29 Apr 2015

Smiddy Hosts Community Education Forum

By Paul Ferrero
HILLSDALE, Ill. - To continue his mission to keep constituents informed and fight for high-quality schools in the community, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is hosting a Community Education Forum on Monday, May 4, at Moline High School, 3600 Avenue of the Cities in Moline from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
"Education is critical to the success of our young people, and improving the resources and assistance for local school districts is one of my main priorities in Springfield," Smiddy said. "This event is designed to get parents, educators and administrators involved in the conversation about the direction of our schools."
Smiddy is hosting the event in partnership with the Regional Office of Education and several local superintendents. The program will feature a short update about current educational events in the Capitol from Smiddy, a short discussion of the local education environment from Tammy Muerhoff from the Regional Office of Education, and an open conversation with administrators, hosts and attendees.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to inform parents and educators about the education climate in Illinois, and the chance to hear their suggestions for how we can make our education system as strong as possible," Smiddy said. "Staying in close contact with local leaders, teachers, and parents on the educational issues that affect our classrooms and students is the best way for me to be an effective advocate in Springfield."
The forum is free and open to the public. For questions, please contact Smiddy's full time constituent service office at 309-848-9098.
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29 Apr 2015

Starenko is featured in "More Than I Imagined" series

By Sam Schlouch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/28/2015)(readMedia)-- Rosalie Starenko, an Augustana senior from Rock Island majoring in geography and Spanish, has been featured in the 2015 "More Than I Imagined" web series, where exceptional seniors from a wide variety of majors reflect on what they've accomplished at Augustana and discuss plans for their futures.

Starenko's "More Than I Imagined" profile may be viewed at http://www.augustana.edu/x62339.xml.

To be included in "More than I Imagined," seniors must be nominated by an Augustana faculty member or coach as an outstanding student.

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.

28 Apr 2015

Fitness Xpress: Working Toward A Healthier Future For QC Children

By Mickle Communications
Fitness Xpress is working with schools in the Quad-Cities area as part of the Project 10 Schools Program to educate local overweight students and their parents in exercise, proper meal planning, and nutrition.
Glenview Middle School in East Moline, IL, is the first school to work with Fitness Xpress. Children with dietary problems are receiving high-protein meals from ViSalus, as well as exercise and guidance. Fitness Xpress will also be offering guidance to the parents of many of these children.
"We've also added Woodrow Wilson Middle School and more will follow," VanGilder said. "We have 14 kids at Glenview and eight at Wilson who are on the program. The Glenview kids have been on the program since February 23 and have reported losses of 4 to 20 pounds." She added that Fitness Xpress plans to arrange sponsorship for at least 1,000 kids in the Project 10 Schools Program.
It's not difficult to see the link between malnutrition and thin, hungry children. But, overweight children can be malnourished, too. As the Huffington Post article, 'How Malnutrition Causes Obesity,' states: "Americans are overfed and undernourished ... the most obese children and adults in the country are also the most nutritionally deficient."
"If we don't help today's children to lose weight," said Dana VanGilder, General Manager of Fitness Xpress, "the next generation may be the first to have a shorter life expectancy than the previous one. A healthier future needs to begin today."
In January of this year, Fitness Xpress was part of ViSalus' World's Largest Simultaneous Group Workout, an initiative which was held in 11 countries. "The goal was to set a Guinness World Record and we did it," VanGilder said.
For every person who participated in the event, ViSalus donated 30 kids' meals through their Project 10 Kids program. VanGilder and the Fitness Xpress team are working to distribute the meals earned by the event as part of a long-term plan to help malnourished, overweight children in the Quad-Cities.
ViSalus Sciences is a national healthy lifestyle company which has developed a platform for achieving weight-loss and fitness results by encouraging participants to concentrate on losing just 10 pounds at a time. The kids meals being distributed are part of the ViSalus line of nutritional products. Because they are fortified with essential nutrients, they serve as an excellent dietary supplement for the children.
Setting A World Record
The World's Largest Simultaneous Group Workout was held through 2,180 groups worldwide, with 15,180 participants. Fitness Xpress hosted a total of 204 participants. ViSalus raised 455,400 meals for children worldwide, and 6,120 of those meals were raised by Fitness Xpress. The meals provided by ViSalus are easily transported and non-perishable - essential factors for the success of the program.
The meals from ViSalus started arriving in the Quad-Cities in mid-February. "Many children are eating too much fast food and other high-fat, high-carb choices with lots of empty calories," VanGilder said. "With the ViSalus meals, we can be sure the children are receiving the full spectrum of essential nutrients. We will be meeting with many of the children's families to discuss healthy eating habits."
Educating The Community
In addition to providing area children with nutritious meals, Fitness Xpress will also be working with schools in the Quad-Cities area as part of the Project 10 Schools Program to educate local overweight students and their parents in exercise, proper meal planning, and nutrition.
Glenview Middle School in East Moline, IL, is the first school to work with Fitness Xpress. Children with dietary problems are receiving the ViSalus meals, as well as exercise and guidance. Fitness Xpress will also be offering guidance to the parents of many of these children.
"We've also added Woodrow Wilson Middle School and more will follow," VanGilder said. "We have 14 kids at Glenview and eight at Wilson who are on the program. The Glenview kids have been on the program since February 23 and have reported losses of 4 to 20 pounds. The Wilson kids have had two personal training sessions so far." She added that Fitness Xpress plans to arrange sponsorship for at least 1,000 kids in the Project 10 Schools Program.
"Our Project 10 weight-loss coaches are designing the program to work with school menus," VanGilder said. "They encourage the kids to be selective about what they eat, and use the high-protein, low-fat ViSalus cereal or shakes as an alternative, when suitable. Many kids have the cereal or shakes first thing in the morning as a protein boost and still eat healthy breakfast items at school. In the evening, they may use the shakes again. The shakes taste great, so they seem more like a treat than a nutritional supplement."
VanGilder noted that Fitness Xpress is looking for students they can help. "If you have a child who has been classified with a 'BMI for age' of 27 or higher, or a 'BMI percentile' of 90th or higher, they can apply for the Project 10 Schools Program," she said. "Parents are encouraged to contact us for more information."
Fitness Xpress is a locally owned fitness club, headquartered at 4200 24th Ave., Moline IL. To learn more about Fitness Xpress and the Project 10 Schools Program, call 309-797-3150 or visit fx247.com.
28 Apr 2015

