“I am a Reading Specialist that works with the English Learners at George Washington Middle School. At the height of the pandemic during virtual learning, when so many of my neediest students were isolated at home and disconnected from their peers and their favorite activities, ASA came through and helped create a program right in their neighborhood where students could walk over, have some fun and take a little break from a very stressful time in all of our lives. Since then, the program has gotten stronger and been able to serve more and more of our young people, in a safe, supportive environment.
After returning to school for in-person learning, we moved the program to the fields at the school and we just finished our fourth successful season. Students can simply walk outside after class to play (Croc shoes and crop tops welcome!) and take a late bus home, thus eliminating nearly all of the barriers to participation. We have tons of participants across three grades each week of all skill and resource levels. ASA and the team of coaches have been nothing short of amazing. They are there waiting for the kids before every session with the fields and equipment ready to go. They’ve learned their names and personalities, coach and play alongside them, and have truly built lasting relationships with these young players. Many of these kids have nowhere else to play, or even to hang out, and the sessions have provided a wonderful space to this community. The question I get asked the most when I’m at work has nothing to do with my job but rather, “Is there soccer today?”
~ Allyson Noble, Reading Specialist | GWMS
