28 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Increase School Safety

By Erin Wilson

ELGIN - August 27, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to keep both students and faculty safe as they head back to school.  House Bill 5602 allows juvenile criminal records to be shared with school officials when there is an imminent threat to individuals at the school and certain offenses have been committed by a student. Today's action is the latest by Governor Quinn to improve safety in Illinois schools.

"Our children and their teachers deserve to go to school everyday feeling safe," Governor Quinn said. "This new law will help ensure that schools are safe learning environments where the bright young minds of our future can be nurtured without fear."

Sponsored by Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) and Sen. John Millner (R-Carol Stream), HB 5602 arose from an incident at School District U-46 in Elgin where a teacher was attacked by a student who was under investigation at the time for two other violent attacks. The new law, which is designed to strengthen safety in schools, provides that information from these law enforcement records may only be shared orally and may not become part of the student's official school record or public record. This bill will require law enforcement and the school district to provide support services to an at-risk student when appropriate. The law is effective Jan. 1, 2013.

Also today, Governor Quinn signed two new laws that benefit community colleges in Illinois.

Senate Bill 3428, sponsored by Sen. Edward Maloney (D-Chicago) and Rep. Daniel Beiser (D-Alton), requires that one of the 12 members on the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) must be a public community college president, the Chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago or the CEO of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. The law, which is designed to improve community college representation, is effective immediately.

Senate Bill 2929, sponsored by Sen. Michael Noland (D-Elgin) and Rep. Keith Farnham (D-Elgin), allows community colleges seeking bids for projects to utilize the Procurement of Domestic Products Act, which requires the promotion and use of goods manufactured in the United States. However, in cases when available domestic products are too expensive, of low quality or when foreign purchases better serve the public interest, the use of domestic products is not required. The law is effective immediately.

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28 Aug 2012

UI Office of Retention - supporting student success

By Hawkeye Caucus

This year the University of Iowa Office of Retention staff met with more than 700 students to offer help navigating campus in order to improve their chances for success.

This fall the office is leading an effort help our newest Hawkeyes transition to Iowa through a first-year initiative called MAP-Works, an online survey that matches students with individualized resources.

The Office of Retention also provides a Study, Workshops And Tutoring (SWAT) Program, offering free academic support for all Iowa undergraduates.  Free workshops, supplemental instruction and tutoring are available for a variety of courses.

Finally, an online tutor referral service, Tutor Iowa (tutor.uiowa.edu), is now available, and private tutors are being recruited in a variety of subject areas.

DID YOU KNOW?
Throughout 2011-2012, more than 800 undergraduate students sought out private tutors in more than 200 different courses.

QUOTE/UNQUOTE
Director of Retention Michelle Cohenour: "We are thankful when students contact us and let us know he or she needs help identifying academic resources and campus connections.  Students are often very grateful to know they can contact us and get plugged in to the help they need."

FYI
Watch members of the Class of 2016 form an enormous letter "I" on the field of Kinnick Stadium during the recent On Iowa! welcoming event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T2Xo9SslgY
28 Aug 2012

Heather Decker-Davis of Clinton Graduates from the Savannah College of Art and Design

By Jessica Thiergart

SAVANNAH, GA. (08/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Heather Decker-Davis of Clinton, IA (52732), recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Decker-Davis earned a MFA degree in Interactive Design and Game Development.

SCAD: The University for Creative Careers

The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution conferring bachelor's and master's degrees to prepare talented students for professional careers. As the most comprehensive art and design university in the United States, SCAD offers more than 40 majors and more than 50 minors at distinctive locations in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia; in Hong Kong; in Lacoste, France; and online through SCAD eLearning.

SCAD has more than 20,000 alumni and offers an exceptional education and unparalleled career preparation. The diverse student body, consisting of more than 10,000 students, comes from all 50 United States and nearly 100 countries worldwide. Each student is nurtured and motivated by a faculty of more than 700 professors with extraordinary academic credentials and valuable professional experience. These professors emphasize learning through individual attention in an inspiring university environment. SCAD's innovative curriculum is enhanced by advanced, professional-level technology, equipment and learning resources and has garnered acclaim from respected organizations and publications, including 3D World, American Institute of Architects, BusinessWeek, DesignIntelligence, U.S. News & World Report and the Los Angeles Times. For more information, visit scad.edu.

