PAGE 2
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
THE COURIER
www.wcfcourier.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
Thank you Interest academies introduce students to careers to partners By CRYSTAL BUZZA
Waterloo Community School District Career Academies
As we near the end of the school year, we want to look back at our partnerships. The Waterloo School District is blessed to work with some of the Cedar Valley’s best businesses and organizations. These groups bring both time and talent to all our students. The support that we receive goes far Gary Norris beyond anything Waterloo Schools we could provide superintendent within our usual budget. We truly are gratefully and appreciative of our partners. The school district is entering its 24th year of the Partners in Education program. PIE volunteers come from a variety of businesses and backgrounds with one common goal: to work together with their partner school to help improve student experiences and to enrich the school district where their employees and future employees live. It also was our first full year of Career Interest Academies at East and West High. The academies introduced a new type of partnerships and direction from our Career and Technical Advisory committees. These committees represent all four Career Interest Academies and include business professionals, community members and educators. Together with strategic partnerships, we have engaged students in learning career opportunities. Our strategic partners align our curriculum goals and requirements to meet their ever-changing business needs. The district is focusing on helping students learn about challenges they will have in a competitive job market. Thank you to all of our committed parents, employees and community partners. By working together, we raise student achievement, have better prepared students and see continued progress in our community. Together we’ll make — and see — a difference.
The Waterloo School District has introduced Career Interest Academies to prepare students for the real world after high school. These small learning communities have 300 to 400 students taking career-themed courses. Partnerships with employers, the community and higher education incorporate work-based learning opportunities. Students take core classes required for graduation, but electives are aligned with academies to make learning relevant. Hands-on experiences keep them engaged. Some academies also have certifications that students can achieve prior to graduation.
Health Services Academy This academy includes jobs that involve planning, managing and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health information, support services and biotechnology research and development for human and animal sciences. Students heard from a University of Northern Iowa professor about artificial intelligence in health services in Phase 1.
Arts, Communication & Business Academy The ACB Academy includes jobs such as arts, AV technology and communications, information technology, marketing, sales and service and business, management and administra-
tion finance. Speakers have included representatives from Sturgis Falls Broadcasting, Around the Corner Production, Lincoln Savings Bank, ME & V, Ridgeway Place and Trade Press Inc. Students also visited with staff and actors from Waterloo Community Playhouse.
Engineering, Technology & Manufacturing Academy ETM academy includes jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, architectural and construction technology manufacturing, transportation, distribution and logistics, agriculture, food and natural resources. There have been speakers from Mid-American Energy, Hawkeye Community College’s Power Technology Department, Omega Cabinets, Struxture Architecture, Waterloo Community School District IT Department, Viking Pump, Kugler Construction and Powers Manufacturing. Some female students at East attended an Iowa State University conference on engineering, math and science, and some students visited Bertch Cabinets. West students visited John Deere Cab Assembly Plant.
tration, law, public safety, corrections and security. At East and West, commercial arts kitchens serve as classrooms for the culinary arts program. The district plans to use a curriculum recommended by the Iowa Restaurant Association. A police department sergeant and Red Cross representative have spoken, and students will visit the
PROUD Partners with Lou Henry School
Human Services Academy
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Cedar Valley Community Church Cedar Valley Hospice Central Christian Church Farmers State Bank Lowe’s Oakridge Realtors Short’s Travel
This academy includes jobs such as human services, career pathways related to family and human needs, hospitality and tourism, education and training, government and public adminis-
Westminster Presbyterian Church of Waterloo prayerfully supports the students, teachers and staff of Kingsley Elementary School!
It is a joy to partner with the Kingsley Community!
WO-042411019
Grout Museum District. Other phases will feature job shadow opportunities, internships, competitions and mentoring experiences.
WO-042411035
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
Partnerships yield benefits for Kittrell WATERLOO — Pen pals are important to Kittrell Elementary School students — and to their Partners in Education. “Reading my pen pal’s letter brings a smile to my face and makes my day a lot brighter. It’s fun to envision what they are like before meeting them at the pizza party,” said Veridian employee Becky Adams. “I love being a Kittrell pen pal. I had one when I was in fourth grade and she was so nice and inquisitive about my life. It made me feel really special. I hope I do the same for my pen pal,” said Veridian employee Aldijana Omanovic. In addition to Veridian, Kittrell shares partnerships with Target, Olive Garden, Ridgeway Place, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Hammond Avenue Brethren Church, Optimist Club, American Cancer Society, Old Navy, The Other Place and InVision Architecture. Fourth-graders, the special needs class and employees of Veridian, Ridgeway Place, Hammond Avenue Brethren Church and American Cancer Society correspond with each other on a monthly basis.
