21 Nov 2013

Scott County Community College instructor honored for outstanding work in the classroom and beyond

By Jean Hessburg

DES MOINES, IA (11/21/2013)(readMedia)-- John Baker, a community college instructor at Scott Community College in Bettendorf, is a 2013 Excellence in Education Award runner-up. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). Baker was chosen among a top field of over 60 educators-all nominated by colleagues, students, parents, and community members-because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's students.

"This award is truly about recognizing the educators who work hard on a daily basis and rarely get the recognition they so richly deserve," said Tammy Wawro, president of the ISEA. The nominations we receive are a testament to the dedication and compassion Iowa educators have for their students and the communities in which they live. Clearly, our educators go above and beyond to help shape the lives of the students they teach."

Baker's dedication and devotion to his profession is evident in his ability to engage his students and be a mentor to colleagues. John pioneered the Great Teachers Workshop which gives educators the ability to share their expertise and experiences, and learn from each other-an idea established long before current legislation focusing on the same concept which seeks to enhance the profession. The Workshop has grown exponentially and John has presented in Iowa, Thailand, Africa, and most recently in the Kingdom of Jordan.

"It's clear that John's creativity, passion, and work all combine to make a tremendous impact in his classroom and beyond and we applaud his achievement," said Wawro. The Excellence in Education Award celebrates educators like John who are invested in the lives of their students and go beyond what is expected to make an exceptional experience for them.

Now in its 14th year, the Excellence in Education Award honors educators around the state who make a difference in the classroom. Nominations are solicited beginning in September through October.

Baker received a $100 gift from the ISEA during an awards ceremony and banquet on Monday, November 18, at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines, courtesy of the Iowa State Education Association.

The winner of the 2013 Excellence in Education Award is Heather Anderson, an elementary teacher at Cowles Montessori School in Des Moines. Anderson received $1,000 courtesy of the Iowa State Education Association. Other runners-up also honored and include Beth Fettweis, an English teacher at City High School in Iowa City; Melinda Orris, a social studies teacher at Maquoketa High School; and Sarah Wessels, a middle school special education teacher in the Coulter - Alexander - Latimer School District; All runners-up received $100 courtesy of the ISEA.

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19 Nov 2013

ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR IDA KRAMER YOM HASHOAH ESSAY CONTEST

By Glenn Kass

Current Generation Asked To Bring New Perspectives to Annual Holocaust Remembrance Event

ROCK ISLAND, IL - The Quad Cities Yom HaShoah (Yahm ha-SHOW-uh) Committee announces a call for entries to the "Ida Kramer Children and the Holocaust" Essay Contest open to all Quad City Area students in grades 8-12. The deadline for entry is February 1st, 2014.

Details are available online at www.jfqc.org or www.holocausteduqca.com. Completed entries may be mailed to the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, 2715 30th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201. They can also be submitted electronically as an email attachment to aross@jfqc.org with "Yom HaShoah Essay" in the subject line.

A $500.00 scholarship is awarded for the winning essay while $200.00 will go to a classroom teacher that provides guidance for the entry chosen. The winning essay will be read during the annual Yom HaShoah Remembrance Service on Sunday, April 27th, 2014 - 7:00 PM - at Tri-City Jewish Center, 2715 30th Street, Rock Island.

Yom HaShoah is observed as a day of commemoration for the six million Jews (nearly 11 million people total) that perished during the Holocaust. It began in 1953 with the signing of an Israeli law by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and President Yitzhak Ben-Zvi. The essay contest bears the name locally of Ida Kramer, former Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and a longtime Holocaust educator.

The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cites (www.jfqc.org) is a non-profit, 501 c (3) Illinois corporation founded in 1980. With other local organizations, JFQC addresses a broad range of needs to include cultural, religious, educational, family welfare, care of the elderly and interfaith relations. The Federation combats hate and anti-Semitism by supporting religious liberty and civil rights for everyone.

