The Development of a Mountie Tree and Wildflower Walk Leanne Cardoso-Bastos (l_cst2@student.mtaloy.edu) Merrilee Anderson (manderson@mtaloy.edu)
Educational purpose
Introduction The purpose of this project is to guide visitors through our beautiful college by identifying and describing the common local trees and wildflowers. This wildflower and tree walk was designed to give students and locals a fun, educational and interactive experience on our campus that they can visit whenever they want. This project was conducted as an independent research course in which 35 local trees and wildflowers were identified. Several previous students (Tyler Mangus, Cruz Rivera, Nathan Smith, Justin Wigfield, Ian Koenig) identified trees and gathered information that served as a starting point. Funding for this project was provided by a service learning grant.
QR codes were generated for each webpage entry to provide a digital scanning method. This allows the information to be accessible by anyone with a smart phone. QR codes and an image of the plant were printed and laminated and mounted on metal sign stands. (Figure 2) Signs were distributed around campus. (Figure 3) The overall cost of the project was $154.00. Figure 2. Metal sign stands were purchased from Forestry Suppliers. Each stand is 11 X 7 X 18 inches.
The purpose of this project is to educate campus visitors about local wildflowers and trees. The website includes a picture of the tree or wildflower, a short description, where the wildflower or tree is distributed and the uses of the wildflower and tree. For more information, scan the code in Figure 4. This can be viewed by anyone who visits our campus. Recently, President Mills initiated a focus on outdoor activities and this project supports that goal. Figure 4. QR code home page
Materials and Methods The initial step of the project was to identify 35 plants on campus. Information about these plants was used to generate webpage entries. (Figure 1)
Summary
Figure 1. An example of a webpage entry. Figure 3. Map of trail on Mount Aloysius College Campus
The trail highlights 13 wildflowers and 22 trees for a total of 35 species. Future students could add more trees and wildflowers to the trail.
Acknowledgements AnaLu MacVean, Service Learning Committee References Kershner, Bruce. Field Guide to Trees of North America. Sterling Publ. Co., 2008. Newcomb, Lawrence. Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: an Ingenious New Key System for Quick, Positive Field Identification of the Wildflowers, Flowering Shrubs and Vines of Northeastern and North-Central North America. Little, Brown, 2011.
Universal Family Day: Bridging the Distance Between Incarcerated Fathers and their Children Student name: Paige Domboski and Chelsea Eisenhuth Faculty name: Dr. Elizabeth Mansley Community Partner Liaison: Ms. Mandy Ball, Re-entry Director Course: CR 420C: Clinical Internship
PROJECT TITLE
COMMUNITY PARTNER
Federal Correctional Institution Lewisburg: Maximum Security Prison with Federal Correctional Camp for Drug Offenders PROJECT DESCRIPTION FCI Lewisburg holds a Universal Family Day every Father’s Day. In July 2018, we planned and staffed craft stations for the families. We also supplied recordable storybooks that the father’s recorded as presents for their children
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES Students will evaluate the criminalization of drug use and be able to discuss the collateral consequences of incarceration for drug offenses on the larger society
A Dozen Years of Integrating Service-Learning into a Teacher Preparation Program: A Collaboration between Mount Aloysius College Pre-Service Teachers and Students in the Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 B.R.I.D.G.E. Program Students:
Kathryn Ellenberger, Mikaela Gensamer, Emily Glacken, Tiffany Glass, Michaela Gresko, Kira Lach, Darby Olenchick, Sara Ollinger, Hailey Ritchey, Amanda Skura, Victoria Sobecky, John Whittington Faculty: Dr. Sara Rutledge, Professor of Education Community Partner Liaison: Mr. Brian Cessna, AIU8
PROJECT NAME Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 B.R.I.D.G.E. Program Building Realistic and Integrated Daily Living Skills, Gaining Experiences and Employability Skills
COMMUNITY PARTNER Intermediate Unit 8 was created to furnish a broad range of educational services to the 35 public school districts, five area vocational-technical schools, two charter schools and approximately 81 non-public schools in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, and Somerset counties in west, central and southwestern Pennsylvania—serving approximately 65,000 students in an area covering 3,500 square miles. IU8 provides programs for curriculum development and the improvement of instructional materials; it also offers educational management and pupil personnel services and serves as a liaison between school districts and state and federal education agencies.
COURSE TITLE
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
ED 320: Applied Learning Strategies for the Exceptional Learner
Students in ED 320: Applied Learning Strategies for the Exceptional Learner have had the privilege of interacting with students with exceptionalities in the B.R.I.D.G.E. Program from Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8. This IU serves Bedford, Blair, Cambria and Somerset Counties in Central Pennsylvania. Students from the IU 8 spend every Wednesday at Mount Aloysius where ED 320 pre-service teachers work with these students to develop work skills as well as social, emotional, and physical skills. When the IU 8 students come to campus they spend time developing basic work skills in the Admissions Office. Students in ED 320 help them with mailings from the office. Additionally, the IU 8 students spend time working in Campus Dining by cleaning tables in the cafeteria in Cosgrave. After working, the students with exceptionalities have time to socialize in Cosgrave Student Center with members of their same peer group. Mount Aloysius students model appropriate social behaviors in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. This service learning collaboration with the Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Mount Aloysius College is assisting the IU with their mission of helping students gain skills needed for successful employment. The college is gaining additional help with bulk mailings and food services. Our Education Department students are learning about the joys of working with students with exceptionalities while using strategies for differentiating instruction and activities for them based on the Individualized Education Program for each student (aligned to course objectives and PDE standards for Teacher Preparation Programs). Students in ED 320 complete a reflection paper worth 25 points of their final grade. This is the 12th year for this collaboration.