By FELICIA D. HAGERSTROM, JD
COURTESY PHOTO
Kittrell students during the My Waterloo Days parade. Kittrell students will participate in a Mini Relay for Life May 23-27. Kittrell third-graders decorated vases for the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days. Veridian Credit Union’s student-run Six Pillars Credit Union lets fifth-graders work alongside Veridian employees and teaches students about saving. Veridian employees visit classrooms to sing “Happy Birthday” each month, giving a water bottle as a gift, and
BE A PARTNER WITH
KINGSLEY ELEMENTARY
201 W. Ridgeway Ave. • Waterloo, IA
319.234.7777 WO-042411084
Veridian uses student artwork for their holiday cards and e-cards. The Kittrell String Orchestra and fourth- and fifth-grade honor choir played holiday music and sang at Veridian and Ridgeway Place. Perfect attendance students will attend a pizza party provided by Veridian, Ridgeway Place, Olive Garden, Immanuel Presbyterian Church and Hammond Avenue Presbyterian Church.
PAGE 3
Positive Behavior Interventions help schools teach expectations Waterloo Community Schools PBIS District Implementation Coordinator
PROUD TO
WO-042411021
THE COURIER
Positive Behavior Interventions is a research-based, school-wide systems approach to improve school climate and create safer and more effective schools. PBIS is a process; PBIS is not a program or a curriculum. The process focuses on improving a school’s ability to teach expectations and support positive behavior for all students. PBIS provides systems for schools to design, implement and evaluate effective schoolwide, classroom, nonclassroom and student-specific discipline plans. PBIS is a team-based process for data review, data-based problem solving and intervention, ongoing planning and monitoring of interventions. Each building has a PBIS leadership team and team coach. Each building has implemented PBIS in ways that are unique to their school, including monthly behavior celebrations. PBIS is a combination of strat-
egies designed to teach and encourage respectful, responsible behaviors; use data continuously to support decision-making; and create an individualized, total school climate that supports staff and students behavior and encourages family engagement. Schools implementing PBIS are experiencing more instructional time, improved staff and student attendance, increased student proficiency, increased parent participation and partnerships, improved community involvement and support and a decrease in staff turnover. Schools who build Positive Behavior Supports make an intentional decision to create a safe and welcoming school community for everyone — students, parents and all staff, as well as regularly teach and practice school-wide expectations; notice and acknowledge students who demonstrate positive behaviors; identify and proactively address behavior concerns; understand and utilize a variety of consequences which are routinely evaluated for effectiveness.
PAGE 4
THE COURIER
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
www.wcfcourier.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
Partners help Cunningham students West High students learn WATERLOO — Third-grader Sabur Muhammad said students at Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence work well with their Partners in Education. “I appreciate how they help us learn but also pull through so we can have some fun. I appreciate what they do for us in order for others to have experiences we never had before.” Partners are City of Waterloo, Boy Scouts, KBBG-FM, AFFINA, Community National Bank, Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center, Unity Neighborhood Association, St. Timothys UMC Church, Cedar Falls, Gates Park Optimists Club, Hellman Associates, Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church and the Martin Luther King Center. “Our Partners in Education care about all the students. They
business skills with partners
COURTESY PHOTO
Edyce Porter from KBBG Radio serves students Alex and Ashly Espinoza at the Good Character breakfast. Fourth-grader Jordan Jones work hard so we can have fun and celebrate the good things we have likes having a pen pal. “I’m so done,” said fifth-grader Mari excited when they write me back.” Shavers.
WATERLOO — West High School shares partnerships with John Deere Engine Works, Kimball Ridge Association, Kaplan University and The Other Place on Ridgeway Ave. “The E-Pals program has proven to be a fun and innovative way to combine learning, mentoring and communication in an educational growth venture,” said Jill Hansen, a partner at Kaplan University. “Students benefit from having conversations with the partners about entry level job skills, job seeking, training and their
vocational goals. Together, we work towards building character, promoting citizenship and preparing students for future success,” said PIE coordinator Katie Clancy. “Talking to business professionals really helps me understand how to be a good student and employee,” said senior Jared Mettner. Other activities include the adopt-a-family program, student-of-the-month lunches and awards, pencils for standardized testing, scholarships and academic achievement awards.
Pen pals, literacy among benefits for Edison students WATERLOO — Edison School students have pen pals and receive recognition and appreciation from their Partners in Education: AMVETS, Qwest, Friendship Village, the Department of Correctional Services, Iowa Community Credit Union, Sigma Epsilon Fraternity, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra and Letter Carriers. The University of Northern Iowa joined this year with the merger of Black Hawk and Edison schools. Friendship Village hosts an academic awards dinner honoring ITBS students and their families, and the Village Voices presented a concert at Edison. First-graders attended the African American read-in through UNI and UNI attended the PBIS SOAR assembly. UNI also participated in Earth Day activities and the Just Read programs. First-grade teacher Kathy Jones said, “The first-grade students really enjoyed the UNI athletes coming to Edison to read to them.” Students made honor flight cards and banners for AMVETS
and Veterans Day cards for Friendship Village. Qwest donated school supplies and books for the classroom libraries, as well as winter coats. ICCU donated winter clothing gear, books and school supplies and hosted a deposit day.
