new experiences, and supporting families. These unsung heroes are the heart and soul of OST programming and are a decisive element in young people’s access to high-quality relationships and expanded opportunities beyond school and home. CASE for Kids’ will continue to collaborate with local, state (TXPOST, Texas Partnership for Out-Of-School Time) and national level (NAA, National Afterschool Association, The Afterschool Alliance) organizations to convene, educate and promote the importance of afterschool and the professionals who are the heart of programming.  

To all the out-of-school time professionals, your role with Houston's children, youth, and families is invaluable.  Your care and commitment will positively impact the community for years to come.  You truly touch the future! Thank you for all you do!

CASE Debaters eagerly competed in the City Championships at the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse in downtown Houston on March 4th. This unique event combines the best of CASE and H.I.S.D. in a single elimination bracket. A total of 11 WSD teams, 4 policy teams, 2 LDers and 11 congress entries qualified to participate.  The Houston Urban Debate League will be giving out scholarships to the top performing students. The top two policy teams will represent Houston at the National Urban Debate League Championships in Dallas March 31^st-April 2^nd. The top two World Schools Debate teams will advance to the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament in Phoenix June 12^th-16th. CASE has seen record tournament numbers throughout the season averaging over 150 students per event. CASE debaters have been busy outside of the league as well accumulating a total of 23 students qualified for state in World Schools Debate to the TFA State tournament March 9-11 here in Houston. Summer camp signups have begun for students across the city and will be held once again this summer at the University of Houston Main Campus from July 9^th -14^th.

Congratulations to the CASE scholarship winners!

Congress

2nd – Monya Nayil (Westfield)

Worlds

1st – Deborah Akpeki, Oyindamola Akintola, Marvellous Nans and Kelsey Mosely (Alief Early College)

2nd – Jonathan Barnes, Sofia Barrera, Irath Habani, Helen Gordon and Nolan Zeng (Westchester)

Click to view the Tournament 1-5 Results:

CASE Debate Tournament 1-3

CASE Debate Tournament 4-5