Branstad highlights success of new Teacher Leadership and Compensation System

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(PLEASANT HILL, Iowa) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today highlighted the success of the innovative new Teacher Leadership and Compensation System (TLC) at Southeast Polk Junior High School during his weekly press conference. The press conference occurred following the last of three visits with school districts this month to learn how they are using TLC to raise student achievement and raise the status of the teaching profession. The TLC discussion at Southeast Polk followed visits to the Benton and Rock Valley school districts. Southeast Polk is one of the 39 school districts across the state launching the first year of the TLC program.

"As we visit with school districts engaged in the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System, which is the centerpiece of Iowa's landmark 2013 education reform package, we're hearing that better utilizing teacher expertise and creating more time for collaboration is transforming instruction," said Branstad. "Though much work lies ahead, we know that teacher leadership will drive the other reforms needed to give Iowa students a world-class education and revitalize the teaching profession."

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, who participated in the roundtables in both Rock Valley and Benton school districts, was unable to attend the Southeast Polk roundtable discussion because she is leading a trade mission to Brazil.

"We have more people in leadership positions, which creates more time to get things done," said Rock Valley Community School Superintendent Chad Janzen about why TLC is helping to transform instruction in his district of 840 students.

The TLC system was launched with 39 school districts that enroll about one-third of Iowa's students. Seventy-six additional school districts, representing another third of Iowa student enrollment, will join the program next school year (2015-2016). All 338 school districts will have the option of joining the TLC system by the 2016-2017 school year. When fully phased in, the program will cost about $150 million annually, and much of the funding will be used to increase teacher leaders' salaries and attract more individuals to the teaching profession by offering more competitive starting salaries.

"I'm optimistic that within a few years every school district in Iowa will be part of TLC, which is the most comprehensive teacher leadership system in the country," said Iowa Department of Education Deputy Director Ryan Wise, who oversees the TLC system for the state. "This exciting work is about supporting teachers to do their best work so that our students can do their best work."

Branstad concluded by saying, "Lieutenant Governor Reynolds and I believe that every Iowa child deserves a globally competitive education, and we know that starts with great teaching in every classroom. The Teacher Leadership and Compensation System is working to ensure we're attracting the best and brightest to the classroom."

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24 Apr 2015

Local Residents Inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

By Hannah Breaux

BATON ROUGE, LA (04/23/2015)(readMedia)-- The following local residents recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Kaitlyn Dvorak of Bettendorf (52722) initiated at Iowa State University

Marvin Smith of Muscatine (52761) initiated at Iowa State University

Mia Kavensky of Rock Island (61201) initiated at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Amy Meyer of Eldridge (52748) initiated at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Stacy Clark of Riverdale (52722) initiated at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Karen Newlon of Hampton (61256) initiated at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Thao Tran of Davenport (52806) initiated at Western Illinois University

Bridget Osborn of Blue Grass (52726) initiated at Western Illinois University

Alessandra Faggionato of Davenport (52801) initiated at Western Illinois University