The WCFSO’s Instrument Petting Zoo was fun for students and the orchestra performed for fourth- and fifth-graders. Partners mentor students, volunteer and participate in the Adopta-Family program during the holidays.
Proud to be a Poyner Panther Partner in Education
WO-042411017
www.serviceroofing.net • 319-232-4535
Partnering to build a
Brighter Future Proud to be Partners In Education with
Bunger Middle School WO-042411018
www.petersconstruction.com WO-042411055
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
Orange students enriched by partners WATERLOO — Third-grade teachers Vicki Holler, Kendall LaFontaine and Denise Bovy have this to say about their school’s Partners in Education: “Orange students and staff are thankful for the generous spirits of our partners. They show interest in what we are doing and what we will be doing. Partners support our students and families by adopting families during the holiday seasons. Some of them provide enrichment activities for the students including afterschool basketball, tutoring and mentors.”
Partners are Hawkeye Community College, Mediacom, South Waterloo Church of the Brethren, Harmony House, Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Liberty Bank, Kappa Delta Pi, University of Northern Iowa and Dr. Steven Fortgang. Approximately 15 HCC students plan and develop a Learning Fair for 72 kindergarten students. Fifth-grade classrooms (61 students) spent time with Harmony House friends during Nursing Home Week. Other activities include Cedar
Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens’ annual scarecrow contest and the HCC/Black Hawk County Health Dept. dental sealant program for secondthrough fifth-graders. Partners sponsor a clothing drive for needy students; provide food baskets for needy families during the holidays; donate teacher and student supplies; participate in My Waterloo days parade; assist in saving/collecting box tops, Hy-Vee receipts, empty print cartridges and Campbell soup labels; and offer field trips to their businesses.
Expo’s partners help create responsible citizens father’s Pizza, Arby’s, Maple Lanes/Valley Park Lanes, Pizza Hut, Culver’s, Popeyes, Fazolis, KFC, Long John Silvers, Family Video, Famous Daves, Peppers, Other Place, Town House Tenderloins, Craft Cochran, Flowerama, Cold Stone Creamery, Pepsi Beverages, Mama Nicks, Rocco Jojos, Applebees, Domino Pizza, Hardees, Doughy Joeys,
Iowa Sport Supply, Jiffy Lube, Lonestar Steakhouse, Steamboat Gardens, Pancheros, Little Ceasars, Wendys, Jimmy Johns and Heart of Darkness. Expo is starting a co-op class where students can get high school credit for their jobs outside of school and PIE members are expected to have a supportive role.
Partners provide mentoring, support at Lincoln Elementary WATERLOO — Lincoln Elementary school has been able to do some great things because of their “fantastic” partners, said PIE school coordinator Carrie Heinzerling. The school’s partners are CBE Group, Cedar Valley Community Healthcare, EPICS, Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, International Paper Co., Parkview Nursing and Rehab Center, Principal Financial Group, Showers Insurance, US Bank, University of Iowa, VGM & Associates, Waterloo Black Hawks and Waterloo Fire and Rescue.
Fourth- and fifth-graders are partnered with pen pals; the fourth-graders with CBE Group and fifth-graders with Principal Financial Group. In May, the pen pals will get to meet and have lunch together. Partners participate in the adopt-a-family program during the holidays and provide financial and volunteer support for classroom supplies, recess equipment, field trips, My Waterloo Days Parade supplies and raffle items for the school carnival, as well as mentoring, working in classrooms and volunteering during family nights.
We Salute Our Partner In Education Kittrell Elementary
Ridgeway Place, Inc. Assisted Living Community
319-272-2622 155 E. Ridgeway Ave. • Waterloo, Iowa Sponsored by Wheaton Franciscan Sisters
PRIDE
a proud partner with the Waterloo Community School District and Sponser of the Judy Fossell PRIDE Scholarship
Partners in Education with Edison Elementary
For more information, call 433-1865!
WO-042411091
Proud supporter of Expo High School eliminating racism empowering women WO-042411020
WATERLOO — Partners in Education at Expo Alternative Learning Center are helping create financially responsible citizens, promote social acceptance of alternative students by members of the community and increase students’ self-esteem through their support and participation. Partners are People’s Clinic, YWCA, Sunrise Exchange Club, Waterloo Exchange Club, Consumer Credit Counseling and Professional Business Women. Sunrise Exchange Club offered the ACE Award (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) with winners receiving a plaque and $25. Consumer Credit Counseling came to Expo classes and taught real-life financial literacy, and the YWCA sponsors the “Together With Youth” program/after-school program for young parents. Partners also attended Thanksgiving dinner. Although Rotary Club is not a partner, they host monthly honorees from each high school for lunch. Grad Connect, one of the programs under the Expo Alternative Learning Center umbrella, received donations from the following community businesses for the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports initiative of the Waterloo schools: God-
PAGE 5
THE COURIER
319.234.7589 www.ywcabhc.org
ywca
Making Saving Fun!
