Big changes are coming in 2015! Stay tuned...
Ad Space Available! Rates as low as $50
Contact Communications@EASTstaff.org for details! The EAST Initiative reserves the right to refuse purchase of advertising space.
CONTENTS Fall 2014
2 4 5 7 8
EAST Core Site Support National Service Project Training and Events Youth Service Award Mason Graves
9 EAST in Social Media 12 Guest Blog Bill NottCody Jones
13 EAST Night Out
SPOTLIGHTS 14 Staff Member
EQ
Phaedra Hawkins
8201 Ranch Boulevard, Suite B-1 Little Rock, Arkansas 72223 501.371.5016 www.EASTinitiative.org
Magazine team Executive Editor - Angela Kremers Managing Editor - Blake Welch Designer - Calvin Bramlett Editorial Team Matt Dozier Mary Forst Melanie Ridlon Printing / Publishing Printed by Allegra Print & Imaging of Arkansas, Inc. and Image360 - Little Rock Published digitally through Issuu at: issuu.com/eastquarterly
15 Board Member David Moody
16 Facilitator & Teacher Lloyd Rushing Toni Hall
17 Sponsor
BHP Billiton
19 Alumni
Cari Reeves
20 Projects
Mountain View High School Dover High School
Disclaimer The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited materials lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of the EAST Initiative. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. All copyrights are recognized and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review.
Questions or feedback? Communications@EASTstaff.org
22 26 27 28
Geek Speak EAST Gear Sponsors EAST Staff
EAST Core
Site Support - Webinar Opportunities - Calendar - TICAL
2014 - 2015 EAST Core Site Support plan EAST Core staff has developed a Site Support Plan to better serve EAST Core teachers and schools this year.
informal visit to build relationships, especially with those who do not request a Regular Site Visit.
EAST Initiative Administrator Site Visits – The EAST Initiative President and CEO Matt Dozier and Senior Director of Curricular Integration Dondi Jackson will visit schools to discuss the success of implementation in the school. This will assist with the framing and processes of sustaining vision, improved communication between stakeholders and traction for local success.
Webinars – 30-minute webinars will be offered for teachers, administrators, facilitators and Coordinated Learning Center (CLC) Coordinators to participate via Google Hangout.
Combined Site Visits – EAST Core Coordinator Lori Canada and STEM Coordinator James Hopper began visiting schools in September to start off the school year strong and promote cohesiveness among all EAST Core schools. Regular Site Visits – Customized visits to provide support for teachers or students, indicated by teachers which area is in most need of support. Request forms should be submitted one week prior to scheduled visit. A maximum of two request forms may be submitted per visit. Student Technical Training Grants – Applications for the competitive grant will be accepted and reviewed to determine recipients. EAST Core staff will coordinate with students and teachers to provide hands-on technical training based on the grant request.
Focus Group – Building on the success of last year, Focus Groups will continue this year. EAST Core teachers will be invited to grow and expand their understanding of writing and implementing projects in their classroom. EAST Conference – Conference is set for March 17 – 19, 2015, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Two EAST Core teachers may attend and represent their school at Conference and attend Breakout Sessions. Tickets for two EAST Core teachers and two EAST Core students will be provided to each participating school for the Wednesday evening banquet. Each school may purchase up to four additional tickets for other guests. EAST Core classes will also be able to showcase their work at the EAST Core booth. Summer Seminar – Teachers may attend a three-day professional development in July with EAST facilitators to learn about new software, implementations for the upcoming school year and to collaborate and network with other EAST Core teachers and EAST facilitators.
Face Time – EAST Core staff will visit schools to meet EAST Core teachers for an
Core Site Support Team
Dondi Jackson
PG. 2
EAST QUARTERLY
Lori Canada
James Hopper
Webinar Opportunities EAST Core is offering webinars for EAST Core teachers, facilitators and administrators. Each 30-minute webinar will be held via Google Hangout starting at 3:30 p.m. All webinars will be recorded and posted on the EAST Core Google Community.
Strategy Trifectas for Project Development (November 6) – EAST Initiative Senior Director of Curricular Integration Dondi Jackson will explore relevant project development, classroom logistics and how to cultivate student ownership.
EAST Conference 2015 Webinar (November 5) – EAST Initiative Events Coordinator Jessica Dunham will discuss details for EAST Conference 2015. Learn what happens at Conference and all the preparation needed by participants. During the webinar, Jessica will explain how to register and other important details to help you prepare for Conference.
Technology (December 3) – A member of the EAST Initiative’s Technical Support Group will highlight software or technology found in the Coordinated Learning Centers. Details will be announced.
Core Calendar November 2014 5th 6th 6th 6 - 7th
Webinar - EAST Conference 2015 Webinar - Strategy Trifectas for Project Development AEA Conference Arkansas Curriculum Conference
Google Hangout Google Hangout Little Rock Convention Center Little Rock Convention Center
3:30 PM - 4 PM 3:30 PM - 4 PM -
Google Hangout
3:30 PM - 4 PM
December 2014 3rd
Webinar - Technology
TICAL
Technology Information Conference for Administrative Leadership Feb 17 - 19, 2015 Marriott Hotel - Little Rock, Arkansas TICAL’s mission is to help K-12 administrators provide informed and effective leadership in the use of technology to improve education. In 2002, TICAL Arkansas was launched. Under the auspices of the Arkansas Department of Education, a cadre of administrators from that state contributes new resources and provides orientation and training sessions throughout the state. The culmination of TICAL Arkansas is the Technology Information Conference for Administrative Leadership (TICAL Conference), held annually in Little Rock. This conference is made possible through a unique partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and the Association of Arkansas Educational Administrators (AAEA).
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 3
Site Support Quality Projects
What Makes a Good EAST Project? So you want to know what makes a good EAST project? There is no perfect answer all wrapped up and ready to go and you sure won’t find it in the back of a textbook. What we can do is share a proven best practice to help you with forward momentum.