28 Aug 2012

WIU-QC Riverfront Phase II Groundbreaking Ceremony

By Tami Seitz
Western Illinois University-Quad Cities  will host a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 29 at  3 pm directly west of Building One, 3300 River Dr. in Moline.Gov. Quinn has been invited to attend the celebration, and federal and state government representatives, area legislators, community leaders and University officials will take part in the ceremony.
28 Aug 2012

Patilyn Lowery of Bettendorf Participates in University of Evansville Freshman Service Project

By Kristen Lund

EVANSVILLE, IN (08/23/2012)(readMedia)-- The University of Evansville is proud to announce that Patilyn Lowery of Bettendorf, IA, participated in the Freshman Service Project on Monday, August 20.

The project sent new UE students to 20 locations throughout Evansville, Indiana - including parks, community centers, and other nonprofit organizations - to perform tasks ranging from painting to cleaning to landscaping.

The Freshman Service Project is part of Welcome Week, a program designed to help incoming students transition into college life before classes begin.

"The goal of the Freshman Service Project is to help new students such as Patilyn Lowery get acquainted with the community they'll call home during their college years," said Geoff Edwards, director of UE's Center for Student Engagement and coordinator of the Freshman Service Project. "Last year, UE students contributed more than 19,000 hours of community service, and we hope the Freshman Service Project inspires many students to continue serving the Evansville community."

28 Aug 2012

Your Money Your Future Online

By Brenda Schmitt
Achieving financial goals is not just a matter of money. "It's about an internal desire to improve one's finances," says Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension Family Finance Specialist. People who think positively generally experience greater success and education is the first step. There is a connection between what you do today and what will happen in the future.

Your Money Your Future is an on-line class that begins Sept. 10, 2012 and meets Mondays over a three-week period. Each session is recorded for review. Participants need high speed internet and speakers or headphone to hear the instructor. A microphone or chat box is used to participate. There is a $15 registration fee. Certificates of Completion are available upon request.

Your Money Your Future will cover:
• Develop Spending plans and SMART goals
• Access your credit history without having to pay a fee
• Select the financial institution that best meets your needs
• Understand how credit cards work and how to avoid the credit card trap

After you register, you will receive via e-mail a web address with class materials to be printed along with instructions on how to log in. For more information or registration details contact Brenda Schmitt at 641-512-0650 or Schmitt@iastate.edu or Joyce Lash at 641-464-5003 or lash@iastate.edu.

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28 Aug 2012

PACT (Parenting All Children Together)

By Joy Venhorst

Davenport, Iowa -- On September 7, Iowa State University Extension of Scott County will sponsor the parenting support and education program PACT (Parenting All Children Together) for an eight week series. The program is financially supported by Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa. The program is designed to educate and offer support to parents and caregivers of children age birth through five years old and reside in Scott County.

"Parenting is the most important job we will ever have. It is also the toughest! What we provide our children from birth through age five stays with them for the rest of their life. With this huge responsibility, we need to work together. This series will bring together parents and caregivers who want the very best for the children in their life," said Jennifer Best, Extension Educator and PACT instructor.

The upcoming PACT series is in its second year of programing in the Scott County community. "Over the past year it has been very rewarding to watch each parent/caregiver open themselves up to the learning process," said Marisa Bloom, Families Program Assistant. "Participants were connected with formal supports offered in our community, and enjoyed forming bonds and creating informal support systems with their peers. PACT is a needed resource for these very reasons."

For participating in the PACT program member will receive a free meal at every session, free childcare while adults are learning, a free gift at each session, transportation to get to the sessions if needed, $40 worth of items chosen by the participant if they attend at least 6 of the 8 sessions, fun and friendship with other families, and great information to help parents and caregivers help their children be all they can be.

For more information about PACT or to register, contact Marisa at the Iowa State University Extension office at 563-359-7577 or mbloom@iastate.edu.

28 Aug 2012

5 Reasons Why Dogs Make Great Reading Partners For Children

By Ginny Grimsley
Studies Track Improvements in Grade School
Language Studies

It turns out dogs are not only good for our health; finding missing people; and helping disabled people live independent lives - they're good for kids' report cards, too!

Canines have been found to improve the immune system and reduce blood pressure, among other health benefits. They help rescuers and law officers, blind people and those with limited use of their hands and arms. Now we have another reason to celebrate man's best friend.

"Dogs not only help children learn to read, they help children learn to love reading," says Michael Amiri, coauthor with his wife, Linda, of the children's book, Shellie, the Magical dog (www.shelliethemagicaldog.com). "And that's true of for children with and without learning disabilities."

A Minnesota pilot project called PAWSitive Readers finds that trained therapy dogs helped 10 of 14 grade-school participants improve their reading skills by one grade level. Additionally, a University of California study showed that children who read to the family dog improved their ability by an average of 12 percent.