black hawk county WO-042411095
www.iccu.org
WO-042411050
www.wcfcourier.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
PAGE 6
THE COURIER
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
www.wcfcourier.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
Partnerships offer Hansen students chances to learn CEDAR FALLS — Sartori Hospital, First National Bank, Mix 96 and Martin Brothers are partnered with Hansen Elementary School. As the school year winds down, a sixth-grade career fair takes place, sponsored by First National Bank and Mix 96. Sixthgraders also attend a career fair at Sartori. Sixth-grade teacher Michelle DeGabriele said, “Sixth-graders learn about the different skills
and education needed for these careers. The most important message our speakers send to our students is that they should love whatever they choose to do.” Partners host a end-of-school picnic for sixth-graders and their families at Sartori, with food from Sartori and Martin Brothers, a Karaoke machine provided by First National Bank and a DJ from Mix 96. First National Bank gives a
good citizenship award and Mix 96 presents a communication award. Martin Brothers donates a gift certificate for parent(s) who make a worthy contribution to the school. Second-graders parade through Sartori in Halloween costumes for treats. At Christmas, first-graders carol through the hallways. Each partner adopts a Hansen family and provides gifts. Student artwork is displayed at Sar-
tori and First National Bank. Students decorate a tree for Sartori’s Festival of Trees and all grades create tray favors for the hospital on various holidays.
Central partners help students, staff in numerous ways WATERLOO — Central Middle School partners are “here to help.” “We value this partnership and continue to work together for the benefit of our students. The work our partners do for our students is greatly appreciated,” said John Netty, assistant principal. Partners are John Deere PEC, Upper Iowa University, Family YMCA, Payne A.M.E. Church, Heartland Vineyard Church, University Avenue Hy-Vee, Iowa Legal Aid, BankIowa and new partner Cadillac Lanes.
Among activities involving John Deere PEC: PBIS supporter, students provide lunch music, National Teacher Day recognition, Book Fair, student of the month and National Engineer Week presentation to eighth-graders. The Family YMCA is a PBIS supporter and recognizes Students of Character monthly and works with Echoes after-school program. Heartland Vineyard Church supports the National Teacher Day recognition. Upper Iowa University participates in such programs as
WO-042411092
WO-042411089
adopt-a-soldier care packages, provides a pizza party for students who are chosen student of character and mentors students. Payne A.M.E. Church provides school supplies for students and assisted with student of character recognitions, while Hy-Vee recognizes students of character each month with a family award dinner. BankIowa offers the American Banker Association’s “How to Save” presentation to seventh-graders and participates in the adopt-a-family program at Christmas.
WO-042411042
“We wholeheartedly thank our Partners in Education for their support and commitment to Hansen Elementary,” said Principal Tara Estep.
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
www.wcfcourier.com
PAGE 7
THE COURIER
Partners work behind the scenes at Carver Academy WATERLOO — George Washington Carver Academy students are benefited by behind-thescenes work of their Partners in Education. “They donate dress code items, school supplies, snacks and so many more items that help our school to function. They come to our events, sup-
port our teachers, mentor our students and contribute much to the day-to-day running of our school. Partners at St. Paul’s, Wartburg, Antioch and Allen regularly interact directly with our students and we look forward to new and exciting possibilities with the Dan Gable Wrestling Museum,
which joined our partnership in March,” said Trela A. Rottinghaus, PIE school coordinator. Partners are Allen Hospital and Allen College, St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Antioch Baptist Church, Logan Avenue Hy-Vee, Wartburg College and the Dan Gable Wrestling Museum.
A sixth-grade class travels weekly to St. Paul’s to read to a group of adult volunteers. Allen College hosts an etiquette luncheon for eighth-graders at Allen, joined by Carver staff and partners’ volunteers. Allen College also hosts the quarterly Honor Roll assem-
blies, which include attendance and occasional performances by partners. Allen Hospital hosts monthly reward luncheons for six students, two from each grade, who have been selected for exemplary demonstration of the Six Pillars of Character by their teachers.
Partners are pen pals for Highland students WATERLOO — Pen pal letters for fourth-graders, the Partners in Education display fair and books for students at the holidays to encourage reading are among activities involving partners with Highland Elementary School. Partners are Lincoln Savings Bank, Petersen & Tietz Florists and Greenhouses, Breath of Life, Nazareth Lutheran Church, Trinity Episcopal Church and John Deere. They also participate in earth week projects, the My Waterloo Days parade, back-to-school social, carnation sales and provide dinner for staff at spring
conferences as well as snacks during ITBS testing. Mentors and volunteers are active on reading and math nights and during PTO-sponsored activities. They donate cookies for the winter music program and run the cookie tables, serve cake and lemonade and provide tours during Highland’s open house. Fourth-graders are paired with pen pals and correspond monthly. Students of the month attend John Deere for a luncheon that encourages positive behavior. Staff motivation is increased by the Golden Eagle awards.
