Welcome Back to the 2025–26 School Year at Launch Philly: Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs in Philadelphia
As we begin the 2025–26 school year, Launch Philadelphia is excited to welcome students, families, and community partners back for another year of growth, creativity, and connection through our Out-of-School Time (OST) programs in Philadelphia. This year, our programs are grounded in togetherness, healing, and community building, guided by our central theme:
Theme of the Year: T.E.A.M.
Together Everyone Achieves More
Through collaborative learning, creative expression, and intentional wellness practices, our students and staff continue to strengthen both individual and collective success through our Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs in Philadelphia.
Out-of-School Time (OST) Program Sites & Leadership
Creative Kids @ William Dick Elementary
- Senior Site Director: Mrs. Gina Williams-McBride
- Site Director: Ms. Jay
STARS @ T.M. Peirce Elementary
Our site leaders and staff work closely with families to create safe, engaging, and supportive afterschool environments for all students.
Creative Arts & Expression in Our Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs (September Focus)
Our driving question for September was: “How can we express ourselves through creative arts?”
Students participated in transition games such as Copy That Movement, Line Up by Birthday, Show and Tell, and Match Me. These activities helped build comfort, confidence, and peer connection.
Structured creative projects included:
- Fingerprint tree art
- Shape garlands
- Friendship bracelets
- Free art drawing
These experiences encouraged self-expression while strengthening fine motor skills and emotional awareness.
Healing Day & Community Wellness
Launch Philly hosted a special Healing Day, achieving nearly 100% attendance. Students and families came together to express, process, and address personal experiences related to trauma and loss.
We were honored to welcome Miss Jasmine, an educator, influencer, social worker, and entrepreneur, whose mission centers on unlocking potential through social and emotional learning.
Families also participated in healing art therapy with Miss Danielle, creating reflective mannequin heads focused on self-concept, adaptability, connection, and positive mindset. The evening concluded with prayer led by Senior Site Director Mrs. Gina Williams-McBride.
Emotional Wellness in Out-of-School Time (OST) Programming (October Focus)
In October, students focused on identifying stress levels, understanding stress triggers, and learning healthy coping strategies. These lessons emphasized emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and resilience.
Community Awareness & Engagement
Breast Cancer Awareness
Students learned about breast cancer awareness, created ribbons, and concluded the week with a 5K awareness walk.
Lights On Afterschool
Our students, staff, and families celebrated with a Lights On Afterschool event, featuring a family line dance and ice cream social.
Mental Health & Healing (November Focus)
November centered on slowing down, gratitude, and inner peace. Students participated in:
- Gratitude circles
- Wellness routine realignment
- Cozy Corner activities with soft lighting and jazz music
Students also learned about the meaning of “Harambee”, a Swahili word meaning “Let’s pull together” or “to work together.”
The month concluded with our annual Friendsgiving Dinner, bringing together parents, students, and staff for a shared meal and fellowship.
December Highlights: Winter Wonderland in OST Programming
December was filled with joy, creativity, and literacy-focused engagement. Highlights included:
- Winter Wonderland themed activities
- Family book tasting and literacy night
- Winter Break Camp featuring skating, bowling, martial arts, entrepreneurship lessons, and winter globe creations
Students explored global themes by creating winter globes representing places they dream of visiting.
Looking Ahead: Continued Out-of-School Time (OST) Opportunities
Upcoming reminders include:
- Spring Break Camp enrollment @ T.M. Peirce
- Summer Camp enrollment @ both program sites
We look forward to continuing our mission of empowering youth through creativity, wellness, and community-centered learning.
Contact Information
Launch Philadelphia 📞 267-246-5240
Creative Kids @ William Dick Elementary
Senior Site Director: Gina Williams-McBride
STARS @ T.M. Peirce Elementary
📞 267-278-8799
After-school programs provide safe, structured environments where students learn new skills, build confidence, and grow into responsible, engaged members of the community.