So from the client perspective, what makes a good EAST project? Students have time and resources and they need to be challenged. Regardless of their age, these students have a much greater capacity than they are often given credit for. Consider a project that attains the higher order skills of analysis, reflection and evaluation. Consider projects that have many possible outcomes, even where the solution may not be obvious. Consider a project that is not easily achieved but perhaps even impossible.
Here it is: the foundation of a solid project starts with a client who needs a solution to a problem. Clients are the source of projects. Clients who are not familiar with EAST can easily underestimate the capacity of what EAST students can accomplish and contribute. When students share ideas with clients and those ideas are focused around printing posters, brochures or maybe a basic video, the client will not have higher expectations. The same goes for collection and fundraising project ideas; when that is all a client experiences, the “expectation bar” remains low. Simple collecting and fundraising activities, in most cases, do not provide a challenge or outlet for exemplary student growth. These less sophisticated projects can provide a starting point to build relationships; however, the goal should always be to move problem solving beyond the ordinary solution and toward something unique. If it does not provide growth opportunities and the solution remains simple, it is most likely an “activity” rather than a viable project. These activities should only be considered if they are a step toward something greater.
A preconceived solution is not required, but rather just a willingness to cooperate to solve a problem. We tenaciously encourage prospective clients to start with a simple conversation. EAST students thrive on genuine interest and the contribution they bring to the table can prove to be invaluable and a great investment of your time. Check out previous issues of EQ Magazine that highlights some of the outstanding projects EAST programs have developed, like the North Little Rock Community Farm and Choctaw Nation Village Mapping. Please contact us at the EAST corporate offices if you have any general questions or would like contact information for your local EAST program. Let’s work together to get some great projects off the ground and be amazed at what happens next!
EQ Magazine readers have a big role in the success of our programs because readers are potential clients. If you have not been associated with an EAST program in the past please give it some consideration. Solutions to real-world problems are always in high demand and our EAST students are sure to bring something unique to the table.
Site Support Team
Tami Baker
PG. 4
EAST QUARTERLY
Lisa Cook
Erica Riley
Jerry Prince
Tim Stephenson
National Service Project Emergency: Planning and Preparedness
Rapid Responder At some point this year a community in the United States will be devastated by a natural or man-made disaster. Tornadoes drop out of the sky unexpectedly; flood waters envelope entire communities and earthquakes lurk beneath the Earth’s surface with the potential to destroy an entire region. Beyond the ominous threat of Mother Nature lies the destruction imposed on humanity by mankind. Accidents happen as trains derail, fires consume, vehicles collide, machines fail and workers make mistakes. Naturally, we hope when these tragic events occur, the best-trained emergency responders, armed with the best equipment available, will respond quickly to mitigate damage and save lives. Experience, however, tells us this is not always the case. Far too often, the scale of the disaster is too great for the emergency resources at hand, or responders and their equipment are caught up in the devastation themselves.
Some events to consider: Floods Statistics show floods are the number one natural disaster in the U.S. All 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. Flash floods often bring walls of water 10- to 20-feet-high yet even just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater. Flash floods are the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. with approximately 200 drownings per year. Of those, just over 50 percent are vehicle-related.
Tornadoes Roughly 17 million people live in what is known as Tornado Alley, an area that spans across eight states in the middle of our country. Although it covers just 15 percent of the U.S., this area suffered nearly 30 percent of all confirmed tornadoes between 1950 and 2012 averaging 268 tornadoes per year. There were 5,587 confirmed fatalities during that period with 1,110, or about 20 percent, occurring in Tornado Alley. Statistics for tornado-related injuries are even higher. For the same period, there were 64,054 injuries reported across the U.S., averaging approximately 1,000 per year. Twenty-four percent of those injuries occurred in Tornado Alley. While only two percent of tornadoes were deadly nationwide, some were hugely destructive.
By: Kevin Shinn EAST Facilitator Huntsville High School National Service Project One constant that holds true in all of these situations is that with proper planning and preparation lives can be saved and suffering reduced. It is with this reality in mind the focus of this year’s National Service Project (NSP) is so significant: “Ready, Set, Plan: Emergency Planning and Preparedness.” The untapped potential of our nation’s youth is a renewable resource waiting to be utilized in making our world a better place. EAST provides our young people an avenue to not only explore their potential but to realize the fruits of their own labor and we are all the richer for it. The student-driven, project-based focus on solving real world problems is an excellent forum for our students to step out of the classroom and into their communities to make a difference. I have had the honor of being the state chairman for the American Red Cross Rapid Response Team Project in Arkansas for the last decade. In this role I have had the distinct privilege of witnessing hundreds of high school students from across our great state being trained in emergency management skills who go into careers in emergency services or the medical field, or who find themselves in circumstances using their skills to help others. In case after case, I have watched what young people can do who are motivated, educated and dedicated to make a difference. It is inspiring. My father, Harry F. Shinn, was a career educator and a volunteer firefighter who would often say, “Education is not a passive experience.” He believed it was essential for educators to engage our students in their own learning because when they take ownership of it, they have pride in it and in themselves. He was right and this year’s National Service Project is an excellent example of that philosophy because it empowers our youth to make a significant contribution with their talents and skills to help others. President John F. Kennedy said, “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.”
Youth Tragedies An average of 16,375 teenagers aged 12-19 years died in the U.S. every year from 1999 to 2006. The leading cause of death among teenagers was accidents (unintentional injuries), accounting for nearly one-half of all teenage deaths. As a category of accidents, motor vehicle fatality is the leading cause of death to teenagers, representing over one-third of all deaths.
Whether through community education presentations, training young people in emergency response skills, collaborating with members in their community to develop shelters or warning systems or bringing awareness to their peers about the dangers they face and ways to stay safe, EAST students everywhere will be changing the world for the better.
