COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3
M A R C H, 2017
HELP YOUR LITTLE IMPROVE IN SCHOOL AND KEEP IT FUN! Dear Match Coach, I know that my Little needs help with school related activities, but I don’t know how to help them without turning our meetings into tutoring sessions. How can I help my Little do better in school while also keeping things fun when we meet? Learning doesn’t have to stop in the classroom. What your Little is learning in school does not have to stay in school. The first step to helping your Little with school related topics is to begin to understand what they need help with. This can be a hard conversation to have with your Little, with many kids only replying that school is “good”. Try to phrase your questions in a way that makes your Little elaborate and give you more information. “What is your favorite and least favorite subject? Why?” “What projects are you working on in school?” Questions like these are difficult to answer in one or two words and will hopefully give you insight on what’s going on in school.
struggling with math, plan on making a meal or dessert. Give your Little a budget and help them figure out what they need to buy. If the recipe calls for 16 oz., but the product is only sold in 8 oz. cans, help your Little figure out how many cans they will need. If you Little tells you they don’t like to read, try and plan a trip to the library. Pick out a book together and read it as a match. Or choose individual books and sit and read together. The best way to encourage a kid to read is to be a good reading role model. Your Little looks up to you, if they see you getting excited about your favorite book, they will begin to understand that it is a cool thing to do. If geography or map reading is currently stumping your Little, set up a scavenger or treasure hunt. Create a map of the school, city, or park with directions on where you need to go. Help your Little to read the map and find the final destination. Make sure you are having your Little do most of the work and encouraging them when they begin to get frustrated.
Remember, it is important to not criticize your Little’s school performance if they tell you they are not doing very well. They do not Keep your Little’s interests in mind. If your Little loves to build things, need another person to lecture them on how or why they need to do have a discussion on how important reading is for understanding the better, but rather need somebody to show them how they can directions. improve. The main idea is identifying what your Little is struggling with at To help your Little with school related content, take a moment to school and finding ways to incorporate it into fun activities. The think about how you use school subjects in your everyday life. How internet is a great resource for coming up with ideas. There are many often do you rely on simple math facts to get you through the day? teachers and stay-at-home moms blogging about their adventures When did you last read a sign to keep you safe while driving? who are more than willing to share their fun activities with you. If you ever get stuck trying to come up with an activity, feel free to contact Try incorporating the skills and concepts your Little is learning at your Match Coach to bounce ideas around. school while you are out and about in the community. If they are
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
HELP YOUR LITTLE IMPROVE IN SCHOOL—KEEP IT FUN! CAREER NAVIGATOR TOURS RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: NATHAN CAREER CRUISING MATCH CRAFT ACTIVITIES DR. SUESS’S BIRTHDAY BBBS MARCH MADNESS AT THE “Y” MARCH READING CHALLENGE BIG AND LITTLE TRAINING
BBBS POSTER CONTEST MATCH ANNIVERSARIES—MARCH BUFFALO WILD WINGS—HOME TEAM ADVANTAGE WHITESIDE COUNTY UPDATE—MARCH CELEBRATING MENTORS IN MACOMB 2017 PLANT SALE! PRE-ORDERING OPEN! BIG IDEA WORKSHOP—MARCH 9th T-SHIRTS COMMUNITY CALENDAR
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3
MARCH,2017
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3
M A R C H, 2 0 1 7
RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: NATHAN Nathan and Lance are a selfproclaimed “goofy combo” that have been matched for 5 months. It’s hard not to laugh around these two because they share a great sense of humor. Together they enjoy exploring a variety of interests from the Putnam to sports and, of course, their mutual love of food. Nathan and Lance have also attended a few COMPASS events to help prepare Nathan for life after high school.
Thurs., March 16
Monthly Career Cruising Workshop Resources on Careers, College, opportunities in the QC & what’s right for YOU based on your interests and unique learning style Thursday March 16th 5:30 PM BBBS Office 130 W 5th St, Davenport IA Please RSVP to Lindsay at lmercer@bbbs-mv.org by Wednesday, March 15 or call 563-323-8006
SO GLAD YOUR ARE HAVING FUN TOGETHER!
