21 Apr 2015

4 Ways Parents Can Promote Positive Behavior In School

By Ginny Grimsley
Black Students Are Often Punished Disproportionately, But There Are Steps For Addressing That,
School Psychologist Says It's the kind of moment that causes a parent to cringe - or even panic.

Word arrives from school that the parent's child is in trouble. Maybe it was a minor offense and the student simply faced a trip to the office. But maybe a suspension or expulsion is in the near future, leaving the parents wondering whether they could have done something before the situation became so dire.

Before parents beat themselves up too much, though, they should remember that student discipline isn't always a clear-cut thing, says Renae Azziz, founder and director of Virtuoso Education Consulting (www.virtuosoed.com), which provides professional development training to teachers and school district leaders.

"The reasons students are sent to the office are not always well defined," says Azziz, a school psychologist. "So-called problem behaviors are often too subjective, which leads to different teachers having different perceptions and definitions of what a problem behavior is."

The situation can be especially frustrating for the parents of these students. Numerous studies have shown that African-American students are more likely than their white peers to be severely punished for their transgressions.

Cultural misunderstandings between teachers and students often are at the core of those disproportionate punishments, Azziz says. When there is a mismatch between what the teacher sees as acceptable behavior and the student's view, problems can surface.

Teachers can learn to account for those cultural differences through explicit and ongoing training focused on culture. But there are also steps all parents can take that will go a long way in helping their children understand the school's expectations, Azziz says.

She offers these tips:

•  Educate yourself. Parents should read the school's discipline handbook and become familiar with the expectations for behavior in their child's school. That way parents will have a clearer understanding of the rules and can discuss them with the child. Handbooks lay out all kinds of information, such as what constitutes bullying or how unexcused absences affect participation in extracurricular activities. "Knowing and talking about the rules can help you head off problems," Azziz says.

•  Positive reinforcement at home. Parents can set up positive ways to acknowledge their student for doing the right thing at home that connect to the behavior expectations at school. Children usually respond better to positive reinforcement than negative reinforcement, so praise at home for correct behavior can translate into good behavior in the classroom.

•  Learn the rules face to face. Early in the school year, parents should meet with their child's teacher and principal to define and clarify behavior expectations and discuss how you will communicate with each other. Often, email is a good way to communicate with teachers because they can read and respond to the correspondence after class is over for the day. But find out what the teacher prefers. Good communication can help the parent and the teacher work together to make sure behavior expectations are understood and followed.

•  Championing the child. A parent should be the child's advocate. "After all, if you aren't in your child's corner, who is?" she asks. But that doesn't mean taking the attitude: My child is always right. "You will need to be fair and balanced," Azziz says.

About Renae Azziz

Renae Azziz is the Founder and Director of Virtuoso Education Consulting (www.virtuosoed.com). She and her team of consultants support educators nationally in the areas of Response-to-Intervention, Data-Based Decision Making, Assessment, Positive Behavior Support, and Culturally Responsive Practices. Before starting Virtuoso Education Consulting, Renae practiced as a school psychologist in Indiana. Renae also worked on grants funded by the Indiana Department of Education supporting Indiana's Initiatives on Response to Intervention, Culturally Responsive PBIS, and Minority Disproportionality in Special Education. She was appointed by former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels to the Commission on Disproportionality in Youth Services. Renae's degrees include an Ed.S. in School Psychology, an M.S. in Educational Psychology, and a B.A. with honors in Psychology, all from Indiana University. She is working towards completion of her Doctorate in Education at The Johns Hopkins University
21 Apr 2015

MTI reaches out to Quad Cities community with open house

By Stacy Wierman

MOLINE, Ill. - Midwest Technical Institute will host a series open houses for prospective and incoming students from 5 to 8 p.m. April 30 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 2 at MTI's Moline campus, 3620 Avenue of the Cities, Moline.

MTI offers a variety of career-training programs designed to assist students in securing employment in a number of today's most in-demand industries, including welding, HVAC, cosmetology and transportation.  Open house attendees will have the opportunity to tour MTI's classrooms, labs and other facilities, as well as meet with admissions, financial aid and faculty representatives to gain a better understanding of MTI's hands-on, workforce training programs.

There is no cost to attend the open house, which will feature a carnival that is open to the public; MTI merchandise giveaways; door prizes and raffles; food and beverages; games; and more.

Both open houses are part of a year-long series to educate area students on the importance of a skills-based education in today's economy. But the value of MTI's open houses extends far beyond giving prospective students a close look at the school and its programs. MTI Director of Marketing Stacey Wierman believes events like these benefit both MTI personnel and the surrounding communities at-large.

