The Kids On The Block

This international troupe of puppeteers was founded in 1977, by a special education teacher in California. Now based in Columbia, Maryland, KOB has more than 1,600 puppet troupes all over the world and offers over 40 program topics that address important social/safety issues and disability awareness/medical & educational differences. Performances are done using bunraku, an ancient Japanese style of puppetry. Junior League of Olympia has sponsored the local troupe of puppeteers since 1990. Our troupe performs educational puppet shows at elementary schools throughout Thurston County. The most requested skit is the “Bullying” skit, but our troupe also performs skits on Divorce and Cerebral Palsy/physical handicaps.

For more information on The Kids On The Block, visit their website: www.kotb.com

• Kids on the Block flyer
  Performances
• Kids On the Block
  Bullying Skit Performance Schedule 2009-2010:
  

  Dates to be determined

A Report to Parents on Cyber Bullying

JLO Legacy Scholarship
This scholarship fund is for individuals in Washington States Foster Care program and will fund community college expenses. For more information and an application, click here.

Junior League of Olympia's Kids Count committee has eleven members including two project development co-chairs who are anxious to "Create, Change-Thrive," through our chosen projects. As a part of the process of selecting the projects for the league year ahead, we attend a Community Advisory Board meeting in January where the Board's
advice and expertise help us to determine the projects our league can make the most impact.

Our projects this year are different; changing with our community needs is what we do best. We have completed the Little Red School House back to school drive with huge success. Being part of a program capable of providing clothing and school supplies to some 2154 children in Thurston County rewards us all. Our league members are eager to
begin. Watch for us in the 2008-2009 projects outlined.
    Judy Soward
    Kids Count Chair


1.  Foster Kids Care Fund: 
Kids Count Committee members will create an application process and forms that Foster    Families can apply for reimbursements for their children’s after school activities, sports equipment, extra clothes etc.  The Kids Count Committee will be in charge of this fund. 
Timeline:  September 2009 - June 2010

2.  Little Red Schoolhouse Clothing and School Supply Collection and Distribution:
Provide low-income school-aged children with school supplies and clothing.  Members assist in setup, staffing and cleanup. 
Timeline:  Members begin collecting clothes throughout the school year as feasible.
3.  Parenting Tools Lecture Series:
The Family Education & Support Services is requesting we assist toward the speaker fees and transportation of Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, PHD,  Playful Learning” In addition, JLO volunteers would give input on their planning committee, assist with the provision of door prizes, and help coordinate a resource display at the event. 
Timeline:  November 17, 2009 for “Playful Learning”~ Einstein Never Used Flashcards Lecture

4.  Foster Care Family Holiday Party, DSHS:
Assist with the Foster Care Holiday Party.  JLO volunteer’s plan and staff activity stations, gifts, decorate, and provide dinner. 
Timeline:  Planning begins in September 2009.  Event is the first part of December 2009
 
5.  South Sound Reading Foundation and Raising a Reader: 
JLO would help purchase materials for 400 book bags and books. JLO would organize an event to sticker books and fill each book bag with literacy materials including a library card application. Each book bag will be stickered with the JLO logo which includes the words “Donated by the Junior League of Olympia.” 
Timeline:  February, 2010
 
6.   Kids in the Kitchen (AJLI directed):
Our goal is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and to help prevent childhood obesity. 
Timeline:  Spring 2010~ April

7.  SafePlace Children’s Party at Painted Plate for Mother’s Day:
SafePlace would like to partner with Junior League for their Children’s Program.  Junior League will assist with a party at the Painted Plate for Mother’s Day to help the current resident children and youth create presents for their mothers.  This party would allow the children a creative way to bond with their mother during the difficult time immediately after they have escaped a violent home. 
Timeline:  May 2010 (Just before Mother’s Day)