MARCH CRAFT ACTIVITIES: Cat in the Hat Craft Did you know that it’s Dr. Seuss’s Birthday in March? Let’s celebrate, by making a craft of one of his best known books! Supplies: Large paper plate Black tissue paper White card stock Scissors Stapler Black and red markers Directions: Cut black tissue paper into small squares. Put glue on rim of paper plate and place black tissue paper around rim so it looks like fur. Cut out a hat of the card stock and draw red stripes, you can outline in black. Staple hat to paper plate and draw his face on with black marker.
Crepe Paper Shamrock Supplies: Green crepe paper or tissue paper White card stock Glue sticks Scissors Directions: Draw a shamrock on white card stock and cut out. Cut or tear crepe or tissue paper into small pieces Working in small sections, apply glue to shamrock Crumple the crepe paper and glue to shamrock until it’s covered.
If you have craft activity ideas please share them with Jaime at jkeller@bbbs-mv.org
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3
MARCH,2017
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3
BBBS MARCH MADNESS AT THE “Y”
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MARCH,2017
MARCH READING CHALLENGE
Did you know that March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’s birthday? Well in order to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday we are doing a reading challenge! We’d like your match to read 5 books by Dr. Seuss. If you complete the challenge by the end of the month you will earn a literacy stamp for the M.A.P.S program and be entered into a prize drawing! We have a few Dr. Seuss books in the office; otherwise you can look at your library. If you have any questions ask your match coach. Book 1
Book 2
Book 3
Book 4
Book 5
Thursday, March 2 5:30-7 PM BBBS Office, 130 W. 5th St. Davenport You and your Little are invited to our Big and Little Training. We will learn more about the mentoring process, the resources that are available through BBBS, and will have some fun activities. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to Katie at kzick@bbbs-mv.org or Lindsay at lmercer@bbbs-mv.org (563-323-8006)
If you have been matched for less than 6 months, this training is for you!
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE3
M A R C H, 2 0 1 7
SHARE YOUR CREATIVITY IN THE BBBS POSTER CONTEST Your very own work of art could be featured as the official BBBS Thank-You cards! Littles of any age are invited to enter, by creating a poster interpreting the theme: “What My Big Means to Me”. One winner will be chosen per age group: Elementary, Middle, High School
Deadline: April 14th Winners will be announced by May 1st. Contact Jaime at jkeller@bbbs-mv.org for more information.
CELEBRATE MARCH MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! Little’s First Name
Big’s First Name
Tatum
Pam
Autum Akugri
Big’s Last Name
Years Matched
Little’s First Name
Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Years Matched
Topper
5
Danyalle
Abby
Paulson
2
Claudia
Sauer
5
Iveanna
Stacy
Schlapkohl
2
Bren
Gillespie
5
Joe
John (Juan)
Collazo
2
Lesly
Judy
Kaiser
4
Halee
Kristy
Defauw
2
Abbigail
Diane
Lannan
4
Monique
Nola
Neely
2
Emily
Carol
Thomas
4
Christopher
Tim
Eastman
1
Lorna
Daniela
Macias
4
Elle
Brooke
Anderson
1
Andrew
Preston
Jones
3
MaKenna
Abigail
Perkowitz
1
Leo
Christian
Jackson
3
James
Kyle
Vietti
1
Devin
Kathleen
Fayhee
3
Brandon
Frank
Golubski
1
Stephanie
Amy
Barth
3
Morgan
Morgan
Casey
1
Janiya
Sarah
Harris
3
Aniyah
Maggie
Benevides
1
Brittany
Molinari
1
Aidan
Lois
McClintock
3
Sierra
Tyrese
Tyler
Johnson
2
Abbigail
Lyn
Jungblut
1
Devon
Joey
Donia
2
William
Ted
Leuck
1
Consuela
Miranda
Dresing
2
Caitlyn
Christie
Wood
1
Jonathan
Heftrig
1
Paticence
Dori
Cosgrove
2
Teyraun
Abbie
Madeline
Gibson
2
Destiny
Amari
Oliver
1
Alison
Madeline
Stolinski
2
Raven
Cassandra
Glidden
1
Ayden
Eric
Spriet
2
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3
MARCH,2017
