12 Jan 2015

STEM Council names five Iowa STEM CAPS Programs

By Angel Mendez

Centers for Advanced Professional Studies will serve as models across the state

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The Iowa Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council took a major step in bringing innovative STEM education solutions to Iowa last month by naming five winners of a competition to build Iowa STEM Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) programs.

The STEM Council committed this year to identifying the most successful models known to connect schools with community-based business and industry to drive an understanding of how STEM concepts learned in school apply to careers. After studying various STEM schools across the country, the CAPS model of the Blue Valley School District of Overland Park, Kan., was determined by STEM Council leaders to be the closest to what Iowa seeks. Rather than a central destination, the Iowa team favored a "satellite" version being implemented by a consortium of districts in the North Kansas City region.

Iowa STEM CAPS programs will unite businesses and education for the organic development of STEM programs matching their local industry strengths, challenges and resources. Students at Iowa STEM CAPS sites will learn at business and industry sites or at an industry site located on a school campus.

"The STEM CAPS satellite model will allow students to experience the industry or business environment firsthand," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, co-chair of the STEM Council. "That experience is vital to prepare students for STEM success in college or career training after high school, and it allows business and industry to introduce students to outstanding career opportunities."

The STEM Council Executive Committee voted unanimously in December to award and support five competitively-selected school partnerships, bringing to the table a total cost-share commitment of $773,509. The $150,000 STEM Council investment is divided up among these five applicants that includes funding for professional development:

  • Bettendorf/Pleasant Valley;

  • Cedar Rapids/College Community (or Iowa BIG);

  • Kirkwood CC/University of Iowa/Clear Creak Amana/Iowa City/Regina/Solon/Tipton/West Branch/West Liberty;

  • Northeast; and

  • Rock Valley (or Rocket Manufacturing).

"These programs will unite local businesses and educators into a collaborative STEM environment, which is a key priority of the STEM Council," said Vermeer CEO Mary Andringa, co-chair of the STEM Council. "These partnerships represent a wonderful new paradigm for education that may ultimately shape the future of our state's economic development."

Each selected program submitted in-depth proposals, considering factors like education driven by business and industry need, rigorous, relevant and dynamic STEM curriculum and authentic partnerships. Their Iowa STEM CAPS models bring various strengths in community partnerships, district demographics and program focus.

During spring 2015, the STEM Council will hold professional development opportunities for potential and current districts and business and industry partners to learn more about Iowa STEM CAPS and strengthen statewide networks.

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About the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council

Established in July 2011 via Governor's Executive Order, the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership of educators, companies, and Iowa students and families addressing policies and programs designed to improve Iowa's educational system focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path, regain our State's historic leadership position in education, and provide a vital competitive economic advantage now, and for the future, to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The 47-member Council is chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Vermeer Corp. CEO Mary Andringa. For more information, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov.

12 Jan 2015

Shannon Beshears Named to the Fall 2014 Dean's Honor Roll at Oklahoma City University.

By Rod Jones

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (01/08/2015)(readMedia)-- Oklahoma City University is proud to announce that Shannon Beshears of Milan, IL (61264) has been named to the fall 2014 Dean's Honor Roll.

Dean's Honor Roll status is awarded to students who successfully complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Founded in 1904, Oklahoma City University is a non-profit, comprehensive, private United Methodist university that is consistently ranked among the best in its category. OCU students pursue academic excellence through a rigorous liberal arts & sciences core curriculum that focuses on their intellectual, moral and spiritual development.

For more information visit www.okcu.edu

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).

09 Jan 2015

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassadors successfully complete Fall 2014

By Carole Custer

AMES, IA (01/08/2015)(readMedia)-- A group of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) students successfully completed the semester representing the college as a CALS Ambassador. CALS Ambassadors is a highly selective group of students tasked with assisting in the recruitment of new undergraduate students to the college.

Zach Farrell of Le Claire, IA (52753), majoring in Agricultural Studies, served as the representative to the leadership team of the Transfer Committee.

Corbin Uitermarkt of Davenport, IA (52806), majoring in Agricultural Studies, served as a member of the Transfer Committee.

