17 Oct 2013

Lights ON Day

By M. McNeil
Even though it is fall break at United Township High School...students in the Lights ON program are spending the day learning about local history

(East Moline) Heather Monson, Social Studies teacher at United Township High School, is leading a unique local history excursion for UT students on their fall intersession.  Approximately 50 students volunteered to take part in this experience, which focuses on Quad City history from the Civil War to the 21st century.  Through visits to the Black Hawk Hotel, Arsenal Island, Davenport House and Modern Woodman Park, students will learn how residences of the Quad Cities lived, worked and played through the decades.  The goal is for students to investigate our community's role in the American History they are studying in the classroom.  This trip is made possible by the 21st Century Learning Communities Grant and the Lights On for Learning grant coordinators.

Agenda:  Approximately 50 students and 4 adults will be leaving from UTHS at 9am.
9:00-9:30am-Travel to the Blackhawk Hotel
9:30-10:30am-Private tour of Historic Blackhawk Hotel
10:30-10:40am Travel to Modern Woodman Ball Park
10:45-11:30am Behind the scenes look at Modern Woodman Park
11:30-12:15pm Lunch in Sky Deck
12:15-12:30pm  travel to Arsenal Island Via Moline
12:30-1:30pm Groups Split 1st Group Arsenal Museum/Davenport House
1:30-2:30pm Route Groups
2:30pm Load buses, drive through cemetery...head home
17 Oct 2013

Wounded Warrior Graduates with Justice by His Side

By Katelyn O'Riordan

Ashford University degree propels young veteran's career 

DAVENPORT, IOWA (October 16, 2013) - Mitch Chapman, a 28-year-old wounded warrior and father of two, received his Ashford University diploma on Sunday, Oct. 13, five years to the day from his life-altering combat injury. Donning cap and gown at the University's graduation ceremony, Chapman marched across the stage with Justice, his 3-year-old black Labrador service pup.

Mitch2

The flexibility and convenience of online education allowed the young veteran to pursue a bachelor's degree in operations management and analysis, with a minor in project management. Two years into his degree, Paws & Effect, a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for children and disabled veterans, placed him with Justice. The dog became Chapman's daily companion, assisting him with mobility and providing a source of comfort and strength. The duo worked and studied together.

"Justice hasn't left my side in nearly two years," said Chapman. "He has been a major part of my college experience. I couldn't imagine not sharing this proud moment with him. I'm thankful and honored he could be with me at graduation. We did it."

Chapman was injured on Oct. 13, 2008 while serving as an Infantryman with the U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan. An explosion hit his vehicle, killing his best friend, injuring his commander, and leaving Chapman with multiple wounds, spine fractures, and hearing loss.

"Despite the tough recovery process, I was fortunate to come home, get married, find a job, and start a family," said Chapman. "I wanted to set an example for other disabled veterans and knew that furthering my education would help progress my career."

Chapman's spinal injuries and full time job as a records management specialist for the federal government precluded him from a traditional university education, but the online education model was just right. In 2009, Chapman enrolled in Ashford University, an online and on-campus university offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs.

Chapman's pregnant wife, Lindsey, and daughters, Kayla, 6, and Jillian, 3, accompanied him to the graduation ceremony in Moline, Ill. The family also had an opportunity to visit the Ashford University campus and meet some of Chapman's fellow online classmates.

Chapman is thrilled about his accomplishments and is looking forward to a bright future. His degree put him on track for a promotion to a contract specialist.

He is thankful for the support of his family, Justice, and the University, and hopes to be an example for disabled veterans. "It's been a challenging few years, but if I can earn a college degree while balancing a full time job and a family, so can any determined veteran."

 

About Ashford University

Achievement belongs to all of us at Ashford University. By offering a traditional college campus as well as online degree programs, Ashford meets the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their

lives and in their communities. Students may earn an associates, bachelor's, or master's degree online, while campus students in Clinton, Iowa may earn a bachelor's degree. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit ashford.edu.

 

 

 


17 Oct 2013

Terrance Simien in the Quad Cities for Blues in the Schools November 4-8

By MVBS
Zydeco musician and Grammy winner Terrance Simien will be in the Quad Cities the week of November 4 as part of the MVBS Blues in the Schools artists-in-residence series for the 2013-2014 school year.  This is the first time he has visited our area as an educator, and the Education Committee is excited by his Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco program.   Terrance will be visiting 10 schools and presenting 3 open-to-the-public performances:

·        Wed. Nov. 6, 11:30-12:30 p.m.?CASI, 1034 W. Kimberly, Davenport IA

·        Thurs. Nov. 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m.?River Music Experience, Redstone Room, 2nd and Main Streets, Davenport IA

·        Fri. Nov. 8, 9:00 p.m.?The Muddy Waters, 1708 State St., Bettendorf IA

Terrance Simien (born September 3, 1965 in Mallet, Louisiana), a zydeco musician, vocalist and songwriter, is an eighth generation Creole from one of the earliest Creole families documented to have settled in St. Landry Parish. He was introduced to music via the piano at home, the Catholic Church choir, and in school band programs where he played trumpet.