Its core mission is to preserve, protect, enrich and enhance Jewish communal life and the well-being of Jews locally, in Israel and throughout the world. It is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America (www.jewishfederations.org). The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jewishfedqc.

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19 Nov 2013

Treasurer Fitzgerald Helps Teachers Prepare Students for Assessment Test

By Karen Austin

Free program provides teachers with pencils to use during assessment testing

DES MOINES, IA (11/19/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is offering free #2 pencils for Iowa teachers to distribute during the annual Iowa Assessment Test through the Prepare for the Basics program. Last year, the program distributed over 19,000 pencils to schools statewide. "Teachers play an important role in the enormous task of monitoring the growth of students through the assessment test," Fitzgerald said. "The Prepare for the Basics program is a small token of appreciation to our teachers for their hard work."

Along with the new pencil, students will receive information to take home about College Savings Iowa, the state-sponsored 529 plan. College Savings Iowa is designed to help Iowa families meet the continually increasing costs of higher education while providing them with multiple tax benefits, including a $3,045 deduction per account from their 2013 state taxable income.* "Families who save early will be in a better position to help pay for college when the time comes," Fitzgerald stated. "Saving ahead of time may reduce the need to borrow for college, which can help families-and their children-get to graduation with less debt."

Teachers who would like to participate in the Prepare for the Basics program can register online at iowatreasurer.gov. Participants can register by clicking on the tab For Citizens, then clicking on the Financial Literacy tab, which will take you to the Prepare for the Basics section. Program materials will be sent directly to the participating schools. Supplies are limited, so early registration is advised. For more information about College Savings Iowa, please visit collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

 

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

19 Nov 2013

Rock Island High School Career Fair tomorrow

By Mary McNeil

The Career Fair will be Wednesday, November 20th in Rocky's Field House from 9-11 A.M.  There will be approximately 45 businesses and colleges set up to help advise students for the next chapter in their life.  According to the Lights ON For Learning Coordinator, Lanette Johnson, the students will have the opportunity to explore many careers in the area and learn about the educational requirements, salaries and skills required for their chosen profession.

"For me, the purpose of the career fair is to help students plan for their future. It will inform them about job opportunities and the requirements for different occupations. Numerous career fields will be represented such as: agriculture, army, construction, educational services, engineering, health services, real estate and more. Students will ask questions regarding required skills, typical day, and earning potential."

Students, business representatives, Johnson and others will be available for interviews at the fair.  The media is invited to attend at any time.


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18 Nov 2013

National Math Competition for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

By Greg Livadas

Middle school students will compete at Rochester Institute of Technology

Deaf or hard-of-hearing middle school students from across the country can participate in Rochester Institute of Technology's sixth annual Math Competition for Students Who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing, April 4-6, 2014 at RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

This competition for middle school students in 6th, 7th or 8th grades is designed to promote math as fun and engaging and features three rounds that test speed and accuracy, teamwork and additional math skills. Cash prizes will be awarded to team and individual winners in several categories. All participants will receive T-shirts and medals.

The first 25 schools that submit completed registration forms and payment, or payment authorizations, for either teams or individual students who want to compete, will be accepted to participate in the competition.

Registration will be closed when the 25-school limit is reached. The final registration deadline is Dec. 15, 2013.

Registration is $90 registration per team (four students) or $25 for students who register individually. Coaches and students wishing to participate in the next competition can get more information online at https://www.ntid.rit.edu/prospective/mathcompetition.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to accompany the students during the weekend, which offers fun and social activities in addition to the math competition.

For questions or more information, contact us at MathCompetition@ntid.rit.edu, call 585-475-7695 or by videophone at 585-286-4555.

RIT is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls more than 18,000 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

NTID, one of nine colleges of RIT, was established by Congress in 1965 to provide college opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who were underemployed in technical fields. Today, 1,432 students attend NTID; more than 1,250 are deaf or hard of hearing. Others are hearing students enrolled in interpreting or deaf education programs. NTID's Center on Employment assists NTID students with finding co-op and permanent jobs. More than 100 interpreters, tutors and notetakers support students in and out of the classroom. Visit: www.rit.edu/NTID.

