When the school day ends, the learning doesn’t stop—and for many families, the hours after school are some of the most important. That’s where the Badgerland After School Enrichment Program, better known as BASE, comes in. BASE provides a safe, structured, and inspiring place for kids to learn, play, and grow beyond the classroom walls. Today we're excited to welcome Alicia Norris, Executive Director, Emily Yavuzcetin, Director of Operations, along with Whitney Townsend, a BASE Board Member. Together they help lead an organization that is much more than after-school care.

In this episode, I’ll be joined by three of our kindergarten teachers Becky Johnson, Nicole Schafer, and Amy Schuldt to hear their stories, their reflections, and their wisdom. We’ll talk about what a day in the life of a kindergartner looks like, the amazing growth they see from the first day of school to the last, and why relationships with families are such an important part of the kindergarten experience.

Strong schools don’t exist in isolation—they’re built on partnerships with families, community organizations, and yes, our local police department. At the same time, a safe community is one where kids are supported, connected, and given the tools to make good choices both in and out of school.