08 Apr 2014

Early Learning Readiness Fair

By Mary McNeil
Rock Island County parents have the opportunity to find out how their little ones are progressing. A free "early learning readiness fair" is being held THIS week.

(Rock Island, IL)  Rock Island County Regional Office of Education Superintendent, Tammy Muerhoff, says birth to age five is an integral time period for the development of young children. And because of that, the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education, the Early Childhood Coalition and the All Our Kids Early Childhood Network are collaborating to offer parents of children age birth to age five an opportunity to acquire resources from community agencies, school districts, and child care centers.

Muerhoff says "The Early Learning Readiness Fair "provides an opportunity for parents to gather information and ask questions in one location.   "Children's experiences in their first few years of life influence how they develop, learn and interact with the world and so parents must know what they can do to make sure that time is filled with great growth".

The fair is being held THIS Wednesday, April 9th from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Building in Rock Island?4600 46th Avenue  Rock Island.   At the fair there will be vision and hearing screenings, information on family resources available in the community, age appropriate activities, summer learning activities and tours of a school bus for those going to kindergarten in the fall.
08 Apr 2014

Rivermont Collegiate 3rd Quarter Honor Roll

By Rachel Chamberlain

Congratulations to the following students who have made the Rivermont Collegiate 3rd 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

Clayton Douglas

Faith Douglas

Giavanna Eckhardt

Jessica Elliott

Kenton Fee

Aislinn Geedey

Jacob Hansen

Mary Aisling McDowell

Elizabeth Paxton

Patricio Salazar

Grace Sampson

Anna Senjem

Jack Westphal

 

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

Christopher Cumberbatch

Elizabeth Decker

Evan Didelot

Chirag Gowda

William Heaney

Jonathon Kokoruda

Dwira Nandini

Jozef Porubcin

Davis Priest

Lauren Schroeder

Genevieve Strasser

Nikhil Wagher

 

Upper School (Grades 9-12)

Headmaster's List (GPA 3.85-4.00)

Adam Dada

Maram El-Geneidy

Tejasvi Kotte

Benjamin Nordick

Manasa Pagadala

Emilia Porubcin

Michal Porubcin

Shravya Pothula

Suhas Seshadri

MingSui Tang

Loring Telleen

 

Distinction (GPA 3.50-3.84)

Christian Elliott

Anastasia Eganova

Shivani Ganesh

Ryan Howell

Summer Lawrence

Victoria Mbakwe

Amanda McVey

Grace Moran

Thomas Rodgers

Alexander Skillin

Pavel Yashurkin

Merit (GPA 3.00-3.49)

Spencer Brown

Hema Chimpidi

Jennah Davison

Sukhmani Gill

Aditya Gohain

Nathan McVey

Hayley Moran

Joseph Rodgers

Gwyneth Vollman
07 Apr 2014

Gov. Branstad calls for full funding for early literacy

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today called on the Iowa Senate to pass adequate funding for early literacy for Iowa students. Branstad's budget, which was presented to the Legislature on Jan. 14, 2014, calls for $3.9 million in state funding for the Iowa Reading Research Center in fiscal year 2015. The education appropriation bill passed out of the Democrat-controlled Iowa Senate committee cuts needed funding for the center by nearly 50 percent.

"Based on Iowa test scores, nearly 25 percent of Iowa third-graders are not reading proficiently. Without this critical, basic skill, we're setting our children up for failure," Branstad said. "The center expects to lose a significant amount in federal funds in fiscal year 2015, making the $3.9 million I propose even more critical."

Branstad continued, "Last year, Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to pass historic transformational education reform. This year, we once again have the opportunity to ensure our children are receiving the education they deserve."

According to the center's website, the "Iowa Reading Research Center is an online collection of literacy resources available to the public for classroom learning and teaching, at-home support, and education research from birth to 12th grade." The center currently serves nearly 15 percent of Iowa's 346 school districts. Nearly 300 additional districts and several dozen nonpublic schools have indicated they want to sign up for training this summer to learn how to use Iowa's early warning system.

"The most important thing we can do for students in Iowa is to help them become proficient readers," said Michelle Hosp, director of the Iowa Reading Research Center. "Most children make the jump from 'learning to read' to 'reading to learn' by the end of third grade, so early intervention is critical. The Iowa Reading Research Center is well-positioned to help schools implement evidence-based reading initiatives to serve the needs of all students."

Last November, a survey commissioned by the Iowa Reading Research Center and conducted by the regent universities found a lack consistent quality in literacy education across the state.  That included teaching approaches that vary widely and uneven knowledge about reading interventions for struggling students both among districts and within districts.

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07 Apr 2014

Simon pushes for dual credit incentives

By Ted Nelson

New legislation aims to create equitable school funding, encourage higher learning

 

CARTERVILLE - April 4, 2014. Local school districts would receive new funding to encourage students to earn college credit while still in high school under legislation being pushed by Lt. Governor Sheila. Simon visited John A. Logan College on Friday to talk to students and promote the need to incentivize dual credit programs in Illinois.