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WHITESIDE COUNTY: MARCH Featured (New) Match of the Month Nyla and Carlie! Nyla and Carlie were recently matched on February 17th, and became great friends. Nyla and Carlie were matched together because they have many common interests including gymnastics and arts and crafts. Nyla and Carlie are looking forward to doing many activities and projects together! Thank you, Nyla and Carlie! Something New to do with Your Little Even though we have already had a taste of Spring with the lovely weather last month, St. Patrick’s Day with all the chasing of rainbows, can make us long for Spring even more! You can do this fun craft with your Little and catch your own rainbow, as well as make the luckiest of shamrocks together! http://twitchetts.com/2016/02/rainbow-shamrocksfun-paper-craft.html/
We would like to extend a thank you as well to Morningside of Sterling for letting us team up with them for Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. We also give a big thanks to anyone who stopped by to learn more about the BBBS program! It was a really fun night! Just a Reminder! We have moved our office to 506 W 4th Street in Sterling, and our new phone number is 815.716.8987. Like us on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Big-Brothers-Big-Sisters-of-WhitesideCounty
Things to do with Your Little in the Sauk Valley Area Saturday, March 4, 10:00AM- Sterling Public Library. Lego Club Building challenges using the computer and Legos for Grades 5-6. You must register for each class. Please call sometime the week before to register. You may register at the Children's Desk or you may call in to register. For more information please contact the Sterling Public Library at 815-625-1370. Wednesday, March 15th - Rock Falls Public Library Family Fun Night5:30-7:00 Drop in anytime! FREE fun for all ages. Face Painting, Magician, and a family painting project. Tickets are REQUIRED for the family painting project and are available FREE at the library (LIMIT ONE PER FAMILY). Deadline for registration 3/14. Saturday, March 25 -For Grades K-4: 10:00AM-For Grades 5-6: 11:30AM-Sterling Public Library Lego Clubs- You must register for each class. Please call sometime the week before to register. You may register at the Children's Desk or you may call in to register. For more information please contact the Sterling Public Library at 815-625-1370. Thursday, March 29, at 6:00 pm- Rock Falls Public Library-Kids Painting for the Non-artsy-$3 non-refundable registration fee due at time of registration. Due by 3/28. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult. For more information please contact the Rock Falls Public Library at (815) 626-3958.
What’s Happening in the Whiteside Office We had a great time at our recent Game Night Match Activity. Thank you to Curt Repass of Country Financial- Rock Falls, who is the Rock Falls Middle School Sponsor and Match Activity Night Sponsor!
We are asking each of our current Bigs to recruit just one “Big” in 2017! Ask your co-workers, friends and family.
www.bbbsmv.org/ volunteer
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3
MARCH,2017
CELEBRATING BBBS MENTORS IN MACOMB
We continue to make new matches, and the communities recognize the great work BBBS does! We have 6 new matches to introduce, National Mentoring Month photos, a Big Brother winning an award, and our upcoming Trivia Night. Let’s have a look!
New Matches! BIG NEWS!!! Since the last issue we have made 6 new matches! It’s a whirlwind here at the office, but the smiles on the faces of our Littles makes it all worthwhile. Without any further ado, let’s congratulate them all. 1) Little Sister Catlyn has been with us for a while, and she’s always fun to be around; Big Sister Abby is cut from the very same cloth. 2) Little Brother Corey is a great kid, and won a BBBS Service Award in his first month (!); Big Brother Casey is a well-known and well-liked member of the Macomb and WIU communities. 3) Little Sister Saryanna has been with us for 3 full years now, and has come a long way; Big Sister Hannah was matched before (not in Macomb), and is perfect for Saryanna. 4) Little Sister Victoria is a sassy kid, who comes by the office and makes us all laugh; Big Sister Samantha has been waiting patiently to be matched since fall 2016 when she put together a team for BFKS. 5) Very few (if any) of our Littles wanted to be matched as much as Little Brother Arriyon; Big Brother Jesse has been a huge supporter of our program for years now. 6) Little Sister Selia is the nicest kid you’ll ever meet, and was so happy to meet her new Big; Big Sister Faith called about becoming a Big before she even moved to Macomb. We’re so happy to have all of these wonderful people join us!