PICTURES
PLANTS & PEOPLE CAMBRIA COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND AND HANDICAPPED
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES PICTURES
BL 102
4th Biennial Student-Run Interpreting Conference Jess Churpita, Stevi Confer, Kat Cox, Sam Giambrone, Heather Luschkowski, Katie Miller, Hayley Moyer, LeeAnn Reed, Melanie Steinbacher, Melissa Stough, Alea Vogel, and Grace Wersackas
ASL 282: Application of Cooperation and Collaboration in Event Planning
Mission Statement The aim of this year’s Biennial conference is to advance the profession of American Sign Language-English Interpreting through a platform of information sharing via professional workshops and networking. The audience of this conference is rich in diversity. Students of interpreting, professional interpreters, interpreting educators and mentors, as well as members of the broader interpreting community will gather to share their perspectives and insights of our profession. The conference is structured to encompass the range of knowledge and information held by students of interpreting to that of professional working interpreters. The Mount Aloysius college ASL/English Interpreting students organized, funded, and launched this event.
Advertising/Marketing ● Save the date cards/emails ● Conference Website changes/additions/accommodation considerations ● Scripts & Videos for conference announcements/sections ● Diversity considerations ● Create an advertising/marketing spreadsheet
Auxillary ● ● ● ● ● ●
Silent Auction Agency Fair Sponsorship T-shirts (for us and to sell at conference) Deaf Vendors Create a spreadsheet or google doc for each
Presenters/CEUs ● ● ● ● ●
Communicate with PARID Scripts & videos for presenter call Create call for presenter announcement Choose a keynote speaker & topic Create presenter spreadsheet and google doc
Budget ● Prices for registration (student vs. professionals/non-students) ● Discounts? ● Cost of interpreters, food, keynote, hotels etc. ● Alumni and presenter gifts ● Price per expo table ● Create budget spreadsheet
Motivation to Inspire Our Youth Student names: Elizabeth Burkardt, Sara Ollinger, Veronica Scott, Samantha Spacht, Melanie Steinbacher, Alea Vogel Faculty name: Bethany Hanzir, Christina Koren Program Name: Mercy Youth Initiative
MOTIVATION TO INSPIRE OUR YOUTH The Mercy Youth Initiative introduces area middle school students to a college environment in an attempt to help them make wise decisions about their future. Through wise decisions they will become productive members of society. Our dream is that this experience will help children find meaningful careers, stay in school, enhance self-esteem, build stronger social skills, and help them make wiser choices as they progress to adulthood.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS All Saints Catholic School, Cresson, PA Penn Cambria Middle School, Gallitzin, PA Portage Area Junior High School, Portage, PA Saint Benedicts, Carrolltown, PA Saint Michael School, Loretto, PA
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS & KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
Motivation to Appreciate the Arts Motivation to Live a Heathy Life Motivation to Lead Motivation to Embrace Diversity Motivation to be Educated Motivation to Serve
Students learned how art can be used to express emotions through a hands on art therapy exercise Students learned about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how to use breathing exercises through yoga Students began thinking about their goals, how to work as a team to reach a goal, and the importance of communication Students learned about 6 different countries, the importance of diversity, and interacted with MAC international students Students actively engaged in Language Arts and STEM activities, and were able to explore different career paths Students will learn the importance of service, & complete a hands-on service project: Motivation to Serve Mural
PICTURES
Handwashing is Fun: Germs and Handwashing Student name: Chereize Gray Faculty name: Desiree Beppler Program Name: Nursing
HANDWASHING IS FUN: GERMS AND HANDWASHING
NU 240- NURSING OF THE FAMILY
ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL- KINDERGARTEN CLASS
• DEVELOP INFORMATION LITERACY ABILITIES TO SUPPORT SAFE CLIENT CARE THE CONTEXT OF PEDIATRIC NURSING
• DEVELOP TECHNIQUES FOR COMMUNICATING WITH
INDIVIDUALS, FAMILY, AND PEERS TO EDUCATE THEM ON THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CURRENT PEDIATRIC HEATH TOPICS INCLUDING: WHAT ARE GERMS HOW TO PREVENT GERMS FROM SPREADING WHY AND WHEN TO WASH YOUR HANDS HOW TO SAFELY USE HAND SANITIZER
Little Dragons Healthy Eating Student name: Allison Farabaugh, Amanda Hammel, Hannah Mulhollen Faculty name: Mount Aloysius College-Emily Houseknecht Program Name: Physical Therapist Assistant
PROJECT TITLE
COMMUNITY PARTNER
Little Dragons Healthy Eating
Spring Cove Elementary School
COURSE TITLE
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
PT 236 Cardiopulomanary
1.Healthy Eating Habits 2.Exercise Can Be Fun 3.If children Are Started Young-They’re more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
PICTURES
Spring Break Service Trip 2019 Students Involved: Abby Fletcher, Leah Frerichs, Brianna Byler, Katie Mirance, Emily Goldyn, Jodi Reynolds, Pete Smerecky, Dan Roberts, Luke Lockard, Noah Ports, Nick Goldyn, Will Kanich, Amy Koren, Nicole Petonic, Sarah McVicker, Dakota Couturiaux Faculty name: Brianna Baker, Chris Koren Program Name: Spring Service Trip 2019
PROJECT TITLE Mount Aloysius College 2019 Spring Break Service Trip to Honduras.