"A MTI open house is valuable not only to the attendee, but to our faculty, staff and community because it is a unique opportunity for all involved to interact and learn more about our school and the programs we have to offer," Wierman says. "We're building futures that will ultimately impact our communities one person at a time."

In addition, Wierman feels faculty and staff enjoy interacting with prospective students one-on-one in helping them select a rewarding career path.

"MTI faculty and staff love this time to be able to talk to our prospective students and hopefully help them in making a major decision that will not only change their lives, but the lives of those around them," Wierman added.

Many of MTI's courses and programs can be completed in as little as nine months, and job placement and financial aid opportunities also help students enter the workforce quickly with the skills to develop into industry-leading professionals.

The Moline campus will host additional open houses July 16; Sept. 10; Sept 12; and Nov. 19. For more information about upcoming open houses, contact the Moline campus at (309) 277-7900. Media inquiries and interview requests can be directed to Stacey Wierman at (309) 427-2750, ext. 1228.

About Midwest Technical Institute

Midwest Technical Institute offers hands-on training in a number of mechanical trade and allied health career fields to help students succeed as a member of today's rapidly-changing workforce. MTI, along with its sister school, Delta Technical College, operates seven campuses across the Midwest and Mississippi Delta regions. For more information, visit www.midwesttech.edu.

21 Apr 2015

BANDITS SQUANDER CHANCE TO SWEEP COUGARS

By Marco LaNave
Derek Fisher hits his fourth home run, while Kristian Trompiz finishes with six hits in the three-game series
DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 21, 2015) - The Quad Cities River Bandits jumped to a 3-0 lead over the Kane County Cougars in the first inning Monday night, but the visitors capitalized on three errors, two passed balls and a wild pitch to score four unearned runs and come back for an 8-6 win that spoiled the River Bandits' attempt at a series sweep in front of 919 at Modern Woodmen Park.
After River Bandits right-hander Kevin Comer worked around a single for a scoreless top of the first inning, his teammates spotted him three runs against Cougars left-hander Jared Miller. Center fielder Bobby Boyd led off with a bunt single - his fifth straight game in which he has led off with a hit - and went to second base on a groundout. After left fielder Derek Fisher walked, third baseman Nick Tanielu lined an RBI single into center field, and shortstop Mott Hyde added an RBI single to left-center field. Designated hitter Ryan Bottger reached on an error by third baseman Cody Regis to load the bases, and first baseman Jacob Nottingham's RBI groundout made it 3-0.
Comer worked a perfect second inning with two strikeouts but allowed Kane County (4-8) to begin its comeback in the third inning. Designated hitter Josh Elander drew a leadoff walk, and a pickoff throw eluded Nottingham at first base, allowing Elander to reach third base. River Bandits third baseman Nick Tanielu then misplayed a ground ball by Cougars shortstop Sergio Alcantara, allowing Elander to score. A single by center fielder Colin Bray, a groundout and sacrifice fly by left fielder Grant Heyman scored Alcantara to make it 3-2.
The 3-2 lead remained until the fifth inning, when Elander hit a leadoff single and went to second base when Bray walked. That ended Comer's outing after 4 1/3 innings, bringing left-hander Chris Lee (0-1) out of the bullpen. With runners at first and second bases, a passed ball by catcher Jamie Ritchie allowed both to advance one base. A groundout by Regis brought in the tying run, and another passed ball scored the go-ahead run. The runs were charged to Comer, who yielded four - one earned - on three hits and two walks with six strikeouts.
Leading off the bottom of the fifth inning, Fisher quickly tied the game by launching his fourth home run of the season to right field off Miller. Tanielu then drew a walk, went to second base on a passed ball and scored after consecutive groundouts to third base by Hyde and Bottger. Miller was then removed after allowing five runs - three earned - on six hits and three walks with two strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings.
The 5-4 lead remained for Quad Citiesuntil two outs in the top of the sixth inning. With the bases empty, second baseman Fernery Ozuna singled to right field against Lee, whose wild pitch advanced Ozuna to second base. Right fielder Victor Reyes then grounded to Hyde, whose one-hop throw to first base went into the stands, allowing Ozuna to score the tying run. The Cougars took the lead for good in the seventh inning, as Bray hit a one-out single - one of his game-high three hits - to right field, and Lee hit Regis with a pitch. After Heyman grounded out, first baseman Steve McQuail grounded an infield single between Lee coming off the pitcher's mound and Ritchie coming in from his first base position, scoring Bray for the go-ahead run. Catcher Stryker Trahan followed with an RBI single to right field for a 7-5 Cougars lead. The lead increased to 8-5 in the eighth inning, when Reyes hit a leadoff single, advanced on two groundouts and scored on Bray's RBI single to center field. Lee went 3 2/3 innings, allowing four runs - three earned - on six hits and no walks with four strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Cougars right-hander Nick Baker (1-0) tossed two scoreless innings with two hits and three strikeouts to put himself in line for the win. Left-hander Zac Curtis got the final out in the seventh inning but faced a greater threat in the eigth. A walk, error and single loaded the bases with no outs for Boyd, who grounded into a fielder's choice for an RBI. Ritchie then grounded into an inning-ending double play.
With an 8-6 lead in the ninth inning, Cougars right-hander Luis Ramirez allowed a two-out walk to Hyde, but when Bottger lifted a fly ball to shallow right field, Reyes made a diving catch to end his team's four-game losing and hand Quad Cities its first loss in six home games.
The River Bandits open a three-game series in Peoria at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Dozer Park. After losing two of three games in their season-opening series with Quad Cities, the Chiefs (8-4) are tied with Cedar Rapids for second place in the Western Division.
UP NEXT: Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities and WLLR present the first Friday Fireworks of the season following the 7 p.m. game Friday at Modern Woodmen Park. It is also Legends of Rock Night for the opener of the six-game, seven-day homestand. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.
21 Apr 2015