While in his teens, he taught himself to play accordion and formed his first band, Terrance Simien & The Mallet Playboys, and began to play the regional zydeco club and church hall circuit.  The early 1980s was a pivotal time in zydeco music history since the pioneers of the genre were aging and the music was in jeopardy of dying off without the critical presence of emerging artists perpetuating the traditions. In 1983 at the young age of 18, Simien began touring professionally and by 20 he was sharing the stage with Fats Domino and Sarah Vaughn at the Berne Jazz Festival. His career exploded after that, and he remains a pivotal part of zydeco music history. Simien was also vital to the "renaissance" of a genre that was becoming extinct with the passing of each pioneer, starting with Clifton Chenier in 1987. By the end of the 1990s, all of the other influential pioneers had departed. This placed Simien at the forefront of an exciting period of growth and popularity for his genre.

Simien and his band have toured internationally, presenting over 7000 live performances in more than 40 countries, and released dozens of solo recordings and collaborations. He has shared studio and stage with Paul Simon, Dr. John, The Meters, Marcia Ball, Dave Matthews, Stevie Wonder, Robert Palmer and the roots rockers Los Lobos.

In 2007, Simien helped establish a new Grammy voting category, Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album. His group, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, were the first ensemble to win a Grammy in that same category in 2008.  Simien has appeared on screen and contributed to the soundtracks of multiple movies, television films and commercials. He appears on the soundtrack of the Disney film The Princess and the Frog set in the French Quarter of New Orleans, featuring authentic Louisiana music scored by Randy Newman. It was the first time Disney featured zydeco music in a film, but what really changed the game was when the word "zydeco" was actually spoken in the movie!   Simien has also contributed to the soundtracks of movies such as The Big Easy.

Simien and his business partner/wife, Cynthia, are active in Creole music education and advocacy. They created MusicMatters, Inc., a non-profit for education and advocacy.  They also created the "Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco" performing arts program, which provides informational performances to K-12 students, teachers and parents. Since it was created in 2001, Creole for Kidz has reached nearly 500,000 students, parents and teachers in more than 20 states, Mali, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Paraguay, Canada and Australia.

Creole for Kidz & the History of Zydeco is centered on the evolution of Simien's indigenous zydeco music: the traditional music of the black and mixed race, French speaking Creoles of south Louisiana. He also believes that the term Afro-Creole is very appropriate when referring to Louisiana Creoles.  The performance is accompanied by an 8-page study guide with glossary, available as a PDF download for students and teachers.  In-school exercises include making a frottoir (rubboard) from cardboard.

The MVBS Blues in the Schools artists-in-residence program is made possible by a generous grant from the Riverboat Development Authority.  Thanks to our sponsors The Moline Foundation, River Music Experience, Alcoa, The Lodge, and KALA radio.

Terrance Simien 3.tif

15 Oct 2013

QUAD CITY ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN FOR APPLICATION

By Christine Cournoyer

Scholarship application available for high school seniors interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) degree



The Quad-City Engineering and Science Council, or QCESC, has released its 2014 scholarship application at www.qcesc.org Applications must be mailed by January 18, 2014. The scholarships will be awarded at its 52nd annual National Engineers Week banquet on February 20th. This will the 20th year of awarding scholarships to encourage students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math or STEM. by awarding scholarships. Last year 11 scholarships were awarded worth $18,000.

 

The scholarships are awarded based  on academics, extracurricular activities including work and community service, and. leadership experience. The applicants essays on career goals and why they are interested in the STEM field rounded out how these applications are evaluated. High school seniors from Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties in Illinois; and Clinton Louisa, Muscatine, and Scott counties in Iowa are eligible to apply.

 

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is an umbrella organization representing 36 technical societies in the Quad City region with approximately 5,000 associated members. The QCESC is non-profit organized in 1963. Its mission is to Promote and support engineering, science, and technical professionals and associated societies in the Quad City Region and to also support and encourage students in the Quad City Region to study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related fields.

11 Oct 2013

Spirit Award for 2013 presented by Zimmerman Honda to Davenport North High School

By Susan Shrader

(Moline) - Mark Zimmerman of Zimmerman Honda presented a check for $2,500 to the Davenport North High School Athletic Department as this year's winner of the Zimmerman Honda Spirit Award.  Because area schools are excited about football and their local teams, the Spirit Award lets students show school spirit!