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 5
2014 - 2015 National Service Project
In the Spring of 2014, a destructive tornado devastated the Arkansas towns of Mayflower and Vilonia, taking lives and leaving catastrophic damage in its wake. Those communities are still recovering from the storm and some of our EAST programs continue to help in the cleanup efforts. History shows many of our communities will likely experience emergencies and disasters that may not garner as much national news coverage but are just as devastating for those affected. If there is a fire, earthquake, flood, chemical spill, flu epidemic, industrial accident, train wreck or water contamination, what will you and your community do? What can your EAST program do to help prevent the preventable and cope with the inevitable? Share your National Service Project (NSP) in the project database, discuss NSP on the EAST forums and register for the Assist-a-School program in partnership with Arkansas Tech University. For more NSP information, visit bit.ly/NSP2015.
PG. 6
EAST QUARTERLY
Training & Events
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
2014 - 2015
3rd - 4th
Web Design with Dreamweaver & Intro to Content Management Stystems for Elementary and Middle School
4th - 5th
CAST - Intro to GIS
5th
Frooty Loops
Southwest Co-op
6th - 7th
Intro to Unity
10th
Presentation and Speaking
Fayetteville Little Rock
10th
Project Management
12th
Intro to Python
12th
Taking your NSP to the Next Level
13th - 14th
Intro to Adobe Photoshop
Little Rock Little Rock
18th - 19th
Phase III
Little Rock
18th - 19th
Intro to GIS
18th - 19th 18th - 19th
Little Rock Little Rock
27th - 28th
CAST - The Why of Where: Disasters and Emergency Management Intro to Unity 3D Thanksgiving Holiday - EAST Headquarters Closed
1st - 4th
Phase III
Little Rock
1st - 2nd
3D Animation and Modeling
Little Rock
2nd - 3rd
CAST - The Why of Where: History and Local Culture
Fayetteville
4th - 5th 5th
Basic Video Camera Workshop for Elementary and Middle School
Fayetteville
Introducing Max: An Instructional Overview of 3ds and its Components CAST - The Why of Where: History and Local Culture
Little Rock Fayetteville
10th - 11th 24th - 31st
Basic Video Camera Workshop for Elementary and Middle School
Fayetteville
Winter Holiday Break - EAST Headquarters Closed
Little Rock
1st - 2nd
Winter Holiday Break - EAST Headquarters Closed
Little Rock
7th - 8th
CAST - The Why of Where: Water and Environment
Fayetteville
7th
Systems Administration
Little Rock
8th 13th -14th
Advanced Adobe Photoshop
Little Rock
8th - 9th
13th - 14th 13th 15th - 16th 15th - 16th 21st - 22nd 27th - 28th 27th - 28th 29th - 30th
Little Rock Fayetteville
Little Rock De Queen/Mena Co-op
Crowley’s Ridge Co-op
CAST - The Why of Where: Water and Environment InDesign
Little Rock
Little Rock Southeast Co-op
Programming with Processing
Little Rock
Advanced Adobe Photoshop The Art of Editing GPS / GIS in a Trimble-less World CAST - The Why of Where: History and Local Culture
Little Rock Little Rock Little Rock Little Rock
Intro to GIS
Little Rock
Web Design with Dreamweaver & Intro to Content Management Systems
Little Rock EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 7
Youth Service Award Mason Graves, North Little Rock High School
North Little Rock High School EAST student Mason Graves is no stranger to recognition. In the past year, the North Little Rock Community Farm has gained national attention, most recently by the Regions Bank What a Difference a Day Makes competition, awarding the EAST project $5,000 and 100 volunteer service hours. Graves has been named a winner in the Youth Service America Summer of Service awards, which comes with a $1,000 donation to be used at the farm. “I’m excited and blessed to receive the award but I can’t take all the credit for the farm,” Graves said. “It’s not just me, it’s a family. It is a group of 60 students that are out there working.”
fresh produce for those homeless families in the school. “We realized we could help homeless students and learn about math and science at the same time,” Graves said. “We started with a small garden and now have national recognition. At the end of the day, it’s all about helping people.” Graves’ heart to help people is evident in his life. Not only is he active on school and community swim teams, he serves as a student board member for multiple organizations, is a leader in his EAST classroom and has even cofounded the startup “Catchin’ Up Technology” which won the first High School Startup Weekend in Little Rock.
The award recognizes young people who are creating lasting, positive change through volunteer and community service projects, especially youth-led projects that highlight creativity and commitment of young people working to meet the needs of others.
Youth Service America partners with several companies to recognize youth across the country including ABC television network, the Disney Channel and Boys and Girls Club of America.
The original idea for the farm came from a previous farm project on campus when Graves and classmate DeLena Lattimore were in middle school. When Graves and Lattimore learned there were more than 600 homeless students in the North Little Rock School District, they decided to revive the idea of a farm and partnered with The People Tree to get started. The farm now provides
“I was so excited when I found out Mason won, I had to pull off the side of the road while I was driving because I started crying, I was blown away,” said KJ Kite, EAST Facilitator at North Little Rock. “Mason has no fear and is ready to tackle any problem. He makes me proud every day.”
PG. 8
EAST QUARTERLY
EAST in Social Media Twitter & Facebook
Other
fb.me/EASTinitiative
@EASTinitiative @theEASTalumni @EASTdevelopment
instagram.com/theEASTinitiative youtube.com/user/EASTHQ issuu.com/EASTquarterly
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 9
BLACK FRIDAY CYBER MONDAY
SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY ON #GIVINGTUESDAY Tuesday, December 2 We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 2, charities, families, businesses, community centers and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Support innovative education and project-based learning by donating to the EAST Initiative on #GivingTuesday. Thank you for giving!
supportEAST.org PG. 10
EAST QUARTERLY
Top-Rated Nonprofit 2014
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SPATIAL TECHNOLOGY INC Congratulations Your community has selected your organization as one of the 2014 Top-Rated Nonprofits using GreatNonprofits. You are among a distinguished few to receive this community endorsement.