Hoover partners join in activities
PIE raises funds to take students to the University of Northern Iowa Wellness Recreation Center for sports, rock climbing and more.
We Salute Our Partners Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare salutes the staff and students of Hoover Intermediate, St. Edward’s, Sacred Heart and Hansen Elementary.
WATERLOO — Partners are important at Hoover Middle School, providing support for students and participating in activities. Wheaton Franciscan, Airgas, Black Hawk-Bremer League of Women Voters, ReMax and CraftCochran are the school’s partners. Student winners won prizes in an essay contest on voting and the annual writer’s conference encourages creative writing for students from fourth- through eighth-grades. Other activities include the annual health fair, participation in the adopt-a-family at Christmas and monthly partnership of the school’s student-of-the-month luncheon.
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare www.WheatonIowa.org
Covenant Clinic Covenant Medical Center Sartori Memorial Hospital RSVP–Prime Time WO-042411039
LASTING PARTNERSHIPS Allen Hospital and Allen College were the first Partners in Education with the Waterloo Community Schools. We are still proud partners today with the George Washington Carver Academy, our friends and neighbors. Allen Hospital and Allen College have served the Cedar Valley for 85 years. Like good partners everywhere, we are here when you need us.
allenhospital.org WO-042411014
allencollege.edu
PAGE 8
THE COURIER
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
www.wcfcourier.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
Holmes and CFCCU win national recognition for partnership CEDAR FALLS — Holmes Junior High School has partnered with Cedar Falls Community Credit Union for more than 12 years in the Partners in Excellence program. “Our goal at Holmes has been to understand how, when and where young people learn. Education isn’t just what happens in school; it’s taking place after school, in the summer, on the job and in the community. Whether we are teachers, parents, business leaders, members of the community or elected officials, we all have a role to play in that learning,” said Principal David Welter. “We have built our
ECHOES After School program around that role, connecting it with real world applications and learning opportunities in the classroom ensuring that young people have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and the work force.” The school and credit union have been nationally recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in their publication, “Expand Options — Expand Achievement (How Expanded Learning Options Can Reimagine Education). The partnership was featured in a snapshot of a work-based learning opportunity and featured the Tiger
Branch, a student-run functioning branch of the Credit Union. The ECHOES program is being featured in the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation’s Make It Stick campaign to spread the idea that when academics are connected to the real world, learning becomes relevant and “it sticks,” said Welter. The campaign features the program at MakeItStick.org, along with a Tiger Branch commercial writ-
ten and produced by Holmes students at www.facebook. com/MakeItStick. Welter said the school is in the process of developing further financial literacy “hands-on” activities for students with the
credit union’s help by creating opportunities in the ECHOES program. One focus is a reward system to help students develop budgeting and savings skills, as well as job training skills for student tellers at the Tiger Branch.
Southdale students appreciate partner involvement CEDAR FALLS — Southdale Elementary School has formed lasting partnerships with College Square Hy-Vee for the past 18 years, Wells Fargo for nine years and Texas Road House for the last two years. Throughout the school year, PIE provides support for many activities, such as providing snacks during ITBS testing. They also donated savings bonds as prizes for the raffle during the April carnival. Wells Fargo donated a savings bond that was given for the school’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year award. They also helped finance and support programs
dealing with the Characters Counts program. Hy-Vee provides items at reduced costs for special events, particularly for the school carnival in April. Every teacher receives one order of printing school pictures at no cost. Gift certificates were provided for the raffle ticket sales. They also serve a breakfast during American Education Week for the entire staff, district administrators and retired Cedar Falls Community School employees. Tours were given of the store and students became more familiar with where things are located and what
the store provides. “Hy-Vee has been a very generous partner with Southdale for many years. They have provided fruits and vegetables for science projects, served breakfast during American Education Week, helped students make pies for a fundraiser and hosted field trips for Southdale students,” said Mary Johns. Texas Roadhouse provides a meal for the staff during the evening of parent-teacher conferences two times a year. Fifth-graders spend part of a day at the restaurant learning about all the different jobs needed to run the business.
WO-042411075
Partners help make Fun Fair successful at Orchard Hill help to run and fund it. We use funds to provide the extras that are not in our budget. The fun fair has provided a climbing wall,
extra playground equipment, funds for field trips and technology, among other things,” said Principal Kim Cross.
Junior Achievement: empowering young people to own their economic success.