A contest where students and friends were encouraged to vote for their school was held online through Facebook in conjunction with WQAD TV.com.  The school with the most votes becomes the winner.

Dave Shovlain, athletic director at Davenport North High School, was on location at Zimmerman Honda to receive the check along with several senior students.  "We're so proud of our kids and they really deserve this for all their efforts."

Zimmerman is currently celebrating their first year at their new location 70th Street and John Deere Road in Moline.  Plus this year is a celebration for Zimmerman Honda being a Honda dealer for 40 years.

11 Oct 2013

Governor Quinn Congratulates Illinois' 2013 National Blue Ribbon Schools

By Rick Martin

21 Public and Private Illinois Schools Awarded Top Educational Honor

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today congratulated all of Illinois' 21 nationally recognized 2013 Blue Ribbon Schools while at Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School in Chicago. Today's event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to give every child the opportunity for a high-quality education.

"It is my distinct privilege to congratulate our state's Blue Ribbon Schools and to celebrate with the students at Queen of Angels," Governor Quinn said. "This award is a top honor for our high performing schools and is a direct reflection of our hard-working teachers and principals. We are proud of every Blue Ribbon School across Illinois."

Every year the United States Department of Education selects public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' academic achievement. This year, 12 public and nine private Illinois schools were chosen for the educational honor.

"The students and staff at these schools work hard to show high performance and improvement and should be proud of this honor," State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch said. "They are among a select few that have been singled out for the award and their communities should be proud of what they are achieving."

Illinois' 21 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2013 include :

•           Frazier International Magnet School, Chicago

•           Greenbriar Elementary School, Northbrook

•           Lincoln Elementary School, Morton

•           Mark T. Skinner West Elementary School, Chicago

•           Northside Catholic Academy, Chicago

•           Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy, Chicago

•           Prairie Crossing Charter School, Grayslake

•           Queen of Angels School, Chicago

•           Roslyn Road Elementary School, Barrington

•           Saint Joan of Arc School, Chicago

•           Saint Andrew School, Chicago

•           Saint Francis Xavier School, Chicago

•           Saint Michael School, Chicago

•           Saint Norbert School, Chicago

•           Saint Peter Lutheran School, Arlington Heights

•           Sandburg Middle School, Elmhurst

•           Scott Elementary School, Mascoutah

•           The Skokie School, Winnetka

•           Twin Groves Middle School, Kildeer Countryside

•           United North Elementary School, Alexis

•           Wescott Elementary School, Northbrook

Queen of Angels is one of only 50 private schools in the nation to earn a National Blue Ribbon for 2013. To earn the award, Queen of Angels students placed in the top 15% in the nation in both math and reading standardized tests in 2013.

On September 24, United States Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the 286 award-winning schools will be honored at a recognition ceremony on Nov. 18-19 in Washington, D.C. In its 31-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized nearly 7,500 of America's schools.

Governor Quinn has been leading a strong education agenda to build a brighter future for all Illinois students. In 2011 the Governor signed landmark education reform laws that gained national attention. These reforms have improved school report cards, so that parents are empowered with more information about the schools that educate their kids and also set clear benchmarks for teacher evaluation and put performance above tenure. In August, he enacted a new law that lowers the compulsory school age for students in Illinois in order to ensure all children have the opportunity to build a solid foundation for academic achievement and to help combat truancy.

###
10 Oct 2013

Revamped Financial Aid section launched in Career Cruising Quad Cities

By Kirk Marske

[Moline, Illinois] - Families and mentors of college-bound students using Career Cruising Quad Cities (CCQC) can now access a full range of Federal Student Aid information within the Career Cruising program.  The updated Financial Aid section of CCQC contains information to help individuals navigate the financial assistance options available to them for their post-secondary education.

In the section dedicated to financial aid, CCQC users can access resources, guides, and tutorials for the application process.  Information in the Financial Aid section includes:

·         Links to Federal Financial Aid websites

·         Videos detailing the financial aid process

·         Downloadable guides

·         Tips for every stage of the financial aid process

·         A glossary of important terms

Students can access Career Cruising Quad Cities' Financial Aid section by logging in to www.CareerCruising.com using their school or individual user name and password.

The Career Cruising program also features a Financial Aid Selector tool.  Users input information about their personal background, academic history, career and college interests, along with details such as work and volunteer experience to produce a list of financial aid options matching their profile.  The results identify the highest probability resources for the student based on the information provided during the survey.

Career Cruising Quad Cities serves more than 20,000 students (grades 6-12) in 50 schools throughout the Quad City area.  To see which schools are enrolled in Career Cruising Quad Cities, click on the CCQC Schools link on the Students page of www.CareerCruisingQuadCities.org.

