04 Mar 2014

Area students named to University of Kansas honor roll

By Christy Little

LAWRENCE, KS (03/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Approximately 4,620 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earned honor roll distinction for the fall 2013 semester.

The students, from KU's Lawrence campus and the schools of health professions and nursing in Kansas City, Kan., represent 93 of 105 Kansas counties, 45 other states and 40 other countries.

Area honorees are as follows:

Joseph Boland, of Rock Island. He is the son of Mary Dewitte, Rock Island, Ill. Boland was named to the honor roll for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Rebecca Townsend, of Muscatine. She is the daughter of Betsy and James Townsend, Muscatine, Iowa. Townsend was named to the honor roll for the School of Music.

Rachel Rauch, of Leclaire. She is the daughter of Rebecca Rauch, Leclaire, Iowas. Rauch was named to the honor roll for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Caitlin Doornbos, of Dewitt. She is the daughter of William Doornbos, Dewitt, Iowa, and Shannon Stuckert, Hutchinson. Doornbos was named to the honor roll for the School of Journalism.

The honor roll comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and in the schools of allied health; architecture, design and planning; business; education; engineering; journalism; music; nursing; pharmacy; and social welfare.

Honor roll criteria vary among the university's academic units. Some schools honor the top 10 percent of students enrolled, some establish a minimum grade-point average and others raise the minimum GPA for each year students are in school. Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours to be considered for the honor roll.

04 Mar 2014

THIRTY-NINE SCHOOL DISTRICTS SELECTED FOR FIRST TEACHER LEADERSHIP SYSTEMS

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

By 2016-17, all districts will have option to participate

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Education Director Brad Buck today announced the first group of Iowa school districts selected to launch teacher leadership systems next school year.

Top teachers taking on leadership roles to improve instruction and raise student achievement is the centerpiece of Iowa's landmark 2013 education reform package. New teacher leadership systems across Iowa will allow teachers to work in greater collaboration with colleagues and learn from each other instead of operating largely in isolation in their classrooms. Teacher leadership systems will be phased in over three years, with the goal of all districts participating by 2016-17, although whether to do so is a local decision.

Based on the recommendations of the 19-member Commission on Teacher Leadership and Compensation, Director Buck selected 39 school districts out of 146 applicants from across the state. The districts - serving a mix of urban, suburban and rural communities - enroll about one-third of Iowa students. Two of the districts will share teacher leadership systems. Selected districts are listed at the end of this press release.

Teacher leadership systems promise to help students learn more by better meeting their individual needs. They also will attract and retain more effective teachers by enhancing career opportunities and paying stipends for taking on extra responsibilities. With higher expectations for students, it's no longer realistic for one principal to provide all the instructional leadership in a school. Teacher and principal leadership teams can support the more complex work required to prepare students for a knowledge-based economy.

Districts were selected for the first round based on the strength of their application as well as geographic and size diversity.

"Selection of this first group of school districts to launch teacher leadership systems is an important step forward as Iowans work to restore our schools to best in the nation," said Branstad. "Iowans are committed to giving students a world-class education. Better utilizing teacher leadership to leverage other reforms moves us in the right direction."

"We are pleased that 146 school districts applied to be in the first group," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Great teaching is the most critical factor affecting learning inside schools, and the teacher leadership systems recognize that teacher collaboration can be a game-changer."

"This first group of school districts will help transform education across Iowa," said Buck. "The state's role is to provide leadership and support so they can implement their teacher leadership systems in a way that best meets local needs."

Districts that applied to start teacher leadership systems next fall were required to set a vision and goals for what they plan to accomplish. They also had to address "must-haves," such as setting a minimum teacher salary of $33,500, improved entry into the profession, including mentoring for new teachers, and a rigorous selection process for leadership roles.

Districts selected will receive about $309 per pupil next school year to implement their teacher leadership systems. The annual cost statewide is nearly $50 million in FY15, growing to about $150 million annually in the third year. After the initial year of district implementation, the teacher leadership funding rolls into the Iowa school finance formula.

The next step for school districts is selecting their teacher leaders. Branstad's FY15 budget recommendations include $4 million for the Iowa Department of Education, working with Area Education Agencies, to provide technical assistance and leadership development for the districts in the first group implementing teacher leadership systems in 2014-15.

The selected districts are:

Benton

Bettendorf

Burlington

Cedar Rapids

Colo-NESCO

Council Bluffs

Davenport

Delwood

Dubuque

Earlham

East Marshall

East Union

Gilbert

Greene County

Hudson

Humboldt (in collaboration with Twin Rivers)

Johnston

Le Mars

Linn-Mar

Marshalltown

Mount Pleasant

Muscatine

North Polk

Norwalk

Oelwein

Ottumwa

Panorama

Pella

Rock Valley

Roland-Story

Saydel

Sioux City

Southeast Polk

Twin Rivers (in collaboration with Humboldt)

Van Meter

Waterloo

West Des Moines

Western Dubuque

Winterset

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04 Mar 2014

Jordan 4th Graders Celebrate Mardi Gras!

