PORT BYRON, IL - State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) invites residents to an upcoming meeting of his Education Advisory Committee on Tuesday, March 26 from 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM. The meeting will be held in the Riverdale High School library located at 9622 256th St. North, near the intersection of County Hwy 36 and 94th Ave. North, in Port Byron.

After spending the afternoon at Riverdale to speak to social studies classes and sit in on teachers' meetings, Smiddy will meet with educators, administrators, parents, and local education advocates to discuss the state's education policies and share ideas on state legislation. The meeting is open to the public.

"As the husband of a public school teacher, I know that the challenges that educators face in the classroom are immense and complicated," Smiddy said. "Meeting with interested members of the community to collaborate with each other on these issues gives us all a better opportunity to improve the quality of education for our students."

Smiddy is seeking local feedback on a number of legislative initiatives under consideration by lawmakers, including legislation he recently introduced in the House to establish a process for out-of-state border students to receive in-state tuition rates at Illinois' public institutions. House Bill 2967 gives the State Board of Higher Education the authority to review such requests on a case-by-case basis to put Illinois universities on a level playing field as border students consider their higher education options.

"We have to continually find new and creative ways to expand educational opportunities for students from preschool to college," said Smiddy. "This bill gives us another opportunity to attract bright students to our state and strengthen our public university system."

For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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Discover Kindergarten at Rivermont!

When: Friday, March 8 - 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Families are invited to join us to learn all about what makes Rivermont Collegiate's Kindergarten so special. This informal setting
is the perfect opportunity to meet the teachers, discover what to expect as your child advances to Kindergarten, and hear about Rivermont's unique philosophy. Lunch will be provided from the Rivermont cafeteria. Students are welcome to attend and may either eat lunch with their parents during the presentation or join our current Junior Kindergarten students in supervised care.

What Makes Rivermont Kindergarten Unique?

Subject-specific teachers in science, foreign language, music, art, & library

Wide variety of field trips & events extend learning beyond the classroom "Centers" facilitate socialization & development of teamwork skills Science curriculum focusing on exploration into insects & spiders, solar system, color & light, and more
Foreign language curriculum including songs, games, & cultural celebrations creates a language-rich environment

Please RSVP by Thursday, March 7th
Rachel Chamberlain, Admissions Director
563-359-1366 ext. 302 - chamberlain@rvmt.org

ST. LOUIS, MO (02/27/2013)(readMedia)-- Maryville University has awarded a scholarship to Stacy Clark of Riverdale, IA.

The Monsanto Endowed Scholarship has been awarded to Clark for the academic school year. Clark will be honored at a reception for all scholarship recipients hosted by Maryville University President Mark Lombardi on March 20.

About Maryville University

Founded in 1872, Maryville University of St. Louis is an independent, four-year, private university located in west St. Louis County. In December, U.S. News & World Report named Maryville University the top-rated over-performing university in the country. Maryville University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as many master's and doctoral degree programs. Visit Maryville University at www.maryville.edu.

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley said today four young Iowans have received appointments to the United States Military Academy at West Point for the 2013-2014 school year.  The students are:

·         Adam Bradley of Dubuque, son of Joan and Pat Bradley. Adam will graduate in May from Wahlert Catholic High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and a Student Ambassador.  He also participated in Step-Up Club, Interact Club, Spanish Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, football, tennis, and Show and Chamber Choir.  He is in Thespian Troupe #3842 and on the Dubuque Area Youth Leadership Council.

·         Brett Morales of Davenport, son of Sandra and Mark Nissen. Brett will graduate in June from West High School where he is a Junior ROTC student.  He also participated in cross country, rifle and marksmanship, and track and field.  While a student in Baumholder, Germany, Brett participated in the International Student Leadership Institute.

·         Patrick Mullin of Cedar Rapids, son of Sharon and David Mullin. Patrick will graduate in May from Xavier High School where he is on the Principal Advisory Team and a member of the Student Senate, Key Club, Marching and Concert Band, Science Club, and Spanish Club.  He participated in football, basketball, and track.  Patrick also is active in Youth Leadership for Five Seasons, the National Council on Youth Leadership, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the International Round Table, and the Iowa Association of Student Councils.

·         Wilson Pingrey of Coon Rapids, son of Julie and Kenneth Pingrey. Wilson will graduate in May from Coon Rapids-Bayard Junior-Senior High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Advisory Council, the Mentoring Program, Chorus, and Spanish Club.  He participated in American Legion Boys State and is a class officer.  Wilson also participated in Mock Trial, Olympic Weightlifting, football, trapshooting, and swimming.

Already this year, Orion Boylston of Ames and Matthew Lee and Jackson Peplow of Iowa City were selected by the United States Naval Academy for fall admission.

All of these students were among the Iowans Grassley nominated this year for appointments to the U.S. service academies.  Information about seeking nominations is posted at http://grassley.senate.gov/info/academy_nominations.cfm.

For more than 200 years, these academies have educated and trained individuals to lead and command the U.S. armed forces.

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