Each CALS Ambassador is expected to serve on a committee within the organization, to devote a prescribed amount of hours volunteering throughout the semester, and maintain attendance and participation requirements. Over the course of fall 2014, the Ambassadors saw 745 prospective students on campus and logged 1,460 volunteer hours.

Governing the Ambassadors is a leadership team who is made up of committee chairs, a representative from each committee, and elected officers which includes a chairperson, vice-chair, and secretary. The CALS Ambassadors are advised by Beth Foreman, Student Services, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

09 Jan 2015

Shannon Beshears Named to the Fall 2014 President's Honor Roll at Oklahoma City University

By Randy Stalsberg
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (01/08/2015)(readMedia)-- Oklahoma City University is proud to announce that Shannon Beshears of Milan, IL has been named to President's Honor Roll for the fall 2014 semester.

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours during a semester and maintain a GPA of 3.9 or higher to meet the President's Honor Roll requirements.

Founded in 1904, Oklahoma City University is a non-profit, comprehensive, private United Methodist university that is consistently ranked among the best in its category. OCU students pursue academic excellence through a rigorous liberal arts & sciences core curriculum that focuses on their intellectual, moral and spiritual development.

For more information visit www.okcu.edu

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).

08 Jan 2015

GRAND VIEW UNIV FALL DEAN'S LIST

By Rachelle Mitchell
DES MOINES, Iowa. (January 7, 2015) - Recognition for outstanding academic achievement has been given to the Grand View University students Sarah Schmertmann of Bettendorf and Hunter Williams of Davenport and for the 2014 fall semester.

The students are named to the Dean's List for earning a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale while carrying at least 12 hours of classes.

Grand View University, with an enrollment of approximately 2,300 students, is an independent, liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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08 Jan 2015

Local students make Lewis University's Dean's List

By Kathrynne Skonicki

ROMEOVILLE, IL (01/07/2015)(readMedia)-- Lewis University announces Dean's List honorees.These following students were among those honored on the Lewis University Dean's List for fall semester 2014.

Aaron Wilson of Rock Island (61201) was studying Sport Management at Lewis University.

Sean Lillis of Geneseo (61254) was studying Physics at Lewis University.

Julia Dawson of Moline (61265) was studying Radiation Therapy at Lewis University.

Jacob Dopler of East Moline (61244) was studying Finance at Lewis University.

Paige Gatter of Geneseo (61254) was studying Early Childhood Education Special Education at Lewis University.

To be eligible for this honor, students must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.5 out of a possible 4.0 and with no "D" or "F" grades.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,700 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.

08 Jan 2015

Lewis University honors December 2014 graduates

By Kathrynne Skonickia

ROMEOVILLE, IL (01/07/2015)(readMedia)-- Lewis University honors over 500 undergraduate and graduate students at December 13-14 graduation in Romeoville, Ill.

Brady Seei of Geneseo (61254) graduated from Lewis University with a bachelor of science in Air Traffic Control Management.

Alexander Slaby of Davenport (52804) graduated from Lewis University with a bachelor of science in Marketing.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,700 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.

08 Jan 2015

Illinois High Schools Invited to Participate in Poetry Out Loud

By Tracy White

Quad City Arts partners with the Illinois Arts Council inviting Illinois High Schools to participate in a free national program- Poetry Out Loud created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation

Poetry Out Loud has served as an inspiration for hundreds of thousands of students. Now entering its 10th year of national competition, POL has helped students to develop skills in public speaking, self-confidence, and poise while interpreting great poetry through memorization and performance.

POL may be implemented in the classroom or as an after school program in as little as 2 to 3 weeks and does not require full class periods. Students are only required to memorize and recite 2 poems at the school and regional level. This program also meets most of the NCTE English Language Arts Standards and Illinois English Language Arts Standards.

State Awards: Each winner at the state level will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip (with an adult chaperone) to Washington, DC, to compete at the National Finals. The state winner's school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. One runner-up in each state will receive $100; his or her school will receive $200 for the purchase of poetry books. National Awards: A total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be given at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, including a $20,000 award for the National Champion.