By Janine Parr
Jordan fourth grade students will be celebrating Mardi Gras on Tuesday March 4th wear jeans and green, purple, or yellow shirts that day. The celebration will begin with a party at 2:00pm and the crowning of the King and Queen of Mardi Gras. Then the children will parade through the school with the mardi gras masks that they made. This is a fun and colorful event! The children will have a King's cake and goodies.
04 Mar 2014

Grassley: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Selects Marion Student

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today that John Mark Gorman of Marion has received an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, N.Y., for the 2014-2015 school year.

Gorman is the son of Cathy and Joseph Gorman.  He will graduate in May from Marion High School.  Gorman is a member of National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the National Council on Youth Leadership and is an Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America.  He lettered in basketball and football, as well as served as captain of the football team.  Gorman's hobbies also include fishing, camping and archery.

"Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor," Grassley said.  "Students work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity.  I wish John well and thank him for his commitment to serve our nation."

Gorman was among the 55 Iowans Grassley nominated this year for appointments to the U.S. service academies.  Information about seeking nominations can be found on Grassley's website.

For more than 200 years, these academies have educated and trained individuals to lead and command the U.S. armed forces.

-30-
04 Mar 2014

Students serving others over Spring Break

By Jamie Kelly

MOUNT VERNON, IA (02/28/2014)(readMedia)-- More than 120 Cornell College students are taking part in the college's annual Alternative Spring Break. This is the10th year the college has sponsored a service trip that takes place during its 10-day Spring Break.

This year, students are going to 10 different locations, including Philadelphia, Detroit, New Orleans, Chicago, Atlanta, Memphis, Tenn., Jacksonville, Fla., and El Paso, Texas.

Leanna Doyle of Davenport is taking part of the trip to El Paso.

Aubrey Kohl of Bettendorf is taking part of the trip to Memphis.

You can find out more about the Alternative Spring Break program, including details about each trip, on Cornell College's Civic Engagement Office website.

One of the 40 "Colleges That Change Lives," Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a national liberal arts college with a distinctive One Course At A Time curriculum. The One Course schedule provides students the chance to dive into their studies, focus more intensely on the disciplines of their choice, and learn authentically with the unique freedom to shed the confines of the traditional classroom to study off-campus, pursue research, or accept an internship-all without missing out on other classes.

Cornell has been recognized by numerous publications for the value its education offers and for academic excellence. This year it was named one of the 20 "Best Buys" in higher education by the "Fiske Guide to Colleges," and one of the 100 best values in liberal arts education by Kiplinger's. It has also been called a "Great School at a Great Price" by U.S. News and World Report. Ninety-three percent of Cornell graduates earn their degrees in four years, compared to the national average of slightly more than five years. In 2013 Cornell was named one of the 25 colleges with the best professors by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity.

03 Mar 2014

Local Students Awarded Merit Scholarship from Oklahoma City University

By Office of Undergraduate Admissions

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (02/28/2014)(readMedia)-- The following individuals have been awarded a merit scholarship based on grade point average and ACT/SAT test scores. Oklahoma City University awards merit-based scholarships to freshmen who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential, regardless of financial circumstances. Merit scholarship amounts range from $1,500 to $7,500.

All admitted undergraduate applicants are considered for merit scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded to students during the admission process and renewed annually up to seven consecutive semesters if satisfactory academic performance is maintained.

Brynn Sweere of Muscatine

Ryan VanHoosier of Eldridge

Oklahoma City University is a coeducational, urban private university located in Oklahoma City, in the Uptown district. The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a wide variety of degrees in the liberal arts, fine arts, sciences and business. The only Oklahoma institution listed in the top tier of the regional, master's-level university category by U.S. News and World Report, Oklahoma City University is also listed in Forbes' "Best Christian Colleges" & "100 Best College Buys." OCU offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate degrees (including a law degree, MBA and doctoral programs in nursing).