Catlyn & Abby
Corey & Casey
Saryanna & Hannah
National Mentoring Mo.—Macomb
Big Brother in the News Big Brother Lieutenant Dave Burnham was named the Macomb Police Department’s Officer of the Year! Dave has been an outstanding Big Brother in Macomb for more than 2 years now, and his impact on his Little and our community is truly remarkable. Dave is a wonderful representative of BBBS and Macomb, and we salute him!
Victoria & Samantha
Thanks for volunteering! Arriyon & Jesse
Thanks to the cities and Mayors for recognizing BBBS in those communities, and thanks to ALL of our Bigs for giving their time to make the world a better place!
Selia & Faith
National Mentoring Month January was National Mentoring Month! The Cities of Macomb and Bushnell both presented one of our local matches with a signed, sealed proclamation praising all BBBS Volunteers for the life-changing work BBBS does every day. Mayor Jim National Mentoring Mo.—Bushnell Evans made the presentation to Little Sister Madison, and Mayor Mike Inman made the presentation to Little Sister Morgan and Big Sister Kirsten (and Little Sister Catlyn).
Upcoming BBBS Activities This year’s BBBS Trivia Night will be Saturday 4 March 2017, 6-10PM, at Spoon River Conference Center in Macomb. We have a spectacular program this year, including King Graffiti Band's first show of 2017! Upgraded venue, new and improved questions (with video of the kids!) and Macomb’s most popular band! Can’t beat that for a night out, PLUS you help us help children. Call or e-mail for more details and to get your team registered: ptarantola@bbbs-mv.org, 309-837-5437.
To become a “Big” in McDonough Co. contact Pete at 309-837-5437 or go to www.bbbsmv.org/volunteer
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3
M A R C H, 2 0 1 7
KEEP A CHILD’S HEART BLOOMING! PLACE YOUR ORDER!
Place your Plant Sale order by April 24! All proceeds go to support one-to-one mentoring.
Over 150 annual varieties and colors! Check out our GROUP ORDERS! Get your co-workers, church, friends, neighbors, or family together and place a group order. If the order is $150 or more (combined) and you live in the Quad Cities, we will deliver to your ONE selected location for FREE!
Annuals ● 4” Pot Geraniums ● Hanging Baskets ● 4” pot Wave and Easy Wave Petunias AND MORE! up t Pick rder a le ro you lant Sa 3. P y 5 - 1 rs Ma + o rde EE 0 R $15 eive F the c i e y n es. r ver deli ad Citi Qu
PRESENTED BY:
Supported by:
SAVE THESE DATES FOR ON-SITE SHOPPING! IOWA: Northwest Bank & Trust Tower Fri., May 5—Sat., May 13, 8 am-7 pm
ILLINOIS: UnityPoint Health—Trinity
Thurs., May 4 (1-7pm), May 5-7, 8 am—7 pm
ILLINOIS: Macomb, STC Investments across from HyVee Wed., May 10—Sat., May 13, 8 am—5 pm
Order on-line or download form:
www.bbbsmv.org/plant
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3
M A R C H, 2 0 1 7
BIG IDEA WORKSHOP—BRIDGING GENERATIONS: REGISTER TODAY!