Perla Ni CEO Greatnonprofits
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 11
Guest Blog
Bill Nott - EAST Advisory Council
Bill Nott Mechnical Engineer, PE On April 13, 1970 at 9:07p.m., Apollo 13 was on its way to the moon with Astronauts Lovell, Swigert and Haise aboard when an Oxygen tank exploded. What happened next was legendary. The story was told much better by Ron Howard than I can cover here. But it was not just an event involving heroic efforts by a dedicated team. It involved science, technology, engineering and (yes) math. Engineering brings together all of those disciplines to solve real world problems. Fortunately, most problems are far less dramatic than Apollo 13. The story illustrates that engineering is not just about learning STEM subjects. It is about bringing together the knowledge and skills with a deep understanding about how they work together. It is about people management, communication, in all its forms, and working together in teams. It is about knowing how to ask the right questions and discerning acceptable answers. There is no school course on “What-to-do-when-the-O2-tank-explodes-while-in-a-small-vehicle-hurlingtowards-the-Moon.” There are a number of other programs that help you build your knowledge and skills in certain areas (e.g., FIRST, Science Olympiad, Project Lead The Way, etc.). But most have a fair amount of definition about the problem, potential solutions and/or expectations. The real world often does not. EAST does not. You take other courses to gain knowledge and skills. You take EAST to bring them together in a real world context to ask the right questions, to devise an appropriate course of action, to discern good answers and to communicate the entire process to different audiences. Notice I did not say the right answer. In engineering there is rarely only one solution. Solutions can range from terrible to great. Sometimes your choices are limited and the best solution is not an option – just like you may encounter in EAST. Sometimes you have to settle for good enough – like when you only have a few hours to make your air supply functional for the next few days (and the nearest Home Depot is over 250,000 miles away). If Apollo 13 was just a movie about a fictional event, most would say there is no way the astronauts would have survived in the real world. But it was real. They did survive. Why? There is an old adage that “luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity.” The team, and each team member, spent years preparing themselves to know and understand their areas of expertise – and more. The opportunity came fast and unexpectedly. Fortunately, they were prepared. Take the opportunity to look at the movie again. Or, better yet, read the book Lost Moon by Kluger & Lovell. Pay close attention to how they approached the problems and came to a solution. It is not just a story to leave you on the edge of your seat. It is a story about the importance of having a broad set of skills, wide area of knowledge, communicating well and working closely in a team effort. That’s engineering; that’s EAST.
PG. 12
EAST QUARTERLY
Now is your time to utilize the opportunities that the EAST Initiative provides to prepare and to truly understand how the knowledge and skills you have gained elsewhere come together. Not just STEM subjects, but also liberal arts subjects. They are vitally important as well. Will you be prepared for the opportunities and challenges that come your way? I wish you luck.
Events ENO
EAST Night Out EAST programs across the country opened their doors October 14 to showcase projects students have been innovatively working on using some of the latest technology available today.
In Little Rock, EAST students from area schools joined the EAST Initiative President and CEO Matt Dozier on KATV’s Good Morning Arkansas to share about their projects and to invite viewers to their EAST Night Out.
Family, friends, community leaders and the general public attended EAST Night Out, a national open house celebration of EAST programs, to see how EAST students are making a difference in their community and share about the work already underway.
“We were thrilled to have all the media coverage surrounding EAST Night Out this year,” said Blake Welch, the EAST Initiative Communications Coordinator. “Students, facilitators, EAST staff and all of the shows’ hosts did a wonderful job promoting a nationwide event that highlights the difference youth can make in their communities.”
“EAST Night Out gives programs an opportunity to invite the community to see EAST in action and catch a glimpse of the incredible projects students are working on,” said Jessica Dunham, the EAST Initiative Events Coordinator. “More importantly it is a chance for EAST programs to educate the community, network with potential clients and partners and celebrate their hard work.”
For more information visit www.EASTnightout.com.
It is estimated several thousand guests visited EAST Night Out in more than 80 schools around the country. Guests were able to see the power of studentdriven, service-based, technology-infused education that drives the success of EAST programs. In promotion of the event, students from EAST schools in northwest Arkansas appeared on television stations KNWA and Fox 24 morning shows, broadcast live from Westwood Elementary in Springdale.
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 13
Staff Member Spotlight Phaedra Hawkins - Training & Growth Coordinator
Phaedra Hawkins The EAST Initiative provides more than 70 student trainings on average every school year but no training could happen if it was not for the work of Phaedra Hawkins, Student Technical Training and Growth Coordinator. Hawkins has worked for EAST since 2007 and over the years has worn many hats in the organization. She started as the office Administrative Assistant and later transitioned into a role assisting with the coordination of the national EAST Conference. Before she began working for EAST, Hawkins was not familiar with the organization. It was a season of life when she had spent two years offering respite care for her mother but the time came to jump back into the workforce. When she began the job search, she found an opportunity with EAST and did some research to learn more about the organization. Hawkins asked her children, who were in high school at the time, if they knew about EAST. Her daughter, Markisha, happened to be an EAST student at McClellan High School in Little Rock and explained to her what EAST is.
the students, especially at Conference. I love to see a student who can put their talents to use and make a difference.” When talking to Hawkins, it is obvious who her favorite students are: her own children Arnold, Markisha and Markel, not to mention her four grandchildren, and another one on the way. Her son, Markel, is also a former EAST student. “I’m blessed with my kids,” Hawkins said. “They are wonderful.” It is hard to miss Markisha’s basketball accomplishments when visiting Hawkin’s office. She led North Little Rock High School to an undefeated, state championship season and was named state player of the year as a senior. Markisha carried those successes into college where she played for the University of Kansas Jayhawks. She is now pursuing playing basketball for an international team.
Hawkins interviewed for the job and was hired.
“One year my kids and I went to Watershed to volunteer on Thanksgiving day,” Hawkins said. “I want to get involved with volunteering on a regular basis. My passion is to help those who are less fortunate; it really saddens me to see the challenges many people have, I just want to help.”
