ASAP believes that strong after school communities are part of the solution to keep kids safe when the school bell rings, as well as build students’ sense of identity and belonging at school.
ASAP Fall Appeal Story: Scrabble
This week we are highlighting the neighborhood public school Samuel Powel Elementary, home to the Powel Owls and this year, an ASAP Scrabble Club. Similar to Rhodes Elementary [read story here], Powel was looking to establish a safe and sustainable after school community in the aftermath of the pandemic. Also in common – both clubs began with caring adults who had the ASAP do what it takes attitude.
Led by two dedicated teachers, Christopher Powers and Oliver Strickland, Powel’s ASAP Scrabble club began in January 2023 with a large group of 25 enthusiastic 1st through 3rd graders. Despite not starting until the second half of the school year, Powers and Strickland made the most of the opportunity.
They even brought their kids to ASAP’s annual Keep Calm and Scrabble On event – a full day of interactive word games, literacy activities, and competitive play.
And just like Rhodes Elementary – Powel was hooked.
By the time this school year rolled around, Powel kiddos were determined to take on the big leagues – the Philadelphia Scholastic Scrabble League to be exact. And big leagues meant big teams. Coach Strickland and Powers recruited 44 young players [not including the lengthy waiting list], nearly doubling their original crew. They were young, but incredibly mighty.
Powel’s team is incredibly dedicated. They most recently attended two events in one week: a Scrabble League match and Scrabble University, a new event designed to engage novice players. Coach Strickland and Powers know that high quality programs are a result of consistent engagement. And consistent engagement leads to higher participation rates. And higher participation rates?
You guessed it. A greater sense of belonging.
Safe clubs start with you!
Your donation today supports ASAP’s mission to create spaces our children depend on, just like Powel, to keep them safe, as well as make them feel like they belong to something greater. Don’t believe us? Just check out these matching Powel Scrabble shirts.
