ESON and MSN: May Meeting Recap

Thanks for joining us for our final Network Meeting of the year, hosted by The Robo Hub. This month’s meeting focused on reimagining how we use technology with young learners.

​"Robo" Rick, Director of Education & Community at The Robo Hub, kicked things off with a fun activity, challenging us to identify which images were real or AI-generated. It was a great way to highlight the importance of AI and technology safety, especially for our young people.

We then explored a few AI tools including creating animations, coloring books, and self portraits. ​When used responsibly, AI can be a powerful creative tool for program providers.

---

Throughout the meeting the group rotated through four hands-on activities, including:

• Creating LEGO art
• Flying drones
• Controlling BattleBots, LEGO Spike, and Vex Robotics
• Exploring AI with Scroobly

During a share-out at the end of the meeting, the group reflected on their key takeaways:

• “Flying drones was the highlight of this experience”
• “Creating animations”
• “A lot of these tools are available online for free (custom coloring pages!)”
• “Robots are quick to make and you can do a lot of cool activities with them”
• “Cool learning how to do the activities as we did them (don’t need to be an expert!)”

The Robo Hub team closed out with a helpful reminder: When prepping for STEAM activities, try the activities yourself first. This helps you step into the young person’s shoes while also helping you think about how to support them. Also, consider how we can create more opportunities for young people to have STEAM experiences outside of the school day.

To learn more about The Robo Hub or to collaborate with them, reach out! They offer after school programs at schools, field trips to The Robo Hub, training opportunities, and they can even help you start your own robotics team! ​

Before wrapping our last meeting of the year, we were honored to present the East End House Middle School Partnership Program with the Annie Leavitt School-Out-of-School Time Partnership Award, recognizing their dedication to participating in every summer workshop at CPS Upper Schools and attending every AFCOST Network Meeting this year. Marsé Romero, EEH Middle School Program Director, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the program. Marsé has shown a deep commitment to both her community and the program, where she has worked for many years. Congratulations East End House!

---

A big thank you to the Robo Hub team, our amazing community partners and program providers–including Kids in Tech who joined us for the first time!

​Community Announcements

Demi - Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) Inclusion Initiative
DHSP is hiring Inclusion Facilitators to work with students over the summer. The Inclusion Facilitator will provide direct support in adapting and modifying programs to meet the needs of a specific child or children enrolled in a DHSP After-School Programs. Interested? Click here to apply online or email Demi for more information, [email protected]

Emma - Cambridge Camping 
Join Cambridge Camping for their upcoming NO COST Village Building Series events! 

Wednesday, May 28th, 5:15pm (Show at 7pm)
A live theater performance of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at the Speakeasy Stage. Meet at the Cambridge Camping office at 5:15pm for pizza, then travel to the 7pm show together. Ages Recommended 12+ (The show has some mature themes). CCA provides dinner, transportation to the show, and theater tickets.

Saturday, June 21st, at 7pm
A performance by the Asian American Ballet Project, at Arrow Arts Theater. Meet at the Cambridge Camping office at 5:15pm for a meal, then travel to the 7pm show together. All ages welcome. CCA provides dinner, transportation to the show, and tickets.

Visit their website to learn more and register.

Khari - Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time
The last CPS Community Social of the school year is happening on May 15th. Programs are invited to come and host a table at the end of the year Cambridge Kicks off Summer (Prevent the Summer Slide & Celebrate the School Year) event. This event provides valuable opportunities for CPSD families to interact with various CPSD offices and partners. It's a chance for them to learn more about the wide range of services/resources available in the community and gain access to essential resources. 

May 15th, 2025, 5:30-7:30pm (kindly arrive between 5-5:15pm to set up)
King Open/CSUS Cafeteria, 830 Cambridge Street

Click here to register for a table.

---