“When I got here and saw the trainings they were offering at EAST and their involvement with students all over Arkansas and other states, the more I got involved and interested in what EAST does,” Hawkins said. “I love working with
Hawkins is an active member in her church, serving on different committees and volunteering at special programs. She has two dogs, Sadie and Pepper, and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
PG. 14
EAST QUARTERLY
Board Member Spotlight David Moody
David Moody EAST Initiative Director David Moody is an entrepreneur at heart, which is reflected by his active interest in startups and other ventures. But prior to becoming a businessman, he worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the aerospace industry for 13 years after earning degrees in Public Administration from the University of Central Arkansas and University of Houston. Born and raised in White Hall, Arkansas, Moody and his wife, Gwen, returned to Arkansas in 1998 to live closer to family and raise their children. Moody opened an insurance agency and offered consulting services for business leaders. Moody is still consulting with businesses on leadership development and other services but is also an active advisor, mentor and investor in dozens of startup companies in Arkansas.
“I think the ability to expand EAST is limited only by our ability to create and fund the vision,” Moody said. “I believe if we do a good job of sharing our accomplishments, stories of EAST students and our vision, that donors, partners and supporters will see the value proposition of EAST and support our expansion.” In addition to business consulting and serving on the EAST board, Moody volunteers with other organizations and causes that focus on education, entrepreneurship and outreach to the under-served. He also serves on the board of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub in Little Rock. Moody and his wife have two children; their son is the CEO and co-founder of a tech company and their daughter is currently in college and lives with her family in northwest Arkansas.
“My guiding principles are faith, fitness, family, finances and balance,” Moody said. I really enjoy helping CEOs and emerging executives, as well as developing strategies to commercialize research and development and build startup companies.” Moody has also served as the Deputy Director of the Arkansas Energy Office and president of an energy technology startup in northwest Arkansas. During his time there, Moody became involved in the emerging entrepreneurial community, mentoring teams in the ARK Challenge and eventually became an advisor and investor. “David Moody is a tremendous asset to our board and organization,” said Matt Dozier, the EAST Initiative President and CEO. “He brings a diverse background and passion for entrepreneurial growth and development especially for social entrepreneurial projects. His experiences as an engineer, small business owner and a crusader for innovation make him a good role model for our students and a great sounding board for our organization.” Moody was appointed as an EAST Initiative Director in September 2010 after being approached with the opportunity by Kelly Lyon, former EAST Board Chair. He sees EAST as the perfect combination of innovative thinking, education and technology needed to equip the future workforce in the United States. “EAST is innovative, rooted in cutting-edge technology and community projects; it is entrepreneurial and teaches life skills like problem solving, team work, organization and strategy, all key elements of success,” said Moody. “You get a lot of bang for your buck with EAST.” Moody is hopeful to lend his expertise to grow EAST geographically as well as improve the quality of EAST programs.
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 15
Facilitator Spotlight Lloyd Rushing & Toni Hall
Lloyd Rushing
Toni Hall
EAST Facilitator - Southwood High School, Shreveport, La.
EAST Core Coordinator - Harrisburg High School, Ark.
Lloyd Rushing believes education is happening when a classroom is noisy. He sees his EAST classroom in Louisiana as most productive when it is “noisy and chaotic” compared to a normal classroom. “But who says we’re normal?” Rushing asked. Rushing has been an EAST facilitator since 2003 and continues to be amazed when a student comes to that realization moment of what EAST is all about, sort of a light bulb moment. “This is the rare moment when learning happens seemingly spontaneously,” Rushing said. “The difference between a regular classroom and an EAST classroom is the light goes on more often and with greater intensity.” Rushing is hopeful EAST will grow across Louisiana and the EAST classroom at Southwood High School will be a springboard to launch other programs. “I do not know of another educational program that teaches life skills and STEM the way EAST does,” Rushing said. “I would love to be able to have feeder EAST schools to help with a jump start into my program.” Outside the EAST classroom, Rushing stays busy with his family including two grandchildren. He also enjoys road trips on his Harley Davidson Road King Classic motorcycle. Some recent trips have been to The Hub Motorcycle Resort near Marble Falls, Ark., located on the site of the old Dogpatch USA amusement park, and through South Dakota with stops at Mount Rushmore, The Bad Lands and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
PG. 16
EAST QUARTERLY
Toni Hall is juggling a host of responsibilities this year in northeast Arkansas as the EAST Core Coordinator and the EAST Facilitator. While she has facilitated EAST for seven years, this is Hall’s first year coordinating EAST Core. In this added role, Hall works with EAST Core teachers to assist them in incorporating the EAST model and latest learning skills into the regular classroom, creating a seamless bridge between EAST and EAST Core. “I enjoy helping teachers with new ideas for their classrooms and I definitely love a challenge,” Hall said. “EAST Core has given me the opportunity to help others by using my experience in EAST to help Core teachers use project-based learning in their classrooms.” “With a daily schedule that provides time allocations for both programs, her dual role enables her to explore potential compliments between the significant flexibility of the EAST classroom environment and the curricular components of EAST Core content classes,” said Dondi Jackson, the EAST Initiative Senior Director of Curricular Integration. “Toni’s positive and energetic approach to teacher support and studentdriven learning, and her leadership of a school-wide project approach is of valuable benefit to their school.” Hall’s family also owns farms in three northeast Arkansas counties, where she often lends a hand. “I love to mow the yard!” Hall said. With all of the roles she plays in her life, Hall is never without opportunities to help others.
Sponsor Spotlight BHP Billiton
Resourcing the Future BHP Billiton is a leading global resources company that is committed to the values of sustainability, integrity, respect, performance, simplicity and accountability. In support of the company’s oil and gas operations in Arkansas, BHP Billiton partners with local organizations to develop sustainable community programs focused on education, health and the environment.