Corey James of Davenport (52806) initiated at Western Illinois University

Casey Stone of DeWitt (52742) initiated at Western Illinois University

Caitlen O'Day of Eldridge (52748) initiated at Western Illinois University

Ashton Driscoll of Coal Valley (61240) initiated at Western Illinois University

Ju Huang of Moline (61265) initiated at Western Illinois University

Noelle Ebert of Moline (61265) initiated at Western Illinois University

Joseph McKinney of Rock Island (61201) initiated at Western Illinois University

These residents are among approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Since its founding, more than 1.25 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist David Baldacci and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. The Society has awarded approximately $15 million since the inception of its awards program in 1932. Today, more than $1 million is awarded each biennium to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

24 Apr 2015

Local students participate in alternative spring break trip

By Anne Bassett

Madeline LaPage of Eldridge (52748) Atlanta, Ga., as part of the trip "Degrees of Separation: Public Health in Atlanta - Addressing Public Health and Community Development Issues" sponsored in part by the UI Food For Thought Theme Semester.

Alexander McCammant of Eldridge (52748) Dallas, Texas, as part of the trip "Bridging the Cultural Divide between Health and Care - Addressing Public Health Issues."

Donte Nesbitt of Rock Island (61201) Dallas, Texas, as part of the trip "Bridging the Cultural Divide between Health and Care - Addressing Public Health Issues."

Bailey Carroll of Bettendorf (52722) Dallas, Texas, as part of the trip "Bridging the Cultural Divide between Health and Care - Addressing Public Health Issues."

Anthony Yang of Bettendorf (52722) Kansas City, Mo., as part of the Presidential Scholars Program sponsored by Honors at Iowa.

Ellen Reeder of Davenport (52801) Memphis, Tenn., as part of the trip "Mindsets behind Movements - Addressing Social Determinants of Health" sponsored by UI Dance Marathon.

Emily Braught of Bettendorf (52722) Pittsburg, Pa., as part of the trip "Creativity in Curriculum: The Importance of Art in Education" sponsored by UI Residence Education.

Gina Chieffo of Bettendorf (52722) Pittsburg, Pa., as part of the trip "Creativity in Curriculum: The Importance of Art in Education" sponsored by UI Residence Education.

Ethan Duong of Davenport (52801) Pittsburg, Pa., as part of the trip "Creativity in Curriculum: The Importance of Art in Education" sponsored by UI Residence Education.

Alison Moss of Muscatine (52761) Pittsburg, Pa., as part of the trip "Creativity in Curriculum: The Importance of Art in Education" sponsored by UI Residence Education.

Janita Pegram of Davenport (52801) Pittsburg, Pa., as part of the trip "Creativity in Curriculum: The Importance of Art in Education" sponsored by UI Residence Education.

Ismenia Castelan of Muscatine (52761) St. Louis, Mo., as part of the trip "Learn today. Lead Tomorrow: Exploring Educational Equity" sponsored by the UI Center for Diversity & Enrichment & TRiO Student Support Services programs.

Addison DeMarr of Davenport (52801) St. Louis, Mo., as part of the trip "Learn today. Lead Tomorrow: Exploring Educational Equity" sponsored by the UI Center for Diversity & Enrichment & TRiO Student Support Services programs.

A total of nine Hawkeye Service Teams (approximately 130 students) headed out across the country on trips promoting service learning, social justice, and community building.

The Alternative Spring Break Program is supported and coordinated by the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CSIL). The UI is one of only a few alternative break programs in the country to also require students to participate in a common academic course as part of the experience.

23 Apr 2015

Iowa State Education Association delivers more than 2,000 messages to the Capitol

By Jean Hessburg

Education groups hold "off-site" lobby day to demonstrate public support for increased education funding

DES MOINES, IA (04/22/2015)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) delivered more than 2,000 email messages today to Governor Branstad and House Republican Leaders from educators, parents, and community members in support of increased education funding.

In a special "off-site" lobbying effort, the ISEA joined with education coalition partners in calling for messages to be delivered through Wednesday, April 22, from wherever people could manage. Whether at home, work, or going to the Capitol, messages to legislators need to be heard.

The ISEA received email messages to a special LobbyDay@isea.org site set up to receive them. The messages were printed and hand delivered to Governor Branstad, House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer, and Representative Chuck Soderberg.

Education Coalition partners -- including Iowa Association of School Boards, School Administrators of Iowa, Area Education Agencies, Urban Education Network of Iowa, and Rural School Advocates -- all held a lobby day today. Messages from members of those organizations will be delivered to Governor Branstad and legislative leaders as well.

"The tremendous amount of communication the ISEA received from our members and from other citizens across the state in support of increased education funding sends a very clear message to those legislators who are withholding funding. They need to listen to the people," said ISEA president Tammy Wawro. "So many messages written on behalf of students and our schools means there is an overwhelming amount of support for increased funding for public education. House Republicans need to stop playing politics and remember who they work for - the people of Iowa," added Wawro.