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Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. In addition, the university offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls 18,000 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

For three decades, U.S. News & World Report has ranked RIT among the nation's leading comprehensive universities. RIT is featured in The Princeton Review's 2014 edition of The Best 378 Colleges, its Guide to 322 Green Colleges and The Fiske Guide to Colleges 2014.

To see more of RIT's rankings and recognition, go to www.rit.edu/overview/rankings-and-recognition.

For RIT news, photos and videos, go to www.rit.edu/news.

12 Nov 2013

Treasurer Fitzgerald Encourages Shoppers to Give the Gift of Higher Education this Holiday Season

By Karen Austin

And get a gift of your own, a state tax deduction

DES MOINES, IA (11/12/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald has a simple solution for the gift giving dilemmas that are usually associated with the holiday season. "Instead of trying to put together a wish list of toys that will soon be forgotten or broken, invite the special people in your life to give one of the most meaningful gifts a child may ever receive," Fitzgerald said. "Opening a College Savings Iowa account has two-fold benefits, not only are you helping a child prepare for their future education, but you can take advantage of the tax benefits as well. Anyone can help toward paying for a college education."

"Families need all of the help they can get. That's why College Savings Iowa is pleased to offer the Ugift® service to plan participants," added Fitzgerald. "This easy-to-use service allows participants to invite family and friends to celebrate a child's milestones by contributing to his or her College Savings Iowa account."

. Also Like College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Follow the Plan on Twitter (@Iowa529Plan) to stay up to date on all current news and giveaways.

* Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 1-888-672-9116, or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

12 Nov 2013

Simon pushing for bold solutions to education funding fairness at Champaign public hearing

By Ted Nelson

CHAMPAIGN - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon on Tuesday will urge stakeholders, lawmakers and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to work together to pursue a bold, long-term solution to the structural problems of the state school funding system at an ISBE public budget hearing being held at the Champaign Public Library.

"The current system is unsustainable and unfair," said Simon. "We have to ensure that all of our students can learn and thrive through a fair and equitable education funding model."

The second of five planned public hearings conducted by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Champaign meeting is aimed at soliciting ideas and recommendations from local community members on education funding priorities for K-12 in the upcoming fiscal year. ISBE is also encouraging resident to voice their opinions and thoughts on the state's current funding formula. ISBE is currently working with the Illinois Senate Education Funding Advisory Committee to examine statewide education funding distribution. Testimony from the public hearings will be shared with the Senate committee as it works to prepare recommendations on an equitable and transparent funding system by February 2014.

According to a Rutgers University study, Illinois has the second largest funding disparity between well funded and poorly funded schools, and is one of the lowest in the nation in terms of state spending on public education in relation to state wealth.  Simon is backing a long-term solution to school funding that will reduce inequities and build up to adequate funding. Simon will discuss ideas to revise funding formulas to help low-income and rural communities, examine the possibility of creating a constitutional amendment designating education as a fundamental right, and explore the possibility of ISBE seeking legislative authority to modify the state aid formulas when funding falls short.

 

Simon serves as the state's point person on education reform. In this capacity, Simon is working to increase the proportion of working-age adults with college degrees or certificates to 60 percent by 2025. As chair of the 25-member Governor's Rural Affairs Council, Simon is also working to improve the delivery of state services and education opportunities to rural Illinois.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 12 

EVENT: Illinois State Board of Education Public Budget Hearing

TIME: 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green St., Champaign

 

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11 Nov 2013

Simon joins the Adler in encouraging women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

By Ted Nelson

Simon joins the Adler in encouraging women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

In an effort to inspire young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will be participating in the first-ever Girls Do Hack event this Saturday at the Adler Planetarium.

"Instilling a passion for these STEM skills can lead to important innovations and job creation in the future," Simon said. "The Adler is doing a wonderful job of fostering future success. These young women will make a huge difference as the future scientists, doctors and teachers Illinois needs to stay competitive in the job marketplace."