Support Junior Achievement in your school. Volunteer in the classroom or Sponsor a class. Work Readiness l Entrepreneurship l Financial Literacy WO-042411016
CEDAR FALLS — Orchard Hill Elementary participates in partnerships with Porter’s Camera, Realtor Sandy Stuber and the Pizza Ranch, a new partner. Each year Porters photographs students and produces a Red Ribbon poster that students can purchase. Stuber and his wife donate prizes as well as volunteer at the annual Fun Fair. Pizza Ranch will sponsor a room and volunteer at the Fun Fair, as well as sponsor a night at Pizza Ranch as a fundraiser “Our largest fundraiser is our Fun Fair. Our business partners
JAEasternIowa.org (p) 319-274-0760 WO-042411056
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
www.wcfcourier.com
THE COURIER
PAGE 9
C.F. Lincoln students improve literacy through partners CEDAR FALLS — Some partners are more active than others, but Lincoln Elementary school’s partners are dedicated to the students and school. With partnerships between Lincoln and the city of Cedar Falls, various departments provide numerous activities. The Hearst Center for the Arts brought a guest author, Alan Krantz, in to read to students, and the police department provides guest readers annually. The Cedar Falls Library hosts second-grade visits and facilitates a summer reading program. The Park and Recreation department has been involved in planning the playground. First United Methodist Church provides 10 or more volunteers weekly for Homework Club. This group meets every week, with a number of retired educators shar-
need, and also help with outdoor landscaping needs throughout the year. One new fourth-grader was able to establish trust with students and
COURTESY PHOTO
Volunteer Donna Hoffman from First United Methodist Church works with Homework Club member Victoria Helvie, a fourth-grader. ing their expertise with students in need. First Methodist also provides child care for several family events at Lincoln, such as Family
Literacy Night and Kindergarten Round up Night. First Methodist provides clothing, winter gear and emergency funding for families in
EVANSDALE — Students and partners at Bunger Middle School participated in Meals on Wheels and a canned food drive, among other activities this school year. Partners are First Congregational United Church of Christ, Peters Construction Corp., and the Other Place Restaurant in Evansdale. Students assisted partners in delivering meals to the homebound, which proved to be “a great character building exercise for our students and allowed many to participate in a civic duty that they may not have had the opportunity to otherwise,� said Principal Andy Miehe. Partners, students and staff competed to donate canned goods for the food bank. “Many teachers began working with students on the values of a balanced meal, and this trickled in to science classrooms as well. The character building impact was also evident,� he said. Sixth-, seventh- and eighthgraders who met honor roll criteria for academics, character and general behavior and citizenship received congratulatory letters from partners, and students nomi-
nated by staff were treated to lunch by the school’s partners. When a Bunger family lost their home, partners made a contribution to help them meet their basic
needs. Partners also adopt families for the holidays, provide transportation for students and their families and offer ďŹ nancial support to the eighth-grade celebration.
Partners in Education
WO-042411031
WO-042411004
Bunger students learn leadership, charity through partnership
staff and began attending Homework Club. He’s learned to prioritize the club and work with a tutor. Learning has become important and fun for him.
PAGE 10
THE COURIER
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
www.wcfcourier.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
Irving partners praised
Partners’ donations provide at Poyner a great way to tie in the community into the classroom. It gives students a real world perspective and appreciation for others in the community. The resources they provide are an invaluable tool in our classrooms.�
At UIU you have the power to reach your goals, build a new future, and recharge your dreams
TURN YOUR POWER ON
Classes start every 8 weeks. Contact us today!
Classes start every 8 weeks. Contact us today!
UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY
3563 University Avenue • Waterloo, IA 50701
319-232-6980 • waterloo@uiu.edu 0O $BNQVT r 0OMJOF r *OEFQFOEFOU 4UVEZ r 6 4 *OUFSOBUJPOBM $FOUFST On Campus • Online • Independent Study • U.S. & International Centers
WO-042411096
Proud to be partners in Education! GMAC Mortgage and its many associates
are dedicated to the education of our youth. We want to make a profound difference in our community, that’s why
GMAC Mortgage has committed our
company and associates’ time to working closely with lrving School and its students. WO-042411063
EVANSDALE — Poyner Elementary has enjoyed long-lasting Partners in Education relationships. J.C. Penney is the longest at 22 years, followed by John Deere Foundry (21 years); Tyson Fresh Meats (20 years); city of Evansdale and city of Elk Run Heights (16 years); Tyson Prepared Foods (15 years); First Security State Bank (10 years); Barnes & Noble Booksellers (seven years); HyVee Crossroads (six years); Service RooďŹ ng Co., Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and St. Mark’s United Methodist (four years); Countryside Vineyard Church (two years); and Evansdale Economic Development Corp. (one year). Partner activities included: a book fair at Barnes & Noble; back-to-school luncheon; packing and distribution for Operation Family Back Pack; End Childhood Hunger sack lunches; classroom volunteers; serving refreshments after music performances; school supply donations; donating hats and mittens; glow sticks for safety during trick-or-treating; holiday baskets; and the adopt-a-family program. Second-grade teacher Angie Hileman enjoys PIE “because it is
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... Real education for real change
Church, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier and Wells Fargo Bank. Partners support Character Counts by providing treats for the Cafe Award and student-ofthe-month ice cream parties; pass out meal sacks on Fridays; provided 101 families with Christmas boxes; served meals at math and literacy nights; provided items for kindergarten and ďŹ rst-graders for the 100th day of school; provided brain food for ITBS and are e-Pals with fourth- and ďŹ fth-graders, reading buddies and mentors. Adam Gress, a fourth-grade teacher, added, “I love the interaction the kids are gettingâ€? through the e-Pals program. This year, partners adopted a grade level that was testing and sent encouraging notes to classes and individual students.