"Dual credit programs help students get an important head start on college," said Simon, the state's point person on education reform. "This landmark measure can prepare students for college and set them on the path to good-paying jobs in growing fields. I am hopeful that the General Assembly will pass this important legislation quickly so it can begin helping Illinois schools and students."

Earlier this year, a bipartisan State Senate committee, created by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) and State Sen. David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville), issued a report acknowledging Illinois' outdated school funding system and recommending changes be made to the system to better reflect student needs. On Wednesday, Manar, along with other Illinois Senate Democrats, introduced the School Funding Reform Act of 2014, a proposal to streamline the complicated funding system into one formula that would account for school districts' funding needs while also encouraging the development of dual credit programs throughout the state.

A dual credit course is a college course taken by a high school student that earns both college and high school credits. This allows a student to get a jumpstart on a college credential or degree for free. Dual credit courses are vital for students in small, rural or low-income districts that do not have the resources to provide Advanced Placement or other specialized college-prep courses, Simon said.

"Dual credit programs help transition kids to college, reduce debt and shorten the amount of time to get a degree," said Director of Dual Credit and Partnerships at John A. Logan College Vicky Turl.

In Illinois, data from the Illinois Community College Board shows that student participation in dual credit has increased from 11,809 students in 2001 to 87,571 in 2012. Locally, almost 35 percent of juniors and seniors are taking some type of dual credit class affiliated with John A. Logan College.

Still, not all high schools offer dual credit. Cost is a primary barrier. To offer a dual credit course on site, a high school must hire a teacher that has the equivalent accreditation as a college professor and provide the appropriate books and technology. Alternately, the high school can cover a student's costs at a college campus.

Previously, Simon urged state leaders to overhaul the way schools are funded in Illinois during the final hearing of Manar's education committee in January. Simon testified that the current formula was hurting rural and high-poverty districts and should be changed. 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.

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07 Apr 2014

UW-Platteville Holds National Student-Athlete Day Luncheon

By Justin L. Bohn
Twenty-eight student-athletes and a cheerleader at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville were recognized at the athletic department's 17th annual National Student-Athlete Day luncheon. The Pioneers with the top grade-point averages from the fall semester invited a faculty member or staff member whom they hold in highest regard as being a positive influence on their time at UW-Platteville. 

Baseball: Zach Demmon 
Men's Basketball (3): Peyton River, Wes Nemitz and Chas Cross 
Women's Basketball: Stacy Clark 
Cheerleading: Kimberly Hatfield 
Men's Cross Country: Cole Shurbert-Hetzel 
Women's Cross Country: Danielle Kunkel 
Football (2): Jake Zilbar and Connor Skoumal 
Women's Golf: Taylor Egnarski 
Men's Soccer (5): Caleb Sedlacek, Jonathan Stopple, Mitchell Zank, Cameron Weess and Keith Baerwald 
Women's Soccer (2): Maddie Hughes and Lindsey Harms 
Softball (2): Jess Butzen and Rachael Strong 
Men's Track & Field (3): Greg Stribling, TJ Valley and Brent Schmidt 
Women's Track & Field (3): Lynea Axelson, Kaliann Bauer and Chelsea Delzer 
Volleyball (2): Stephanie Kirchner and Allee Yundt 
Wrestling: Robert Kerr
07 Apr 2014

Governor Quinn Discusses Plan to Make College More Affordable and Accessible

By Dave Blanchette

Visits DePaul University, Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois to Discuss Plan to Double the Monetary Award Program Over Five Years

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today visited three major Illinois universities to discuss his plan to double the state's investment in the Monetary Award Program (MAP) over the next five years. In the first year alone, Governor Quinn's plan will provide 21,000 more students with an opportunity to attend college that would not otherwise be available. Today's event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure all people have access to quality education and opportunity.

"Money shouldn't stand in the way of a deserving student and a college diploma," Governor Quinn said. "This increase in MAP funding will make sure more Illinois students are on their way to earning a degree and joining the 21st century workforce."

Governor Quinn first proposed doubling the state's investment in MAP during his 2014 State of the State address and reiterated this commitment in his annual budget proposal. The state currently allocates $373 million for MAP grants, which benefit more than 140,000 students across the state. The Governor's Fiscal Year 2015 budget calls for an increase of $50 million, which will give 21,000 more students access to grant funds. Approximately 58 percent of MAP recipients are considered to have no resources available to pay for college.

Today the Governor stopped by DePaul University in Chicago, Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb and the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. All three of the schools visited today have a large number of students who are able to attend college thanks to MAP grants. One in three of DePaul's 16,500 undergraduate students and one in three of NIU's 17,000 undergraduate students receive MAP grants. Approximately one in five of the U of I's 32,000 undergraduate students receive a MAP grant.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has fought to preserve education from radical budget cuts, and built and repaired 978 schools. In his budget address this year, Governor Quinn laid out an honest and responsible budget for the next fiscal year along with a five-year blueprint that will secure the state's finances for the long-term, provide significant tax relief to homeowners and working families and invest like never before in education and early childhood.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), which administers the MAP program, received a record number of eligible MAP applications through the end of February, up eight percent over the same period last year. Students can apply for MAP, Pell Grants and other forms of financial aid by completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Contact ISAC at (800) 899-4722 visit isac.org for more information.

