New Site Information Packet

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT STARTING A NEW SITE, PLEASE CONTACT:

KRISTEN KAINER-TURNERSENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER773-342-1250KRISTEN@GOTRCHICAGO.ORG

Empowering girls with the confidence and character they need to become strong, healthy women.

About Girls on the Run-ChicagoGirls on the Run-Chicago (GOTRC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Our program combines training for a 5K (3.1 mile) running event with lesson plans designed to promote positive choices and an active lifestyle. Girls on the Run was created in Charlotte, NC in 1996 by Molly Barker, a social worker and 4-time Hawaii Ironman triathlete. Girls on the Run International (GOTRI) remains based in Charlotte and has expanded to approximately 190 councils and 100,000 participants across the country.

Potential SitesGOTRC has programs running at more than 250 elementary and middle schools in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, Will, Kankakee and Kendall counties. The program can also be run at some community sites as well (Boys and Girls Clubs, park districts, churches, etc.)

Site InvolvementGOTRC provides almost everything needed to run the program, but each site has the following responsibilities:

• Provide a Site Coordinator. This person is responsible for collecting registration forms and fees, distributing program and race information, and recruiting girls to participate in the GOTRC program. We prefer that this person is a school employee, but in some circumstances another person (e.g. a parent) can fulfill this role.

• Provide at least two coaches to be trained by GOTRC• Schedule two days per week that the program will run for at least one hour and 15 minutes per session.• Collect individual program fees (paid to school) and promptly pay GOTRC upon receipt of invoice• Provide a safe outdoor place for running. This does not have to be a track—a field or parking lot is fine. • Provide a “rainy day” indoor site (classroom, gym, etc.)• Participate in our evaluation for the spring season (when applicable)

CoachesAll coaches must be CPR and First Aid certified and participate in an intensive 5 hour coach training session before the season starts. Coaches are provided with a research-based curriculum which has been used successfully here in the Chicago area and around the country.

We require a minimum of two coaches at each site. Each coach has the following minimal responsibilities:• Attend a 5 hour coach training (generally offered on Saturdays in January and February for new sites)• Become CPR and First Aid certified (Girls on the Run-Chicago offers opportunities for coaches to receive this

certification for free)• Be present at each session of the 10 or 12 week season (two days per week for at least one hour and 15 minutes

per session)• Prepare for and supervise all lessons in a manner consistent with the Girls on the Run philosophy and

curriculum• Run with the girls at the end of season 5K• Administer the evaluation (pre-test and post-test) during the spring season (when applicable)

GOTRC recruits volunteers who become trained coaches and can sometimes be assigned to a site when that site is unable to provide coaches. Parents and teachers who have not been trained are welcome to attend lessons to assist coaches and girls, offer encouragement and generally be cheerleaders for the team, but they should not be given coaching responsibilities.

Group SizeWe require a minimum of 8 girls and limit each group to a maximum of 15 girls. Because much of our curriculum is related to team building and group dynamics, fewer than 8 girls can make it difficult to implement the curriculum lessons and provide the experience we want to offer to the girls. More than 15 girls stretches coach materials too thin and makes it difficult to establish group rapport and allow each girl to fully participate in the curriculum. If more than 15 girls at your site are interested in the program, you can have multiple groups as long as you have two adult volunteer coaches for each group of 8-15 girls.

Timing and Length of SeasonWe currently have two sessions of Girls on the Run each year:

• Fall Season begins in early September, runs for 10 weeks (meeting twice each week), and ends in mid November with the Girls on the Run 5K.

• Spring Season begins in March, runs for 12 weeks (meeting twice each week), and ends in early June with the Girls on the Run 5K. One week off for spring break is factored into this schedule.

Getting Signed Up!Although GOTRC has both fall and spring seasons, new sites are only added in the spring. No new sites will start in the fall season. Applications may be submitted at any time, but to be considered for the Spring 2013 season, all applications must be received by September 30, 2012. Please note that GOTRC is rapidly expanding and we’re doing our best to accommodate as many new site requests as possible. Unfortunately, it may not be feasible to start a program at your particular site immediately, due to funding and staff limitations.

There will be a one-time startup fee of $500 assessed to new sites. This fee covers the administrative costs of starting a new program, purchasing additional supplies, training coaches, and supporting new sites throughout the season. This fee will be waived for all low income sites.

If you would like to begin the process of starting a new site with GOTRC, please visit our website and complete a New Site Application.