The five schools completed projects with lasting community impact to include: Clinton - Progress toward renovation of tennis courts in collaboration with city officials Greenbrier - Addition of EAST classroom technology for students and citizens to conduct live tutorials for advanced software applications Rose Bud - Renovation of a children’s center in a local library Searcy - Completion of a self-guided walking trail along a historic downtown area Wonderview - Access to fresh produce and composting through a greenhouse project for a local rural community
In the summer of 2012, the EAST Initiative and BHP Billiton began discussing how the two organizations could potentially partner to impact education in several north central Arkansas communities. In 2013, the EAST Initiative was honored to receive a donation of $25,000 from BHP Billiton. With this support, five rural schools in Arkansas (Clinton, Greenbrier, Wonderview, Rose Bud and Searcy) each received a grant to complete high priority community projects in collaboration with BHP Billiton staff. The year-long work culminated with students presenting their projects at the EAST National Conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Clinton’s project was to work with city officials, and through the grant project development process, those officials discovered the benefits possible when youth are given a voice and opportunity to play an active role in community efforts. The partnership with BHP Billiton staff has been a tremendous asset to EAST programs and communities in Arkansas.
“BHP Billiton staff played an integral role throughout project development and implementation,” said Dr. Angela Kremers, EAST Senior Director of Corporate Strategy. “Their expertise really assisted the rural EAST programs to meet goals. We were so honored to work alongside their staff to make a difference in the communities.”
“The ingenuity and ambition behind the projects is remarkable,” said Danny Games, Corporate Affairs Manager for BHP Billiton. “These student-driven initiatives should be an affirmation to teachers, parents and community leaders who have encouraged and supported the students.”
Historic Walking Tour of Searcy in Cooperation with Searcy Parks & Recreation The Black House 659 W. Arch Ave.
801 W. Center Ave.
Historical Information Website
270 W. Center Ave.
Exercise & Fitness Information
400 E. Center Ave.
Virtual Geocaching
Zombie Fun Run
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 17
Alumni Spotlight Cari Reeves
From Student to Director Dardanelle High School, UALR
EAST Alumna Cari Leonard Reeves is coming full circle in her EAST experience as the EAST Director at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
potential who could actually do something. That was empowering,” Reeves said. “Sandy took a genuine interest in all of us.”
But years before she assumed leadership in the first post-secondary EAST program in Arkansas, Reeves explained she was a shy, quiet student at Dardanelle High School.
An average student prior to EAST, Reeves’ perspective of education began to change when she found herself in a classroom that allowed the students to identify problems in their community and decide what they wanted to do to help solve those problems, rather than an adult instructing them on how they should work.
It was during her junior year, something changed for Reeves. For once in her scholastic career, she was noticed as an individual, but not by a teacher in a required course. Reeves was noticed by the facilitator in the EAST classroom, Sandy Williams. “It was the first time I was not treated as a student but as someone with
PG. 18
EAST QUARTERLY
“We got to talk about issues and problems we saw in our neighborhoods, what we could do to help and then Sandy would let us go from there,” Reeves said. “It was completely reversed from what we normally experienced in high school.”
Reeves gained confidence in her approach to other classes, resulting in better grades and completing tests and assignments with a positive perspective. “If I was concerned about a test, I would tell myself, ‘hey, I went to talk to the mayor today, I can handle this test,’” Reeves said. “It gave me confidence to relax in other areas and all my classes genuinely became easier because I learned how to retain information for myself.” The interest shown by Williams and the opportunities offered by EAST may have changed Reeves’ course for her future. Reeves graduated from Dardanelle in 2004 and was accepted into the EAST Scholars program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Science. For a few years, Reeves even worked in the EAST Initiative Technical Support Group and was later promoted to Internet Services Manager. “Our EAST program was in its infancy when Cari was in high school,” said Williams. “Cari gave me faith that EAST really does work. She showed us that EAST helps students to be confident and capable young people in today’s world. I am so very proud of Cari!”
In April, Reeves was hired as the EAST Director at UALR and has a vision to the see the program advance to a new level of creativity and a degree of resourcefulness for students and the central Arkansas community it has not seen in the past. “We are really trying to rebuild the program at UALR,” Reeves said. “The scholars are beginning to do projects and we hosted our first EAST Night Out. I want [the students and I] to raise the bar for EAST at UALR.” Reeves is married to her husband, Justin, also an EAST Alum and former EAST staff member. The two met while both working in EAST TSG and their wedding ceremony was even officiated by Jerry Prince, the EAST Initiative Senior Director of Program Services. Reeves credits EAST with many of the milestones achieved in her life from college to career. “I would not have the job I do, the education I received, nor the friends and connections I have without EAST,” Reeves said. “I tell the students when they [participate in EAST at UALR] not to downplay the friends they will make here. Never underestimate the relationships made through EAST.”
Register today to become an Alumni for FREE! EASTalumni.org @theEASTalumni EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 19
Project Profiles
Mountain View High School - Dover High School
Tech Time for Teachers
Photo by: Lori Freeze, Stone County Leader Mountain View High School has become a Google school, utilizing Google applications and services district-wide. With the roll out of a new system, the district’s Information Technology Department identified the need for staff training and approached the EAST Program for help. The Mountain View EAST program was awarded a Beyond the Bell grant, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education. The grant funded “Tech Time for Teachers,” a project to deliver much needed professional development, taught by EAST students. Being familiar with Google applications and other basic IT needs, school staff members often approach EAST students for assistance. “Requests like how to select a printer, change screen resolutions and other basic user questions frequently take up IT staff time,” said Carole Smith, EAST Facilitator. “These are elementary user problems most EAST students can readily handle.” EAST students IT contributions to the school district transitioned into Mountain View’s plans to offer professional development opportunities this past summer and into the school year to train staff on using Google Chrome, Google Drive and other applications.
PG. 20
EAST QUARTERLY
“The EAST students had been using Google solutions in their classroom for years so it only made sense to use them as a resource when it came to training our teaching staff,” said Bryan Duncan, Mountain View School District Technology Supervisor. “They helped take some of the work load off of us by teaching staff how to use these tools.” As part of Tech Time for Teachers, EAST students also created a support website offering tutorials for using Google Drive and how to manage basic user problems. The Mountain View teachers and IT Department have all benefited from the training. Another benefit of utilizing the Beyond the Bell grant to provide the training allowed the district to allocate its own funds for other professional development opportunities. Tech Time for Teachers was so popular with staff the district scheduled additional sessions. The project was successfully completed in September.