Gov. Bruce Rauner Convenes Latino Working Group

By Catherine Kelly

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner today met with Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, State Senator Martin Sandoval, State Representative Luis Arroyo, Department of Labor Director Hugo Chaviano, Jovita Carranza, Lazaro Lopez and Manny Sanchez at the first Latino Working Group meeting.

This working group is being convened to create a forum for the governor and lieutenant governor to work with Latino members of the General Assembly and Latino members in the administration to focus on issues of concern to Latino families and businesses.

"The goal of this working group is to drive the Turnaround Agenda and make positive short-term and long-term differences to benefit the Latino community throughout Illinois," Rauner said. "We need to empower Latinos and give them the tools and every opportunity to succeed."

"Governor Rauner sent a powerful message to the Latino community when he selected me as his lieutenant governor," Sanguinetti said. "I will continue to work hard to ensure the Latino community thrives here in Illinois."

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21 Apr 2015

Arts Dollar$ Grant Provides Scholarships for "Summer at Rivermont" Art Courses

By Rick Martin

Thanks to a generous grant from Quad City Arts, Rivermont Collegiate is able to offer Scholarships, to families that qualify, for these Summer at Rivermont art courses:

·      Painting Like Picasso

·      Fiber Arts & Weaving

·      Marvelous Masks

·      Printmaking Extravaganza

·      Digital Photo Phrenzy

Summer at Rivermont offers a variety of summer enrichment courses for preschool through 12th grade, which are open to the entire Quad City community and held on the Rivermont Collegiate campus in Bettendorf. Please note there is a limited amount of grant money and courses will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Those interested in these scholarships are strongly encouraged to enroll early. Though Summer at Rivermont offers courses in a wide variety of subjects, these scholarships are only applicable to art courses listed above.

This project is supported with Quad City Arts Dollar$ funds, provided by Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, John Deere, and the Doris and Victor Day Foundation.

For complete details on courses and scholarship eligibility and to enroll, visit www.RivermontCollegiate.org or pick up an application at Rivermont Collegiate - 1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf, IA 52722.
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20 Apr 2015

Girl Scouts elect Board of Directors

By Abigail Kreun

April 17, 2015 - Bettendorf, Iowa - Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois added three new girl representatives to the Board of Directors at its annual meeting on April 11.

Kasia Luebbe of Taylor Ridge, IL, Mallory Roudabush, Mt. Vernon, IA, and Sierra Pope, Williamsburg, IA, were unanimously elected as girl representatives to the board. Marika Jones, Bettendorf, IA, and Katie Wiedemann, Dubuque, IA, were  were unanimously elected to the Board Development Committee.

Luebbe is a senior at Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois, and has been a Girl Scout for 11 years. She earned the Bronze and Silver Award. She stays active in church, school sports, and plays the guitar and piano.

Roudabush is a sophomore at Mount Vernon Community School, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. She is a long-term Girl Scout who hopes to own her own business one day.

Pope is a sophomore at Williamsburg Jr. High, Williamsburg, Iowa. She enjoys public speaking and acting in her school theatre, and loves working with children.

