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Positive Behavior Incentive Program
In our first blog post of 2026, we discussed the launch of a new behavior incentive program at the Bob Burdette Center. Now that we have been implementing this program for a few months, we would like to share how it has been working. The behavior incentive program is designed to improve student behavior through positive reinforcement. There are two main ways we encourage and reinforce positive behavior. One method is ... Continue Reading »

Lessons We Can Learn From Dr. Seuss
To go along with both National Reading Month and the Bob Burdette Center’s monthly theme of reading, we are highlighting some of the lessons that can be learned from Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss is one of the most well-known children’s authors. It is estimated that he has sold between 500 and 700 million copies of his books. This number does not include the many people who have been exposed to ... Continue Reading »

Marching into National Reading Month
March is National Reading Month! This month highlights the importance of reading in adolescence and encourages daily reading among children, families, and communities. March was chosen because March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’s birthday. During this month, you can celebrate by reading more and encouraging reading within your family. At the Bob Burdette Center, we discussed the importance of reading in a previous blog post at the beginning of January. ... Continue Reading »

Studying the Stars
This month at the Bob Burdette Center, we took to the skies with our monthly theme: Space! The universe we live in has so many fascinating things to learn about. During February, our students became junior astronauts and learned all about space. Through many STEM lessons, art activities, reading lessons, and classroom instruction, our students became very familiar with space-themed concepts. Throughout the month, students learned about stars and constellations. ... Continue Reading »

Creating Space for Youth Voices at the Bob Burdette Center
The Bob Burdette Center is more than just a place for students to go when the school day ends. We are a space where our students can grow, explore new interests, and build meaningful relationships in a safe environment. One of the most powerful ways to strengthen these environments is through youth–adult partnerships. Youth-adult partnerships are an important relationship that occurs between a child and an adult that is ... Continue Reading »

Encouraging Mindfulness at the Bob Burdette Center
In a blog post last week we spoke about the role of social and emotional learning (SEL) at the Bob Burdette Center. One way we implement SEL is by teaching mindfulness techniques to our students. Mindfulness is an important skill for children to learn, as it helps improve focus, supports emotional regulation, and reduces stress. Mindfulness is often depicted as being strictly meditation. While meditation is one form of mindfulness, ... Continue Reading »

We’re All Dressed Up with Snow-where to Go!
The snow last weekend has kept Kanawha County Schools and the Bob Burdette Center closed for the entire week. While the snow has kept students out of the classroom, it doesn’t mean that learning has to stop. One great way to keep kids engaged on days without school or afterschool programs is by encouraging reading and creativity. Whether through physical books or audiobooks, reading provides children with a calm ... Continue Reading »

Let’s Get Moving!

How Physical Activity Helps Kids Focus

After a full day of sitting in classrooms, focusing, and following rigid structures, children often arrive at afterschool programs with a lot of built-up energy. Movement is not only a way for students to release some of that energy; it is an essential part of their overall well-being and development. Moving after school helps increase blood flow to the ... Continue Reading »

Social and Emotional Learning at the Bob Burdette Center
At the Bob Burdette Center, we focus on the well-being of our students in many ways. In past blog posts we have discussed some of our academic focuses, such as one-to-one tutoring, as well as our emphasis on physical well-being through CACFP. While these areas are important, they are not the only factors that contribute to a child’s overall development. Interacting with peers in a kind and respectful manner ... Continue Reading »

Charley West BBQ Fest Is Gearing Up
We are officially four months out from the annual Charley West BBQ Fest! The Charley West BBQ Fest is our annual fundraiser supporting the Bob Burdette Center. This year’s event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 16, 2026, at City Center at Slack Plaza in Charleston, WV. The festival will feature three barbecue cooking competitions and live music throughout the event. Two of the cooking competitions ... Continue Reading »
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