“Teachers who attended the training were frequently asking the students for help,” said Smith. “This project has strengthened the relationship between EAST and the Mountain View School District.”
Hiking Thru Habitats After attending the national EAST Conference, Dover High School EAST students were inspired to create a project to blend their interests with those of their school and community. The brainstorming began, tossing around ideas about hobbies, careers, concerns in the community and more. The result – “Hiking Thru Habitats.” Hiking Thru Habitats reaches beyond science classroom walls to build on traditional teaching with experienced-based learning by being in habitats, engaging with hands-on activities, guided hikes and exploratory scavenger hunts. These experiences incorporate technology through interactive identification field guides, GIS/GPS and QR-coded outdoor learning environments. Hikingthruhabitats.org was developed to provide resources, lesson plans and selfdirected learning experiences to area students and their parents, community members and educators. “The students have taken ownership of this project through all of the lessons and activities they created, after-school events they coordinated and website they developed,” said Sharla Hartzell, EAST Facilitator. “The school and community response has been overwhelmingly supportive.” The project, partially funded by an EAST Beyond the Bell grant, also uses 16 Apple iPads, Otterbox cases to protect the equipment, rotating hand straps and a mobile charging station. “The Beyond the Bell grant made it possible to purchase the technology to make the project a reality,” said Hartzell. “So many of our ideas hit roadblocks due to financial hurdles but with this grant the students were able to see their project grow.” Dover EAST students have developed several partnerships for Hiking Thru Habitats like ones with the Arkansas Master Gardeners and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Arkansas Master Gardeners State Extension Officer Janet Carson has featured the project on the organizations blog and has assisted EAST students with project development. Training by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission inspired the students to expand the project and pursue additional grants. Dover students even have plans to share about Hiking Thru Habitats at the Horticulture Society Conference in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in January.
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 21
Geek Speak Technical Support Spotlight
EAST Classroom Network Demystified Networking can be intimidating for both students and facilitators alike and when it comes to diagnosing issues and making adjustments it is not always clear where to start. The EAST Technical Support Group frequently receives questions about setting up a new network server and how to setup the network when a classroom is moved.
Schools Network
The Scary Part - Wiring EAST TSG often hears “how do I plug everything in to work
EAST Classroom
Other
right?” The answer is more simple than you think. To know what goes where, you need to identify the Wide Area Network (WAN) cable (from the school or internet provider) and the Local Area Network (LAN) cable (in your network).
Router In a standard EAST Network, the school network is the WAN and the EAST Network is the LAN. A router connects to the WAN via a cable provided by your school and the router creates a LAN with internet access. Once the router is connected, connect your
WAN
LAN1
LAN2
LAN3
LAN4
devices and change a few settings for things to work. A common misconception is if you “plug the server in the wrong port” things will not work. While this is true, the WAN is the only one wrong port. As long as all local devices are plugged into a LAN
From School
To Switch or other Device
port (on the router or switch), it is connected properly.
Common Wiring Issues A router has one WAN port and four LAN ports. This is not enough
Loopback – Sometimes the network gets plugged into itself. This could be
to connect via cable every device in the EAST Network so most
two cables running from the router to the switch or a cable running from
EAST classrooms also have a switch. A switch connected to the
the switch and back into the switch. These are called Loopbacks and can
LAN port on the router provides more ports to connect devices to
cause your networking hardware to stop working, or work intermittently.
the EAST LAN. Unless using WiFi, all of your cables will connect to the network through this switch even if the computers themselves
Two network cards in the Server - If you have more than one network
are hardwired into the wall.
card on the server, try plugging in both cards. If issues persist, submit a Help Ticket to TSG.
Most wall-mounted network ports will all come together at a patch panel with numbered ports for each wall-mounted port.
Not enough LAN ports - If your classroom does not have enough
These patch panel ports are just the other end of the wall-
LAN ports between the switch and the router, add another switch by
mounted port and can be connected directly to your switch.
connecting it to your router like the first one.
PG. 22
EAST QUARTERLY
Configuration
Your router should be configured with your EAST Server as the primary DNS
After wiring, there are specific settings needed for network logins, Z
and at least one other DNS server for internet access. This can be from your
folders and internet access to work. These settings are in your router
school or a public DNS server, such as Google.
and server only. In most cases, there is no need to change settings on the workstations.
EAST Server DNS
What’s an IP Address?
(192.168.1.2)
Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are a way computers identify each other on a network. For any network to work, the IP addresses have to be
- Workstations - Printers - Network Logins
unique. Most routers use a 192.168.1.x IP address pool. This means that all of your network’s available IP addresses start with 192.168.1. Most routers use 192.168.1.1 as their LAN IP, and the EAST server is typically configured to 192.168.1.2. Printers are typically 192.168.1.10 through 192.168.1.14. These are all
School or Public DNS
Static IP addresses and are used to ensure servers and printers do not
(from School or 8.8.8.8)
change their number and become hard to find. Domain Name System
- Internet Access - Forwards to an internet DNS server
(DNS), Active Directory and printer sharing depend on the server, router and printers on Static IP addresses. Dynamic IP addresses are usually 192.168.1.100 and higher, and are assigned automatically by the router’s Dymanic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) service. The range for Dynamic IP addresses can be
Common Configuration Issues
changed in your router under “DHCP Range” or “DHCP Max Clients”
Wrong DNS Information - The wrong DNS information can cause
settings in the router.
issues with Logins, Z Folders, Printers and internet access. Double check that the router and server are using the right DNS.
The router has a Local IP address and a Public (WAN) IP address. Your school may require you to have a static WAN IP address for your
Not a Static IP – If the server/printer is put on a Dynamic IP address, it
internet connection and web content filtering to work properly. In
breaks DNS causing slow logons and inconsistent printer availability.
most cases the WAN IP is configured automatically.
Check the IP addresses of these devices and make sure they are not in the dynamic range.
What is DNS? The Domain Name System (DNS), works like a phone book. The EAST Server runs DNS in a standard configuration so the workstations can ‘look up’ your printers, network logins on the domain and even the internet itself. Most often, a second DNS server is needed to access the internet. A DNS Server from the school’s network (WAN) or a public DNS server may be used, such as Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8).