CCQC is administered by Junior Achievement of the Heartland in partnership with The Moline Foundation.

About Junior Achievement (JA)

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches four million students per year in more than 120 markets across the United States, with an additional six million students served by operations in 119 other countries worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more information.

Locally, Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves 24 counties in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and Grant County in Wisconsin. Approximately 55,000 kindergarten through high school students benefit from JA programs each year.   Visit www.jaheartland.org for local information.

About the Moline Foundation

The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a community foundation which provides grants to health, human services, education, workforce development, the arts and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of Moline and the surrounding area, including the Quad Cities region in both Iowa and Illinois.  The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts and works with citizens to achieve their dreams to improve the community.

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09 Oct 2013

BHC East Campus cuts ribbon for new science lab addition

By Holly Smith

GALVA, Ill. - Black Hawk College celebrated the grand opening of the new $3 million science lab addition at the college's East Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Oct. 7.

Science faculty members and students lit a flash paper ribbon in the design of a DNA chain before dignitaries cut the official ribbon. Science-themed refreshments included dirt cake, cookies shaped like beakers and chocolate-covered crickets.

"Immersing students in their education drove the design of this new space," said Chanda Dowell, vice president for East Campus.

"The science lab addition gives us three updated labs that allow instructors to facilitate new, immersive ways of learning for students in chemistry, microbiology and biology," she said.

The lab equipment includes research-level microscopes, a rotating incubator, large hands-on models of cells, a gas chromatograph and a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer.

The 8,450-square-foot, one-story addition is connected to Building B. It also includes faculty offices, a resource room, student commons space, preparatory and storage space, outdoor seating and a bioswale behind the building to catch rainwater from the roof.

"With enrollment that has grown steadily over the past several years, the vacated lab space also gives us much needed additional classroom space," Dowell said.

"We also anticipate our science enrollments to grow when we open our new Veterinary Technician program in Fall 2015," she said.

More than 1,000 students attend classes at the East Campus, located five miles south of Kewanee at 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva.
07 Oct 2013

Anne Frank - Iowa - Postcard Project

By M. McNeil

• The students in Danville have learned that Anne Frank had a pen pal in their small town in Iowa before she went into hiding.

• Today they are trying to collect 1.5 million postcards in remembrance of the 1.5 million Jewish children who perished.

• YouTube video link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFxiL3nvRh8
• Flyer attached.
• Please help get the word out so that postcards come from across the nation and around the world. This will help the Danville students meet their goal of 1.5 million.

Anne Frank's Iowa Connection - Few know it but the most famous face in the Holocaust had a pen pal in Danville, Iowa named Juanita Wagner. Anne sent a letter and a postcard from her vast collection to young
Juanita. This has inspired the students of Danville schools to launch a postcard campaign.

Their goal is to collect 1.5 million postcards in remembrance of the 1.5 million Jewish children who died in the Holocaust.

It's a great project for classrooms across America to experience. They also hope to get postcards from abroad. Please tell another teacher about this amazing project today and help the kids in Danville reach their goal!

Send postcards to:

Danville Schools - 419 S Main Street - Danville, Iowa - 52623

For more information contact Janet Hesler (319) 392-4221

04 Oct 2013

Local 3rd Grade Student Takes Flight

By Brittany Marietta

What a Day!

3rd Grader To Enjoy Private Flight Over QC, Secret Tour of Historic Bettendorf Mansion

What: Rivermont 3rd Grader to take private flight over QC as part of "Headmaster for a Day"

When: Wednesday, 10/9 - 10:00 a.m.

Where: QC International Airport (Moline) & Rivermont Collegiate campus (1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf)

Aidan Sears, 3rd Grade student at Rivermont Collegiate, will take to the skies next Wednesday with Rivermont Headmaster Todd Zachary! Aidan will be taking a ride in a private plane above the Quad Cities and, if weather permits, will even have the opportunity to help steer the plane.

This special day was purchased last spring by Aidan's parents, Melissa and Jim Sears, at Rivermont Collegiate's annual Auction and Dinner fundraiser. This "Headmaster for a Day" item is always popular at the event! A retired Air Force Colonel, Rivermont's new Headmaster Todd Zachary will take Aidan on an unforgettable ride. After the flight, the two will return to Rivermont, where Aidan will enjoy lunch with teachers and sit in on an Upper School class or two. Aidan will also tour hidden rooms, tunnels, and passageways of the historic Bettendorf Mansion on the Rivermont campus.

The plane will take off at approximately 10:00 a.m. from Quad City International Airport. Aidan, Mr. Zachary, and the pilot will be in the air for about an hour.

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