Jones is a lifetime Girl Scout member. She has been on the Girl Scout board since 2014. She is the President of Trinity Health Foundation. Prior to that, she was a director at the Figge Art Museum and the Iowa State University Foundation.

Wiedemann is the Dubuque Reporter for KCRG TV. She served as a girl board member of the former Little Cloud Council.

For more information about Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, call 800-798-0833 or visit www.girlscoutstoday.org.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois serves girls ages 5-18 in 38 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

Girl Scouts is the premier leadership organization for girls.

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20 Apr 2015

Caitlin Thom received the Geifman "Responses to the Holocaust" Prize

By Sam Schlouch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/20/2015)(readMedia)-- The Augustana College Center for the Study of Judaism and Jewish Culture has chosen Caitlin Thom from Bettendorf, IA (52722) as one of the recipients of the yearly Geifman "Responses to the Holocaust" Prize.

A first-year majoring in music composition, Thom's work will be on display on the main floor of the Thomas Tredway Library inside the Center for Student Life (3435 9 1/2 Ave, Rock Island).

Supported by the Geifman Endowment, the Geifman Prize in Holocaust Studies is an annual student competition with an award of up to $500. Submissions may include essays, research papers, poetry, drama, film, artwork, musical composition or other creative expression.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 155 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

20 Apr 2015

Spring 2015 Seal of Approval Report released by The National Parenting Center

By David Gaynes
MONDAY - April 20, 2015 - The National Parenting Center has released its 25th annual Spring Seal of Approval report.  The first report of 2015 follows ten weeks of consumer testing by parents and children at The National Parenting Center's test centers.  A recently published independent survey indicated that nearly 60% of mothers rely on awards such as the Seal of Approval when making final purchase decisions for their children.  As such recognition from The National Parenting Center has become a significant bellwether for retail buyers as to which products will ultimately succeed in connecting with consumers.

TNPC's evaluative process gauges consumer reaction to products currently being marketed to both parents and their children such as toys, games, books, videos, websites, educational products, mobile apps, etc.  Each submission is reviewed on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to, price, packaging, design, stimulation, desirability, age appropriateness, instructions and more.  TNPC's Seal of Approval is ultimately a peer-to-peer review program to recognize and highlight products and services that have been met with a "thumbs up" by parents.

Since 1989, The National Parenting Center has established itself as North America's leading parent advocacy organization.  TNPC offers advice and information to parents on issues that range from pregnancy through adolescence.  The National Parenting Center's home page, TNPC.COM, offers visitors free access to hundreds of articles on parenting issues as well as Seal of Approval reviews.

20 Apr 2015

Tenth Annual Ethics Essay Contest

By Sam Schlouch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/20/2015)(readMedia)-- The Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics is pleased to announce the winners of the Tenth Annual Ethics Essay Contest.

Essays were judged on the basis of clarity, appropriate use of ethical ideas, theories and principles in addressing and clarifying the topic; depth, insight and creativity of analysis; thoughtfulness and plausibility of supporting arguments for position taken.

As in previous years, the outside evaluator found it very difficult to select five essays for recognition since there were many excellent essays that were submitted for consideration.

Makenzie Logan of Moline received 1st place for the essay, "Ethical Concerns and Misconceptions in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict".

Ben Rudy of Geneseo received an honorable mention for the essay, "Embryonic Research and Discovering the Alternatives".

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 155 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

20 Apr 2015

Announcing The Salvation Army Davenport Corps Community Center's 5th Annual A Taste of the Caribbean Night

By Rick Martin

Davenport, IA - The Salvation Army Davenport Corps Community Center located at 3400 W. Central Park Avenue will be hosting the 5th Annual "A Taste of the Caribbean" Night on Thursday, April 23rd, 5:00pm through 7:00pm.

As the dinner's theme suggests, there will be authentic Jamaican food including Jerk Chicken/Barbeque Chicken, Salad, Festivals and Rice & Peas.  Delicious homemade desserts will be on sale.  Come enjoy the great food, fun, festivities and music!

There is a $6.00 charge per ticket at the door ($5.00 in advance); and a $2.00 charge for children 2-4 years old. The proceeds will benefit The Salvation Army's World Missions efforts around the world.

Please call The Salvation Army at 563-391-5325 with any questions.

A TASTE of the CARIBBEAN

DATE:  Thursday, April 23rd

TIME:   5pm-7pm

PLACE:  The Salvation Army, 3400 W. Central Park Avenue, Davenport, IA

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