news

COVID-19
All AOK staff and youth attending AOK After School and Nathan’s Place will be required to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. For questions please contact Jerod, Zach, or Kelsi at one of the buildings.

Announcement
Parents: To avoid waiting out in the cold for pick up, you may call or text 417.681.0559 and we will do our best to have your child ready when you arrive.

The dance at Nathan’s Place originally scheduled for February 11 has been rescheduled for March 11th. All youth grades 6th-8th may attend. Watch for more details.

Both locations will be open March 15-19 during Spring Break. The Wolf Building will be open 7:30am–5:30pm. Nathan’s Place will be open 10:00am–5:30pm, as always, Nathan's Place youth will not be at the Wolf Building.

Drug-Free Message of the Week
If you, a loved one, or someone you know needs information or treatment in a confidential, safe, judgment-free atmosphere, please contact AOK directly by calling or texting 417.682.6002 or visit aokyouth.org/rcc-project.

Follow this newsletter to learn more about this crisis and how it can affect those around you.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Wagyu

Each building will participate in an activity that involves the sampling of Wagyu, along with an educational piece.

 

 

NATHAN’S PLACE

Valentine’s Dance
The dance originally scheduled for February 11 has been rescheduled for March 11th. All youth grades 6th-8th may attend. Watch for more details.

Awareness
Teens who abuse stimulants often do so for a better ability to concentrate, increased energy, and more confidence. Academic pressures are the main trigger for teens to abuse stimulants, such as pulling all-nighters to study. What they might not realize, though, is that these drugs can be habit-forming when abused and can be dangerous when taken in high doses. Stimulants can speed up heart rate and blood pressure and cause insomnia and anxiety.

Although students expect stimulants to help their academic performance, studies have found that stimulants do not increase learning or thinking ability when taken by people who are not diagnosed with ADHD. Studies have shown that students who abuse prescription stimulants actually had lower GPAs in school than those who didn’t abuse prescription stimulants.

This week’s new reading resource for families to discuss with their children is Mind Matters: The Bodies Response To Cocaine.

Food of the Month
Peanuts

Peanuts are a convenient source of protein and come with the added bonus of healthful nutrients, such as antioxidants, iron, magnesium, and fiber. Most fats in peanuts are heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.

This week, the VolunTeens will learn how to make their own Trail Mix. This is an easy and healthy snack that is extremely versatile and all will enjoy making.

Try the recipe for yourself here.