Born before 1946
Born between 1946—1964
Born between 1965-1975
Born between 1980-1995
Thursday, March 9, 2017 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Jumer’s Casino & Hotel in Rock Island. TALK WITH YOUR EMPLOYER ABOUT ATTENDING! Registrations are open NOW to reserve your seat. Seating is limited to 250 people! To find out more about the training go to:
www.bbbsmv.org/bigideaworkshop Presented by:
https://youtu.be/Y2fJFTXNedM
Born after 1996
COACHES CORNER
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3
SUNDAY
M A R C H, 2 0 1 7
COMMUNITY CALENDAR – MARCH
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1 Yoga and stories 2
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
3
4 Guided Nature Hike
Reading Asst. Dogs
5
6
7
8 Yoga and stories 9
DR. SUESS BIRTHDAY
10
11 Creation Studio Drop In Fair
Creation Studio
12
13
Creation Studio Absolute Science
19
20
Lego Club
14 Absolute Science
21
CAREER NAVIGATORS
BIG IDEA WORKSHOP
15 Yoga and stories 16 Absolute Science 17 St. Pat’s Day
Absolute Science
CAREER CRUISING
22 Yoga and stories 23
Putnam Family Fun
24
Creation Studio
27
St. Patrick’s Day Grand Parade Astronomy Club
25 Teddy Bear Clinic
BIG & LITTLE TRAINING
26
18
28
29 Yoga and stories 30
BBBS MARCH MADNESS
31
Creation Studio CAREER NAVIGATORS
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! MARCH BUFFALO WILD WINGS – HOME TEAM ADVANTAGE: March 1 through April 30, Big Brothers Big Sisters is “TEAM A” at Buffalo Wild Wings. Show them the TEAMMATE CARD (Team A) on your mobile device (see the ad on page 7 of this newsletter and take a picture of it) and 10% of your TOTAL BILL will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley! Or go to www.bbbsmv.org/bww . Yoga & Stories: March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 6:30pm-7:00pm at Bettendorf Public Library (2950 Learning Campus Dr, Bettendorf). Experience your favorite stories told with yoga poses as demonstrated by certified yoga instructors. Recommended for ages of 3 through 10 years old. Call 563-344-4178 for more information. Reading Assistance Dogs: March 2 from 6:00pm-7:00pm at Bettendorf Public Library (2950 Learning Campus Dr, Bettendorf). Children have the opportunity to read aloud to dogs from Quad City Canines. This is a great opportunity to build vocabulary and self-confidence. No registration required. Call 563-344-4178 for more information. Guided Nature Hike: March 4 from 9:00am-10:00am at Nahant Marsh Education Center. Participants join a naturalist for a guided hike along the trails at the marsh. Suggested donation $5. Contact Lindsey Kennedy at 563-336-3374 for more information. Creation Studio: March 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 3:00PM-5:00PM at the Bettendorf Public Library (2950 Learning Campus Dr, Bettendorf). Set your imagination free with a new project every week for elementary students. Call 563-322-4179 for more information. Lego Club: March 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 3:30pm at Davenport Public Library Main Library. Join Lego Club to test your skills of building and design. Recommended for ages 6-11. Creation Studio Drop-In Fair: March 11 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at the
Bettendorf Public Library (2950 Learning Campus Dr, Bettendorf). Drop in for spring gardening crafts including making 2-liter bottle gardens, insect repellent, newspaper seed starters, mason bee houses, and magic seed balls. FREE. No reservation necessary. Call 563-344-4179 for more information. Absolute Science: Reaction Station: March 13-16 from 11:00am-12:00pm at Bettendorf Public Library (2950 Learning Campus Dr, Bettendorf). A hands-on science program where kids become the scientist! New projects every day. Space is limited and registration is required. Attendee must be between grades 2 and 6. Register online or call 563-344-4178 for more information. Family Fun Night at the Putnam-Going Green!: March 17 from 5:00pm8:30pm at the Putnam (1717 W. 12th St, Davenport). Discover the importance of keeping our planet green! All activities in the grand lobby are FREE to the public. Call 563-324-1933 for more information. St. Patrick’s Day Grand Parade: March 18 at 11:30am. Parade begins at the corner of 4th Ave and 23rd St in Rock Island, then crosses the centennial bridge and continues down W. 3rd St in Davenport. FREE. Night Sky Viewing with The Popular Astronomy Club: March 18 from 7:00pm-11:00pm at Niabi Zoo (12010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley). Join the Popular Astronomy Club after sunset in the Niabi Zoo Parking Lot for a tour of the night sky. Telescopes will be available to look through. FREE. Call 309-797-3120 for more information Teddy Bear Clinic: March 25 from 9:00am-11:00am at Trinity in Bettendorf (4500 Utica Ridge Rd, Bettendorf). Bring in your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal for a checkup! Nurses will walk kids through a typical medical exam and what to expect during a hospital visit. Go behind the scenes with a tour of a real pediatric clinic. This event is open to the public. Reservations are kindly requested. Make reservations by contacting Amber at 309-764-7610 or amber.bowers@unitypoint.org.