Girls on the Run CurriculaGirls on the Run is the name of the organization, but we offer two programs: Girls on the Run for 3rd-5th grade girls and Girls on Track for 6th-8th grade girls. The principle philosophies and psychological research for both programs are the same, yet some topics and discussion questions vary for developmental reasons. The Girls on Track curriculum allows for deeper discussion on topics becoming more and more relevant as girls grow into middle school, providing a safe outlet for discussion at this crucial stage of development.Each curriculum covers 20-24 lessons, and each lesson follows a general pattern incorporating lesson goals.

Lesson Format1. Getting On BoardAs the girls arrive and settle into a circle, the coach “checks in” with them, sees how each is feeling, gets a feel for the group’s dynamic for the day, and introduces the topic of the lesson. This portion of the lesson will include an activity and discussion.

2. Warm Up Next is a game - perhaps a short relay or some other brief activity. The topic of the lesson is incorporated into the game. For instance, in one of the first lessons, the coach marks off a short running course. The girls stand at one spot and the coach calls out a “like statement” - “I like chocolate chip cookies,” or “I like math.” All those girls who agree with the statement run (or walk, or jog - they set their own pace) the course marked out by the coach. These statements continue, with contributions by the girls, until everyone has had a chance to run and warm up.

With their muscles warmed up a bit, the coach leads the girls through a brief stretching session. During that time, the girls and the coach “process” the topic. In this example, they might discuss how people can have different likes and dislikes and still be friends, or how our likes and dislikes develop, etc.

3. WorkoutThis involves more actual running. For instance, in the session on positive attitude, each girl may be asked to make a positive statement about herself to the coach each time she completes a lap. The season starts with shorter periods of running and builds up as the coaches assess each girl’s ability and pace. Eventually, the workout will build up to a practice 5K to build the girls’ confidence for participating in the actual 5K event.

4. Cool DownAfter the workout, there is cool down and more processing. The session always ends with a cheer and a healthy snack.

Curriculum FormatThe curriculum is divided generally into three parts:

1. All About Me The first lessons in the curriculum are centered on the girls getting to know themselves, examining their ownvalues, their likes and dislikes, and who they envision themselves to be. As the girls get to know themselves, they are also sharing with each other.

2. Building My TeamThe next group of lessons concentrates on team building, being supportive, and learning to listen and cooperate.

3. Community Begins with MeThe last group of lessons relates to the world at large, including making a contribution to your world (family, school, etc.) and also the negative messages we can receive from the world (media awareness, negative peer pressure, etc.).

The lessons conclude with participation in a 5K run. We participate in our very own running event, The Girls on the Run 5K, in both fall and spring. These are great events that celebrate participants in Girls on the Run!

General InformationFees There will be a one-time startup fee of $500 assessed to new sites. This fee covers the administrative costs of starting a new program, purchasing additional supplies, training coaches, and supporting new sites throughout the season. This fee will be waived for all low income sites.

Our program fees each season range from $25 to $165 per girl. We charge fees on a sliding scale, based on the percent of students at the site receiving free or reduced school lunch (for schools) or overall community income level (for community sites) as follows:

% Free/Reduced Lunch Program Fee0-14 $165.00

15-49 $82.50

50-100 $25.00

Included in the program fee are:• 20-24 lessons conducted by two certified GOTRC coaches• healthy snacks at each lesson• lesson handouts• a GOTRC program t-shirt and water bottle during the season• the registration fee for the season-ending 5K event for each girl• an event-day goody bag • end of season certificates and awards• GOTRC coach training and certification fees• all administrative assistance to coaches, sites, girls and parents

Scholarship ProgramIn the event that a girl is unable to afford the cost for the program, we will do everything we can to offer her a scholarship. Coaches and site coordinators will be given scholarship applications to make available to all families. Our intention is to offer the Girls on the Run program to as many girls as possible and we do not want fees to prohibit participation.

EvaluationGirls in the program are given academically evaluated pre- and post-tests to measure attitudinal changes, which helps us to evaluate our programs. GOTRC coordinates the program evaluation during the spring season.

Contact UsIf you are interested in starting a Girls on the Run or Girls on Track program, please contact Kristen Kainer-Turner at Kristen@gotrchicago.org or complete a New Site Application available on our website: gotrchicago.org

New Site ApplicationThank you for your interest in Girls on the Run-Chicago! Applications are due by September 30th of each year for the following spring season. No new sites are started during our fall season.

BASIC SITE INFORMATIONSite Name: ______________________________________________________________________________If school, what school district? ______________________________________________________________Address: _______________________________________________________________________________City/Zip: ___________________________________________________ County _____________________Phone: ______________________________________ Fax: ______________________________________If school, what type of school? (i.e., private, magnet, charter, public): _________________________________Principal: ______________________________________________________ (or Director if community site)Principal’s email address: ___________________________________________________________________Does your school or program site currently offer physical activity programming for girls?