Amiri discusses five reasons why dogs help kids learn to love reading:

• No embarrassment: "Most of us have memories of reading out loud in class," he says. "Though we may have been proficient readers, the fear of stumbling on a word in front of everyone was a constant source of anxiety." Dogs are excellent for unconditional, nonjudgmental love; they won't laugh if and when mistakes happen.

• Confidence boosters: "I never had a dog while growing up, which is too bad because I think I would have had an easier time gaining self-confidence," says Amiri. As an adult, he discovered the many benefits of dogs through he and his wife's very special Maltese, Shellie. She's often the center of attention in their community at pet-friendly restaurants, where she laps her water out of a martini glass. And she has a full-time job as the greeter at Linda's hair and nail salon. "If a little dog can give me, a grown man, more confidence, imagine what it can do for kids," he says.

• Polite listeners: Like humans, dogs are social creatures and most enjoy the sound of a calm voice speaking to them. Many - except perhaps the most energetic breeds - seem to enjoy curling up on a rug and listening to a story being read aloud. They don't interrupt (except for the occasional ear scratch or to sniff a body part) and they often show appreciation for the attention.

• A fun approach to schoolwork: Too often, when children think of studying, they think of time spent hunched over a desk struggling alone to work out problems and memorize lists. Interacting with a lovable, fuzzy friend for an hour of homework is an appealing alternative.

• Win-win: A canine-student reading program is a great way to help service dogs-in-training learn patience and discipline. Dogs are trained to help veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, the blind, and people who use wheelchairs, among others. These dogs in training help children, while children improve a dog's service abilities.

About Michael and Linda Amiri

Michael Amiri grew up in New York City and became an actor in local theater productions and television commercials. Linda Amiri is an entrepreneur, the owner of a successful hair and nail salon. Their personality-plus Maltese, Shellie, is a popular community character, who puts in a full day of work every day as a greeter at her "mom's" salon. She's the inspiration for the first in a series of children's books that will address topics and issues of concern to children.

24 Aug 2012

Absentee Ballots Now Available; Vote By Mail or In-Person at Auditor's Office.

By Rick Martin

DAVENPORT - Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz announced today that absentee ballots are now available for the September 11, 2012 North Scott Community School District Revenue Purpose Statement Special Election.

Absentee ballots can be voted in the Auditor's Office, or voters may request ballots be mailed to them. A fill-able Official Absentee Ballot Request form is available at the Auditor's webpage http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/auditor/. Voters can also call the Auditor's Office at 326-8631 and request that a form be mailed to them. Once the form is completely filled out voters need to sign the form and return it to the Auditor's Office, 600 West 4th Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801. Ballots are mailed within 24 hours of receipt of the request.

For more information contact the Scott County Auditor's Office at 563-326-8631.

24 Aug 2012

Stefanie Meersman Earns M.P.H. Degree from DMU at Summer Commencement

By Jordan Bahnsen

DES MOINES, IA (08/20/2012)(readMedia)-- Des Moines University awarded 16 degrees at a summer commencement ceremony held on August 17 at 3 p.m. in the Medical Education Center, 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines. The dean from each of the three DMU colleges presented their classes and DMU President Angela Walker Franklin, Ph.D., conferred degrees.

Stefanie Meersman from Moline, IL earned a M.P.H. degree. She is the daughter of Steve and Melanie Meersman of Moline, IL.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine awarded the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree to one graduate. The college also conferred the master of science in anatomy to four graduates and the master of science in biomedical sciences degrees to two. The College of Health Sciences recognized nine degrees to graduates from the master of health care administration and master of public health programs.

Des Moines University has three colleges (listed below). An explanation of degrees awarded follows:

College of Osteopathic Medicine:

Osteopathic Medicine Program - Graduates of this program earn a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree. They complete a comprehensive four-year medical education program, including 18 months of clinical training.

Anatomy Program - Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in anatomy. This is a 40.5 credit hour program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (A), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

Biomedical Sciences Program - Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in biomedical sciences. This is a 40 credit hour program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (BS), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

College of Health Sciences:

Health Care Administration Program - Graduates of this program complete at least two years of education, attending full- or part-time, and earn a master of health care administration (M.H.A.) degree. The degree provides an educational foundation for careers and leadership in management, planning policy analysis and similar roles in long-term care or other health care settings.

Public Health Program - Graduates of this program complete at least two years of education, attending full- or part-time, and earn a master of public health (M.P.H.) degree. The program provides students with the skills to lead community efforts in improving health.

Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, health care administration, anatomy, biomedical sciences and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.

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