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The ISEA is a private, professional organization made up of over 34,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving public education for all Iowa students.

23 Apr 2015

Education Task Force and Commission members deliver letter to Governor Branstad and Legislature

By Jean Hessburg

Teacher Leadership and Compensation funds being counted in grand total for basic school services

DES MOINES, IA (04/22/2015)(readMedia)-- Members of the Task Force on Teacher Leadership and Compensation and the Commission on Educator Leadership and Compensation delivered a letter to Governor Terry Branstad and Members of the Iowa Legislature reminding them of the parameters of the Teacher Leadership and Compensation funding.

It has become clear through the long debate over Supplemental State Aid (SSA) this legislative session that the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System (TLC) funds are being counted in a grand total for basic school services. This accounting implies a greater level of budget support for basic funding than actually exists. TLC funds are not to be used for anything other than the TLC program and to count them toward a general fund is irresponsible and misleading.

"House Republicans have declared their education budget total at $100 million which actually includes $50 million from the TLC program. So, in reality, only $50 million of that total goes to basic general funding in our schools. That was not the intent of the TLC dollars, nor is it honest accounting," said Mary Jane Cobb, ISEA Executive Director, and a member of both the Task Force on Teacher Leadership and Compensation and the Commission on Educator Leadership.

"The Teacher Leadership funding is allocated only to schools that have been approved in the application process for very specific uses--and not all districts receive these funds. TLC is a special initiative, and should not detract from the resources provided to schools to meet the basic services to our students," said Lisa Bartusek, Executive Director of the Iowa Association of School Boards and Member of the Commission on Educator Leadership and Compensation.

"We have fully supported the TLC program every step along the way, but never envisioned that funding this initiative would sacrifice basic school funding. Our schools are a worthy investment of taxpayer dollars, to keep up with the basic costs of doing school business and to improve instruction," added Lew Finch, Executive Director, of the Urban Education Network of Iowa.

Thirty members of both the Task Force on Teacher Leadership and Compensation and the Commission on Educator Leadership signed the letter to Governor Branstad and the Legislature. The letter makes clear that the funds going into the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System (TLC), a three-year phase-in program aimed at elevating positions in schools to meaningful and well-designed leadership and collaborative opportunities by cultivating and utilizing the expertise of educators, are kept separate and apart from the general education funds.

Members of the task force and the commission include members from the Iowa Public Education Coalition, a group of the state's largest education organizations, which includes the Iowa State Education Association, Iowa Association of School Boards, the School Administrators of Iowa, the Iowa Area Education Agencies, the Urban Education Network of Iowa and the Rural Schools Advocates of Iowa.

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View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Education-Task-Force-and-Commission-members-deliver-letter-to-Governor-Branstad-and-Legislature/10816315

Attachments

22 Apr 2015

Nicholas Jansen has received the Dean's Award from Northern Illinois University

By Brad Hoey

DEKALB, IL (04/21/2015)(readMedia)-- Nicholas Jansen of East Moline, Illinois has received the Dean's Award from the Northern Illinois University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Jansen is a Senior Meteorology major earning a B.S. degree.

The Dean's Award (a separate honor from the Dean's List) was designed to recognize Seniors who have made significant contributions to their academic departments. To qualify for this award, Jansen was required to have completed at least 90 semester hours, have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and receive a nomination from a faculty member based on service to the department.

Chartered in 1895, NIU first opened its doors as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1899 as a teachers college. The university has grown since into a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world.

22 Apr 2015

Smiddy Sponsors Bills Granting Tuition Waiver for Children of Wounded Veterans

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Continuing his effort to support veterans, service members and their families, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is cosponsoring legislation that exempts the children of wounded veterans from paying portions of tuition at Illinois public universities.
"Illinois sends thousands of brave men and women to serve in the military, and each year too many return with wounds that will continue to affect their lives," Smiddy said. "Illinois should be certain that we stand behind the families that defend our nation."
Smiddy is sponsoring House Bill 3476 to grant a tuition waiver at public universities in Illinois for the sons or daughters of wounded veterans. The percent of tuition waived is based on the severity of injuries, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs' determination of disability. The tuition waiver is valid for 124 credit hours as long as the student remains in good academic standing at the state institution.
"Too often, veterans return from their service with injuries that can have a negative financial impact for their family, and these restrictions can reduce their ability to put their children through school," Smiddy said. "This bill will help honor the sacrifice of Illinois' veterans by helping them give their children the education they deserve."
House Bill 3476 passed the Illinois House with bipartisan support and now awaits consideration in the Senate.
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