Conceived and hosted by the Adler, the one-day event will provide 48 young women, ages 14 to 18, from Chicago Public Schools hands-on learning opportunities aimed at highlighting skills needed for STEM professions. The students will be paired with 24 STEM professional volunteer mentors to take part in workshops including developing mobile phone apps, robotics, exo-planet detection and more.

As a science museum that serves as a public center of learning, the Adler developed the event to take an active role in helping young women to consider pursuing careers in STEM-related fields. Girls Do Hack, created by the Adler's team of educators, scientists and program specialists, is bringing together community partners that will introduce girls to female STEM professionals and help them gain confidence in skills required to pursue these careers.

"Girls Do Hack is about teaming students up with dynamic female STEM professionals in a task-based environment where they'll communicate and work together," said Michelle B. Larson, Ph.D., Adler Planetarium President and CEO. "In doing so, not only will these young women recognize that they already possess valuable skills they can apply to careers in STEM, but in meeting female professionals with similar interests, they can better envision themselves as a programmer, engineer or scientist."

In addition to addresses by Simon, Larson and Femgineer founder and Girls Do Hack event partner Poornima Vijayashanker, the event will include informative workshops sessions focusing on specific skills needed to pursue STEM careers including observation, attention to detail, logic, troubleshooting, creativity, communication, perseverance and more.  

 

Simon serves as the state's point person on education reform. In this capacity, Simon is working to increase the proportion of working-age adults with college degrees or certificates to 60 percent by 2025. As part of her efforts, Simon has encouraged STEM development via public-private partnerships to make our state workforce prepared for the highly skilled jobs of the future and ensure continued economic growth.

07 Nov 2013

Rivermont Collegiate 1st Quarter Honor Roll

By Brittany Marietta

Congratulations to the following students who have made the Rivermont Collegiate 1st Quarter Honor Roll!

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

High Honors (All grades B+ or higher or B or higher for courses designated as Upper School level)

Asha Alla

Elizabeth Decker

Clayton Douglas

Faith Douglas

Jessica Elliott

Aislinn Geedey

Jacob Hansen

Mary Aisling McDowell

Dwira Nandini

Elizabeth Paxton

Grace Sampson

Anna Senjem

Honors (All grades B- or higher or C+ or higher for courses designated as Upper School level)

Christopher Cumberbatch

Kenton Fee

Chirag Gowda

Jewell Hixon

Jonathon Kokoruda

Jozef Porubcin

Lauren Schroeder

Elias Sheumaker

Genevieve Strasser

Nikhil Wagher

Jack Westphal

 

Upper School (Grades 9-12)

Headmaster's List (GPA 3.85-4.00)

Adam Dada

Anastasia Eganova

Maram El-Geneidy

Tejasvi Kotte

Summer Lawrence

Benjamin Nordick

Manasa Pagadala

Emilia Porubcin

Michal Porubcin

Shravya Pothula

Suhas Seshadri

Alexander Skillin

Loring Telleen

MingSui Tang

Distinction (GPA 3.50-3.84)

Christian Elliott

Shivani Ganesh

Ryan Howell

Amanda McVey

Victoria Mbakwe

Grace Moran

Thomas Rodgers

Pavel Yashurkin

Merit (GPA 3.00-3.49)

Spencer Brown

Hema Chimpidi

Sukhmani Gill

Hayley Moran

Lauren Sears
06 Nov 2013

Upper Iowa University announces August 2013 graduates

By Monica Bayer Heaton

FAYETTE, IA (11/06/2013)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the names of its August 2013 graduates, followed by the degree earned and respective honors.

Summa cum laude is awarded to those with a 3.8 to 4.0 GPA; magna cum laude (3.6-3.79 GPA), and cum laude (3.3-3.59 GPA).

Upper Iowa University has 19 U.S. off-campus education centers, a traditional residential campus in Fayette, international centers in Hong Kong and Malaysia, as well as an extensive online program and a self-paced degree program.

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to some 6,200 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree program. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

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