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04 Apr 2014

Lt. Governor Simon applauds education funding reform legislation

By Ted Nelson

SPRINGFIELD - April 2, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon issued the following statement supporting school funding reform legislation announced by state Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) on Wednesday.

"The School Funding Reform Act of 2014 is an important step toward a more equitable education system.  By creating a single funding formula, we can help direct state dollars to the students who need it most.

"Our current system is outdated and unfair. Education in Illinois should not have winners and losers. The education you receive shouldn't depend on where you live. From big cities to small rural towns, all students should have the opportunity to receive a first-rate education in Illinois. 

"I commend Sen. Manar and members of the bipartisan Education Funding Advisory Committee (EFAC) for their dedication, patience and drive to create a fair funding system through Senate Bill 16. I am excited to work with legislators and the governor to pass this landmark legislation."  

 

Simon urged state leaders to overhaul the way schools are funded in Illinois during the final hearing of the Education Funding Advisory Committee in January. Simon testified that the current formula was hurting rural and high-poverty districts and should be changed. 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.

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04 Apr 2014

6th Grade Math Bee sponsored by the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency

By Whitney Smith

The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency sponsored the 36th sixth grade Math Bee March 4, 2014. 40 teams, consisting of 160 students participated at the local level with the top four teams as well as the top 3 individuals advancing to the State Math Bee in Fort Dodge, IA on May 2, 2014.

The top four teams of the 2014 Local 6th Grade Math Bee:

1st Place Team: Riverdale Heights Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

Students: Nihar Behere, Sanjiv Iyer, Aabha Joshi, Cienna Pangin

Coach: David Barber

2nd Place Team: Pleasant View Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

Students: Taylor English, Christin Hartman, Jacob Holland, Max Murphy

Coach: Zach Day

 

3rd Place Team: Cody Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

Students: Aadil Manazir, Anna Myatt, William Sharis, Mitchell Strobbe

Coach: Cathi Betts

 

4th Place Team: Hopewell Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

Students: Darsh Balani, Grace Halupnik, Brenna Morley, Amulya Pillutla

Coach: Marlise Bowsman

 

The top three individuals of the 2014 Local 6th Grade Math Bee:

1st Place Individual: Max Murphy, Pleasant View Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

2nd Place Individual: Aadil Manazir, Cody Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District

3rd Place Individual: Cienna Pangin, Riverdale Heights Elementary, Pleasant Valley School District


01 Apr 2014

Branstad appoints Sioux City student Hannah Rens to State Board of Education

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today appointed Hannah Rens, a sophomore student at Sioux City East High School, to the Iowa State Board of Education. Rens will serve as the non-voting student member on the board for a two-year term.

"I'm pleased today to announce Hannah's appointment to the Board of Education," said Branstad. "Hannah's community involvement, including civic and extra-curricular activities, demonstrates that she possesses the leadership needed to excel on the board."

The Iowa State Board of Education works with the Iowa Department of Education to provide oversight, supervision, and support for the state education system that includes all public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs. 

   

"I had the opportunity to meet Hannah, a member of the Mayor's Youth Commission, at the Siouxland Chamber's Day on the Hill, where we discussed her work on computer coding. Her dedication and drive is impressive, especially given her age," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "I'm confident Hanna will be a valuable member on the State Board of Education."

The governor's appointment is not subject to Senate confirmation. Rens' term will run from May 1, 2014 - April 30, 2016. She replaces Edgar Thornton of Iowa City, Iowa, who is graduating from Iowa City High School.

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28 Mar 2014

WQPT'S ANNUAL READY-TO-LEARN CONFERENCE COMING APRIL 26

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -- WQPT, Quad Cities PBS, in partnership with Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, the Child Abuse Council, Child Care Resource & Referral, the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, Quad Cities Association for the Education of Young Children and Rock Island County Regional Office of Education, is offering a conference on early childhood Saturday, April 26 at the WIU-QC Riverfront campus.

The annual conference, which will be held from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., features 18 different breakout sessions for parents, childcare providers and childhood professionals.  Topics include assessing and building oral language, the autism spectrum, drum circle rhythms, early math, home environments, physical and creative movement, preventing behavior problems, 3-D art, using non-fiction literature and many other topics related to early childhood development.

The registration fee is $25, which includes three workshops, a light breakfast and a free children's book. All conference participants will receive a training certificate. CEU/CPDU credits and/or a college credit course through Black Hawk College are available for an addition fee.

For more information or to download a registration form, visit wqpt.org/rtl or phone (309) 764-2400.

WQPT has served eastern Iowa and western Illinois for 30 years and is a media service of Western Illinois University.

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