03 Mar 2014

Pre-School Open House Tonight

By Shelly Serrano
Attention family and friends: If you have or know someone who has a little one ages 3-4 ready for the Preschool experience we are having an Open House tonight at St. Mark Preschool from 6- 7:30 tonight Monday March 3rd. St. Mark is located at 2363 W 3rd St in Davenport.  Hope to see some of your faces there.
28 Feb 2014

Lt. Governor Simon to honor Moline High School students

By Ted Nelson

Winners of NO MORE Dating Abuse video challenge 

MOLINE - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and representatives of Verizon and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) tomorrow will name four Moline High School students the first place winners of the "NO MORE Dating Abuse" video challenge. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Now in its second year, this challenge is the first of its kind in Illinois and is coordinated by the ICADV and Lt. Governor's office, and sponsored by Verizon. Last September, all high schools throughout the state were encouraged to invite their students to submit a video that called for the end of teen dating violence and promoted healthy relationships. Simon will present Moline High School with $1,000 for submitting the winning entries, and students on the winning team will receive iPads.

Simon also will be joined by state and local officials to honor the Village of Silvis as the newest Illinois Main Street community. The Lt. Governor serves as the ambassador of the Illinois Main Street Program, which is helping to revitalize downtowns and business districts throughout the state.

 

EVENT: NO MORE Dating Abuse video challenge awards

DATE: Friday, Feb. 28

TIME: 9:15 a.m.

LOCATION: Moline High School auditorium, 3600 Avenue of the Cities, Moline

 

EVENT: Silvis Illinois Main Street ceremony

DATE: Friday, Feb. 28

TIME: 10 a.m.

LOCATION: Silvis City Hall, 121 11th Street, Silvis

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28 Feb 2014

Why College Students Should Also Run a Business

By Ginny Grimsley
Entrepreneur Specializing in Internships Shares 5 Benefits

These days, it seems as though Americans are spending more for college while getting less value in return - a trend research validates, says entrepreneur Matt Stewart.

"The average cost for an in-state public college is $22,261, and a moderate budget for a private college averaged $43,289 for the 2012-2013 academic year; for elite schools, we're talking about three times the cost of your local state school," says Stewart, a spokesperson for College Works Painting, (www.collegeworks.com), which provides practical and life-changing business experience for college students who have shown potential for success. Interns operate their own house-painting business with hands-on guidance from mentors.

Making matters worse, adults in their 30s have 21 percent less net worth than 30-somethings 30 years ago, according to a new Urban Institute report.

"More students are being saddled with long-term debt while getting less value for their education," Stewart says. "Because of the difficulty recent college grads are having finding jobs in today's tough economy; today's students may have even less worth in their 30s than 30-somethings today."

To add value to their professional career, Stewart encourages students to seek outside-the-box avenues for increasing their career stock while in college. Running a business is a great way to do that; he explains why.

• Employers love ambition. A college degree is the minimum qualification employers are seeking. What hiring managers are looking for is that something extra when reviewing a stack of qualified resumes. At the heart of the economy is innovation; it's the difference between simply existing in a market, and thriving in one. Employers know they need people with creativity and gumption for innovation.

• Real-world management of time and money. College is a time when young adults learn to live autonomously. It's the rare student, however, who learns to manage his or her own affairs and the most precious resources in the business world - time and money. Managing employees, driving sales, developing specific skills for a real market and building strong customer relationships are best learned with hands-on experience.

• Learn where they need help. What do you do well and where do you need help? The best way to know with any certainty is through experience. Running a business while attending college allows students to circle back to their education and focus on their trouble areas by adjusting their curriculum in future semester. 

• Develop meaningful bonds. One of the most meaningful aspects of the college experience is the relationships students develop with each other, which often have professional consequences after college. Enlisting the help of fellow students for a common business purpose tends to have a powerful bonding effect.

• Immediate ROI - finding phenomenal success. Most students who run a business during college will not prove to be the next Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerburg or David Geffen, which is precisely why students should not drop out of college like those pioneers did. However, a student doesn't have to be the next Zuckerburg to experience amazing success as an entrepreneur. College Hunks Moving Junk is just one recent example that began in an entrepreneurial student mind.

About Matt Stewart

Matt Stewart co-founded National Services Group, which operates College Works Painting, SMJJ Investments and Empire Community Construction. Under the executive team's leadership, NSG has grown from a small Southern California business into a national leader in two industries and has been recognized as an entrepreneurial leader by Ernst & Young, the Orange County Business Journal, Inc., Entrepreneur and hundreds of other periodicals. Stewart has received a several awards, including the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award from the Orange County Business Journal; was named "40 under 40;" and he has twice been a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award.

27 Feb 2014

Samuel Cady named to Dean's List at Rockford University

By Rockford Univ Communications Office

ROCKFORD, IL (02/27/2014)(readMedia)-- Samuel Cady a resident of Erie, IL, was named to the Dean's List at Rockford University.

Students attending Rockford University were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2013 semester who earned at least a 3.5 GPA with no grades below "C."

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the adult accelerated degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies and a BSN-C bachelor's completion program in Nursing. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and one of only 81 colleges in the nation as a "College with a Conscience," Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

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