Please call Poetry Out Loud Coordinator, Tracy Alan White at (563) 579-7630 or email tracyalanwhite@gmail.com to register. Tracy will provide any materials you will need, answer any questions you may have, and support you in implementing this program in your school. Other information and materials are available on the Poetry Out Loud website: www.poetryoutloud.org .

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

07 Jan 2015

Great events this week at Pleasant Valley

By Beth Marsoun

It's cold.  Don't you want to do a story INSIDE?  Pleasant Valley Schools has some great INSIDE events going on this week.

HONORING STUDENTS FOR THE ARTS:  PTA REFLECTIONS AWARD CEREMONY

When: Thursday, January 8th 6:30pm

Where: Pleasant Valley High School Cafeteria

Why: Razzle, Dazzle!  From dance to art, students will show off their creative side at this year's PTA Reflections Open House and Award Ceremony.  Reflections is a nationwide PTA initiative and contest to encourage students' creative expression.  Students submitted entries in six categories in October:  dance choreography, film production, music composition, literature, photography and visual arts.  Since then, local judges have been looking at their work.  Thursday, the students will perform and find out who advances to state.  It's a great chance to celebrate the arts!!!

More Info à  http://www.pta.org/programs/ArtsinEducation.cfm?navItemNumber=510

Really, if you don't come, still watch some of these. Kids are amazing à  http://onevoice.pta.org/?p=4462

TEACHING THE 'BRAD PITT' OF THE FUTURE

When: Saturday, January 10th all day - Kids perform at 1:00; High Schoolers perform at 3:30.

Where: Pleasant Valley High School

Why: A Star will be born this Saturday at PVHS!  The Drama Club is having an all-day Children's workshop.  High School thespians will teach the little ones how to act, dance, sing, stage fight and more!  It all culminates in what could be the first performance for the "next big thing" (a showcase at 1:00pm and don't you want video and pictures of Brad Pitt's first performance... this is your chance at that chance!)   After the showcase, the High Schoolers will perform a musical version of "Snow White."  The play's not the only thing; students learn how to work as a team, mentor younger students, and try something new!

More Info à  https://sites.google.com/a/student.pleasval.k12.ia.us/pvspartandrama/

Also a note from our Activities Director.  Your sports department has this information already, but you may also think it's worth a news story!

Head Coach Steve Hillman earns his 100th career win tonight with a 64-28 victory over Burlington.

This link is an article Matt Coss (QC Times) wrote a about Coach Hillman in his battle with prostate cancer.

http://qctimes.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/cancer-puts-life-in-perspective-for-pv-coach/article_6546c0cb-73ed-5c3f-aa23-fed173a6d8b8.html

It really does put things in perspective.......................

Thank you for keeping Coach Hillman in your thoughts and prayers!
02 Jan 2015

State Treasurer Fitzgerald Announces 2015 College Savings Iowa Deduction Amount

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (01/02/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that the Iowa income tax deduction has once again been raised for those saving with College Savings Iowa.* "Iowa taxpayers can deduct the first $3,163 they contribute per beneficiary account from their state taxable income," Fitzgerald said. "This means a married couple with two children will be able to deduct up to $12,652 in College Savings Iowa contributions on their 2015 state taxes."

"One of the best features of College Savings Iowa is how easy it is to get started," Fitzgerald added. "All you need is $25 and ten minutes of your time to start saving for a loved one's future educational expenses. I encourage all families to save whatever they can today to help offset what has to be borrowed in the future."

College Savings Iowa lets parents, grandparents, friends and relatives invest for college on behalf of a future scholar. Investors in the plan can withdraw their investment tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses, which include tuition, books, supplies and room and board at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.** While participants do not need to be an Iowa resident to invest in the plan, they do need to be an Iowa taxpayer to take advantage of the Iowa income tax deduction.

or visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com and connect with the plan on Facebook and Twitter (@Iowa529Plan) to stay up to date on current giveaways and events.

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

** Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax on the earnings, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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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 888-672-9116, or visit 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. Ascensus Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/State-Treasurer-Fitzgerald-Announces-2015-College-Savings-Iowa-Deduction-Amount/10049908

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