UIU.edu
WATERLOO — Fifth-grade teacher Tonya Thomas praises the school’s Partners in Education for their emotional and material support. “Partners in Education have gone above and beyond to provide students with materials necessary for ITBS testing and Positive Behavior celebrations. They have worked tirelessly to be sure our families in need receive food bags, Christmas gifts and warm winter clothing. Irving could not continue to help all students succeed without the support of their partners,� she said. Partners are: Bethel Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, GMAC Mortgage,RavenwoodNursingand Rehab Center, StruXture Architects, Trinity American Lutheran
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
PAGE 11
THE COURIER
Partners value Kingsley students, staff WATERLOO — Kingsley Elementary School boasts seven Partners in Education: Cedar Valley Vein Clinic, Hy-Vee Byron Avenue, KWWL-TV, Manor Care Health Services, MidWestOne Bank, Vanderloo Chiropractic and Westminster Presbyterian Church. “Kingsley has been honored to have such a fine relationship with its Partners in Education. Their support for our students and staff continues to be outstanding and greatly contrib-
utes to Kingsley having such a rich educational environment,” said Principal Susan Flodeen. Partners begin their support before the students walk through the doors in August by sponsoring, organizing and staffing “Meet the Teacher Night” for staff and parents of schoolchildren. Partners meetings take place monthly, in which upcoming events and needs of students and staff are discussed. Each partner is assigned a dif-
ferent grade level and provides a birthday bag for each student. “In this way, partners individualize their support and really touch students’ lives. Our students are very much aware that this gift comes from their own particular partner and are very appreciative,” Flodeen explained. Each month the Kingsley Cougars have a Paws-itive Behavior assembly and each month a partner shares how important it is for students to be trustwor-
thy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring and a good community citizen. Partners have provided educational materials for individual classrooms from the teachers’ “wish list” and recognize teachers during American Education Week. Westminster Presbyterian Church provides a holiday luncheon for staff during December. Westminster also hosts the fifth-grade fundraising Pizza-
Bingo night, as well as being the off-campus evacuation site. With the help of the school’s art teacher, students produce art for partners to display at their businesses. Adopt-a-Family brings all of partners and staff together every November and December. Kingsley’s counselor, Coleen Kelso, organizes and coordinates all efforts to support students and families prior to Winter break. All partners provide snacks during ITBS testing.
PIE assists East High students on many levels WATERLOO — East High School shares partnerships with Regions Bank, Elks Lodge No. 290, Bethany Bible Chapel, John Deere Drive Train and Matt Parrott and Sons. This year, PIE assisted with registration of students for school. They also provide a student of the month luncheon and recognition reception and a staff of the month award and recognition. “The student of the month
was just the best. It was a great day, one that we will always remember,” said Cathy and Wayne Billings, parents of January student of the month Josh Billings. Partners provide refreshments and assistance with the help of volunteer JROTC students for the senior citizen performance of annual swing show, as well as the Alumni Tea and refreshments during the homecoming celebration.
This year, PIE allocated money to help pay for academy-themed posters, frames and other items to decorate display cases throughout the building and provided gifts for students following PBIS guidelines and demonstrating East High PRIDE (being Positive, Respectful, having Integrity, being Dedicated and being Engaged) and for students on the honor roll during the year. PIE cleans the grounds and
does minor landscaping twice a year — once before homecoming and once in the spring. “The activities that the PIE engage in at my school benefit my building in many ways. First, they encourage a positive attitude by helping us celebrate the successes of our students and staff. Secondly, by improv-
Are you the next Kurt Warner, Lea Michelle or Mark Zuckerberg?