No Yes If yes, please describe_______________________________________________How much physical education time do all students receive during the school week? ______________________Please identify your curriculum interest:

Girls on the Run (3rd-5th grade) Girls on Track (6th-8th grade)

Site Coordinator Information:The Site Coordinator’s role includes assuring the smooth implementation of the program. (see information packet for additional details). The site coordinator should be available on site.

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________Title/Role at school: ______________________________________________________________________Mailing address (if different from above):______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Phone: __________________________________________________________________ (home/work/cell) E-mail (required): ________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE GIVE US AN EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU ACCESS REGULARLY AS THAT IS OUR MAIN FORM OF COMMUNICATION AT ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR.

READINESS TO PARTICIPATE CRITERIAWhile Girls on the Run-Chicago (GOTRC) provides almost everything needed to run the program, the site is required to do the following:

* Provide a site coordinator who is able to fulfill all site coordinator responsibilities.

* Provide a safe, dedicated space for running that does not conflict with other programs. THIS IS ESSENTIAL. This does not have to be a track—a field or parking lot is fine. Briefly describe the available running area:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

* Provide a rain site. Indoor, private, preferably a gym reserved for GOTRC and NOT in conflict with other programs. Briefly describe the available indoor space:

______________________________________________________________________________________

* Secure storage area for curriculum supplies, snacks, etc. Please describe area and how it will be accessed by coaches:

_______________________________________________________________________________________

* Briefly describe your recruiting and selection criteria (i.e., 1st come/1stserved, lottery, etc.):_______________________________________________________________________________________

* Assign coaches and participants to teams. Teams should include a blend of ALL THREE grades (3rd-5th for GOTR and 6th-8th for GOT) as much as possible if multiple teams are formed.

* Provide at least two coaching candidates per team for your site. Please list coaches below. Each coach will be required to attend one day of Girls on the Run training and become First Aid/CPR certified. Coaches must be available two afternoons per week. Please use a separate sheet for additional coaches if necessary.

Coach Candidate Name: _________________________________________________________________Phone: __________________________________________________________________(home/work/cell)Email: _________________________________________________________________________ (required)Position (parent, teacher, administrator): _______________________________________________________

Has this candidate gone through Girls on the Run-Chicago coach training? Yes or No

Coach Candidate Name: _________________________________________________________________Phone: __________________________________________________________________(home/work/cell)Email: _________________________________________________________________________ (required)Position (parent, teacher, administrator): _______________________________________________________

Has this candidate gone through Girls on the Run-Chicago coach training? Yes or No

Coach Candidate Name: _________________________________________________________________Phone: __________________________________________________________________(home/work/cell)Email: _________________________________________________________________________ (required)Position (parent, teacher, administrator): _______________________________________________________

Has this candidate gone through Girls on the Run-Chicago coach training? Yes or No

TEAM/PRACTICE INFORMATION Each team must contain between 8 and 15 girls with 2 adult trained coaches. If there are enough interested girls and enough trained coaches at your site there is no limit to the number of groups you can have.

Please choose two days per week and the time the participants will meet for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes on those days. Group 1: Days: ______________ and _________________ from ________ (time) to ________.Group 2: Days: ______________ and _________________ from ________ (time) to ________.Group 3: Days: ______________ and _________________ from ________ (time) to ________.

PROGRAM FEESThere will be a one-time startup fee of $500 assessed to new sites. This fee covers the administrative costs of starting a new program, purchasing additional supplies, training coaches, and supporting new sites throughout the season. This fee will be waived for all low income sites.

Our program fees range from $25 to $165 per girl. Scholarship applications are available to any girl regardless of the income level of her site. The program fee covers the cost of one child’s participation (including a t-shirt, water bottle, healthy snacks, 5K registration fee, and race goody bag). Our fees are based on a sliding scale according to the percentage of students that receive free/reduced lunch at each site, and provides for fee reductions as follows:

% Free/Reduced Lunch Program Fee0-14 $ 165.00

15-49 $ 82.50

50-100 $ 25.00

* total school enrollment: ______________

* percentage of students at your site receiving free or reduced meals: ___________

ADMINISTRATION ACKNOWLEDGMENTPlease have school principal/vice principal (or site director if this is an application for a non-school site) sign below indicating her/his acknowledgement and awareness that an application to deliver GOTRC at your site has been submitted:

_______________________________________________________________ Date: __________________

E-mail, fax or mail application to:Kristen Kainer-Turner

Senior Program ManagerGirls on the Run-Chicago

1643 N. Milwaukee Ave. 2nd FloorChicago, IL 60647Fax (773) 342-1266

kristen@gotrchicago.org