COMMUNITY PARTNER The students from MAC collaborated with El Hogar de Ninos Emanuel to work with their Caminando con Amor Program where they partnered with TOMS shoes.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES Students learned - Leadership skills - Working in a team and individually - Adapting to new environments and customs - Working where English is not the primary language
PICTURES
Winter Service Trip 2019: Habitat for Humanity -- Raleigh, NC Student Name: Rachel Borst, Katie Carrara, Maggie Carrara, Nicole Petonic, Taylor Plunkard, Pete Smerecky, Corrine Dagostin, Hallie Little, Sara Ollinger, Melissa Stough, Jozie Seaman, Emily Goldyn Faculty name: Brianna Baker, Chris Koren, Amy Kanich Program Name: Winter Break Service Trip
PROJECT TITLE
Mount Aloysius Winter Service Trip 2019
COMMUNITY PARTNER Mount Aloysius students volunteered to work for Raleigh’s Habitat for Humanity during their winter break.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES Students learned - Leadership - Community involvement - Working well in a team - Adapting to new situations - Overcoming challenges
PICTURES
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (V.I.T.A.) Student names: Brandi Dickey, Andrew Pasco, Mariya Kozhukh, Pete Smerecky, Emily Kelly Faculty name: Amanda Heatwole, Brittany Anderson, Cathleen Golden Program Name: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (V.I.T.A.)
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
COURSE OPTIONS Volunteers have the option to: Outright volunteer their time, Take AC217 as a 3-credit elective, OR Volunteer as an Intern *There are varying levels of expectations and certifications , depending upon which option a student selects
2018 TAX SEASON STATS Total Volunteer Preparers: 7 Total Federal Returns Prepared: 320 Total State Returns Prepared: 320 Total Local Returns Prepared: 275 *These numbers are estimates as of 3/20/19. We are on track to complete a little over 400 returns this season
Aside from the obvious objective of learning to properly prepare income tax returns, volunteers: Increase their communication skills Learn customer service skills and techniques Better understand the sensitivity of handling personal information Experience & learn to overcome the pressures of working with deadlines and unforeseen hurdles
SPRING 2019 FOCUS: Statistics were not our primary focus this season. We have proven year after year we can do phenomenal amounts of tax returns. This year was a lesson in how to adapt to changes and overcoming barriers we have never before faced. Last 3 Years: This Year: Volunteers: 18-24 8 Tax prep demand: 586 (never turned Quit taking appts by 3/18, clients away before) and phone is still ringing Receptionists: 2-3 0 receptionists until 3/1
IRS REQUIREMENTS Every 3-5 years, the IRS inspects each V.I.T.A. site to ensure compliance and make recommendations. After 4 years, we were once again inspected this year. The results include a thorough examination of a completed tax return per protocol, and also the following:
BIOLOGY 102
Students: Amber Breth Aubree Cresswell Colleen Donohoe Anton Hoshovsky John Price Enoch Quarcoo Kaylee Sacks Jozie Seaman Samantha Spacht Leah Stoehr* Ryan Streets Samantha Torrenti Hailey Weyer
Getting Lost in Biology: The Escape Rooms
Faculty: Dr. Goldyn
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Describe the relationships between different organisms and their environment. 2. Explain the diversity and organization of plants. 3. Implement a service learning project utilizing concepts of biodiversity of life and its ecosystems.
Our goal is to discover the fun of biology through interactive, challenging scenarios and tasks that involve questions and hints. Participants are tasked with escaping two science labs by finding biology-related clues that are hidden throughout the rooms. The escape rooms will facilitate active and engaged learning for both the college and surrounding communities.
ESCAPE ROOM The Escape Rooms have riddles and information pertaining to biology. Biology is the study of life. The riddles and clues are meant to be informative and fun. Within the rooms are challenges meant to teach the minds of students and the community alike. As a team, we learned how to make biology fun and interactive, as well as integrating everyone’s ideas in order to make a series of clues.
INTERACTING WITH THE COMMUNITY This project is meant to get the community involved in biology and Mount Aloysius in a fun way. Each team that enters The Escape Rooms gets to test their current knowledge and expand their minds further. It is a good way for the community to meet current students and it also helps the students work and learn with the public.