North Cedar students benefit from long-term partnerships CEDAR FALLS — North Cedar vided lunch for school staff and Elementary School has enjoyed visitors during Leadership Day. “We are always so apprecialong-term partnerships. Viking Pump has been partnered tive of the support our Partners with the school for more than 15 years and Cedar Falls Real Estate has participated in the program for more than 10 years. Eight years ago, Cedarloo Family Practice came on board, followed four years ago by AMVETS Post 40 and two years ago by Texas Roadhouse. Cedar Falls Real Estate delivers planners for the staff each fall and AMVETS delivers school supplies to students throughout the year. AMVETS has also donated Hy-Vee receipts to the school and Texas Roadhouse pro-
ing the appearance of our school, both the interior and exterior, they increase pride in our school,” said Maggie Mnayer, PIE representative at East High School. “Our Partners in Education can be counted on to step up and stand in the gap wherever the need is identified.”
in Education provide each year. We couldn’t do our work without them,” said Principal Jen Hartman.
Find out by exploring a camp at the University of Northern Iowa this summer. A wide variety of camps for all ages are offered in: -Adapted sports -Athletics -Archeology -Digital media
-Music -Science and math -Theatre -Youth entrepreneurship
For more information on summer camps at the University of Northern Iowa visit www.uni.edu/camps “We salute our partnership with students at Edison Elementary!” WO-042411038
PAGE 12
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
THE COURIER
Lowell partners active in programs WATERLOO — The list of activities involving Lowell’s Partners in Education is a lengthy one, including journaling, support for the holiday adopt-a-family program, acting as reading buddies, mentors and providing materials for classroom parties. Partners are Grace Brethren Church, Black Hawk County Health Department, Northeast Iowa Family Practice Center, Country View, Lincoln Savings Bank, Cadillac Lanes, Grainger Parts, First Wesleyan Church, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Nestle USA and Horace Mann. Northeast Iowa Family Practice provided items to help 60 students celebrate the holidays. Grainger Parts, Horace Mann and Cadillac Bowling Center served food at the PBIS classroom and student recognition. Northeast Iowa Family Practice Center and Grace Brethren Church provided
staff meals during conferences and Northeast Iowa Family Practice Center, Nestle USA and Cadillac Bowling Center distributed food bags to students. Grace Brethren Church and partners served at the Thanksgiving dinner, and Horace Mann will give two bicycles to students with perfect attendance. Cadillac Bowling Lanes provides bowling certiďŹ cates. Nestle USA provides hot chocolate, pencils and other items for PBIS assemblies and rewards and will provide two new bicycles for the students who read the most minutes. Nestle USA and Black Hawk County hosted tours, Black Hawk County Election Office offered mock elections and ďŹ fth-graders participated in a mock trial at Black Hawk County Courthouse. Grainger Parts provides classroom safety kits.
Northeast Iowa Family Practice Center provided T-shirts to students of character. Grace Brethren, First Wesleyan and Cornerstone Fellowship Churches provided coats, hats, gloves and other items for students. Nestle USA and Lincoln Savings Bank gave start-of-school supplies to teachers.
! $ ! ' %+ ( *" ' %' *' %$
Specialized vein care with multiple treatment options - ' %( + $( - $%*( *" '( - & ' + $( - $%*( $ %#& ) $
Feel like you have new legs! ! $ $ " ! ! WO-042411079
www.wcfcourier.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011
Lou Henry Hoover Elementary enjoys ‘awesome’ partnerships WATERLOO — At Lou Henry Hoover Elementary, enthusiasm for Partners in Education spills over. Third-grader Ashley Dizdarevic said: “They help my school raise food for the food bank and let us have a place to celebrate students of the month. They are absolutely, positively phenomenal.� Partners are Advanced Diagnostic Imaging, Cedar Valley Christian Church, Cedar Valley Hospice, Central Christian Church, Farmers State Bank, Gordman’s, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Oakridge Realtors and Shorts Travel. Partners assisted during the meet the teacher night last fall and in October, partners each decorated pumpkins displayed in the hallway. Partners helped with the school’s Souper Bowl of Caring food drive and family movie
nights. Partners take turns hosting student of the month luncheons and attend Little Hawk assemblies. “ I appreciate being able to recognize my students who consistently make good choices at school,� said third-grade teacher Mrs. Dumler. Partners participate in the holiday adopt-a-family and provide support during the end-of-year Fun Fair. Lowes donated whisper phones and now, said special needs teacher Jen Witte, “My students are able to read to themselves and hear what their voices sound like.� Cedar Valley Hospice co-chairperson Jennifer Siech said, “One of the reasons Cedar Valley Hospice is involved is because we feel it’s important to support our youth and be a good neighbor in the community.�
The Only Nationally Accredited Vascular Lab in the Cedar Valley
! $ ! ' %+ ( *" ' %' *' %$ #&" $%$ $+ ( + ( ' $ $ ( ) ) ( + " + ( %#&' $( + + ( *" ' $ $ ' " *")' (%*$ ()* (
Call today for your appointment: 319-233-6211 # ! ! ! # "
146 West Dale Street, Suite 202, Waterloo
www.CedarValleyVeinClinic.com
%"" ) * )
' ""(
" ) * )
) '"%%
% $ ) $ ) %, ' '! * " $ ) '"%%