IP Conflicts - Sometimes workstations are set on static IPs that are part of the dynamic range and have been automatically assigned elsewhere or are statically configured on another machine. This often happens when setting up a new server with the old one still connected. You may change the IP address to dynamic (or to another static IP) or disconnect the conflicting device to restore connectivity.
These need to be set on the router and server but only in special cases should the DNS be set manually on the workstations to avoid errors.
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 23
3D Printing The EAST Technical Support Group discovered how to create a scan of an object using our Makerbot Replicator (5th Gen) 3D printer, an app and a smartphone. With these tools, we experimented with a scan of EAST Graphic and Web Designer Calvin Bramlett. After completing the initial scan we used Blender to process the scan data and create a model ready for printing.
Step 1 Scan the Subject
It is equally important to avoid non-manifold vertices in your model. The model needs to be “water tight” to be able to print.
The 3D scan app used is called 123d Catch, by Autodesk and is available for iOS, Android and Windows. A guide tool is available to capture images from 360 degrees around the object, using both high and low angles for each shot. After capturing approximately 20 images, use the app to upload the images to its servers for processing. When the images have been processed, a link will be sent to view and download your model.
Step 2 Correct Overhangs and Non-Manifold Vertices Blender is used to minimize overhangs in the model and avoid any non-manifold vertices (holes). Overhangs are caused by the printer not having a surface to print to. When there is no surface directly under the
Blender will reveal any non-manifold vertices in your model under
extruder (or nozzle) to print to, the filament (the equivalent of ink in a
the goto>select>non-manifold menu. Any non-manifold vertices will
traditional printer) will hang in the air and not print the object correctly.
need to be filled.
Below is an example of an overhang.
If an overhang in unavoidable in your model, try printing extra materials called “supports” to help do just that, support the overhang.
PG. 24
EAST QUARTERLY
The scan of the model produced 273,388 vertices that needed to be reduced to approximately 10,000 vertices. Decimate, a Blender modifier, can reduce the vertices by a specific ratio like 0.05 percent, to a useable number. That ratio reduced the Calvin model vertices to 13,875. The ratio may be adjusted based on the desired mesh resolution. The modifier may be applied once the number of vertices and resolution has been set.
Step 5 Complete Editing For this object we will only print Calvin’s head and delete the remaining non-manifold vertices using the same process in step three. After that, a Boolean modifier may be used in Blender to attach the head to a base to provide support after printing.
Step 3 Edit Noise In the 3D scan of Calvin there is a lot of extra “noise” where 123d Catch could not determine what should go where. To correct the issue, follow these instructions using the edit mode in Blender: Select a vertice of the area to keep: • Press Ctrl+L to select all of the object • Press Ctrl+I to invert the selection and select all of the noise • Press X to delete it and select vertices
Step 6 Export to Print The .stl file should now be ready to export to the Makerbot Desktop. In Makerbot, the size of the model can be adjusted then it is ready to be printed. If you have any questions on 3D printing, contact Doug Gusewelle at doug@eaststaff.org or tsg@eaststaff.org.
Step 4 Reduce Vertices Blender is also used to reduce the number of vertices and ensure the model is ready for printing. Vertices are the individual points in 3D space that shapes the model. By reducing the vertices, the model will be easier to manipulate. EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 25
EAST Gear
PG. 26
EAST QUARTERLY
Scan this QR code or visit the link below to order gear today! bit.ly/1cNM92N
Thank You to our sponsors!
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 27
EAST Staff 2014
Welcome New Technical Support Group Members! Jordan Washburn Adam Crider
Matt Dozier
Mary Forst
Tami Baker
President/ Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Program Coordinator
Matt@EASTstaff.org @Matt_Dozier
Tami@EASTstaff.org @Tami_EAST
Calvin Bramlett
Lori Canada
Adam Clemons
Graphic & Web Designer
EAST Core Coordinator
Technical Support Manager
Calvin@EASTstaff.org @CalvinBramlett
Lori@EASTstaff.org @photochick724
Adam@EASTstaff.org @adamclmns
Lisa Cook
Adam Crider
Marisa Damm
Program Coordinator
Technical Support Group - Member
Technical Support Group - Member
Lisa@EASTstaff.org @LisaC_EAST
PG. 28
MaryF@EASTstaff.org
EAST QUARTERLY
Crider@EASTstaff.org
Marisa@EASTstaff.org @marisadamm
Jessica Dunham
Doug Gusewelle
Phaedra Hawkins
Event Coordinator
Technical Resource Specialist
Training & Events Coordinator
Doug@EASTstaff.org @dougTSG
Phaedra@EASTstaff.org
Jessica@EASTstaff.org @JessicaD_EAST
Eric Holt
James Hopper
Linsey Horton
Internet Services Manager
STEM Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
Eric@EASTstaff.org
James@EASTstaff.org
Linsey@EASTstaff.org @linseyhorty
Dondi Jackson
Cody Jones
Dr. Angela Kremers
Senior Director of Curricular Integration
Staff Accountant
Senior Director of Corporate Strategy
Dondi@EASTstaff.org @theEASTcore
Cody@EASTstaff.org @codyjones20
Angela@EASTstaff.org @EASTdevelopment
Jerry Prince
Melanie Ridlon
Erica Riley
Senior Director of Program Services
Senior Director of Operations
Program Coordinator
Jerry@EASTstaff.org
Melanie@EASTstaff.org @Mridlon
Erica@EASTstaff.org @EricaRiley_EAST
Tim Stephenson
Tim Van Dusen
Jordan Washburn
Special Liaison for Program Support
Network Manager
Technical Support Group - Member
Tim@EASTstaff.org
TimV@EASTstaff.org @trackernation
Jordan@EASTstaff.org @jordan_washburn
Blake Welch Communications Coordinator Blake@EASTstaff.org @EASTinitiative
EAST QUARTERLY
PG. 29
www.EASTinitiative.org October January 2014 2014