QCAIR is pleased to announce the receipt of a $20,000 grant from the New Americans Initiative. The grant will be used to assist Lawful Permanent Residents in the Illinois Quad Cities by providing information, to those who desire it, on citizenship eligibility and provide assistance in obtaining citizenship.

This program will work to identify Lawful Permanent Residents interested in naturalization. We will also refer immigrants and refugees to the Quad Cities World Relief office and Black Hawk College for screening, any necessary education and paperwork completion for obtaining US Citizenship.

The purpose of QCAIR is to build stronger, long-lasting relationships among refuges, immigrants and the receiving community of the Quad Cities.

Please call Nana Ouro-Agoro, QCAIR NAI Coordinator, 309-716-7437 or email nana.ouro-agoro@acair.org with requests for additional information on the grant. For information on QCAIR please contact our Executive Director: Ikponwonsa Oriaikhi, 309-786-2995 (office) or email: IK@qcair.org.

* * *

Educator, Researcher Describes 4 Ways to Reboot

In spite of the billions of dollars spent on educational reform since "A Nation at Risk" was published in 1987, more than half of America's high school seniors are not proficient in reading, and 75 percent can't do math, according to the recently released National Assessment of Educational Progress.

"Clearly, the current approaches to educational reform are failing," says notes educational researcher and consultant Charles M. Reigeluth, author of "Reinventing Schools: It's Time to Break the Mold" (www.reigeluth.net). "The problem is that major aspects of our educational system were devised to meet the societal needs of a bygone era."

"We need to change the paradigm - we need to move from Industrial Age 'factory model schools' to accommodate and reflect Information Age needs and realities."

The Industrial Age in the United States, roughly 1830 to 1960, was shaped by machinery and mass production. Many jobs moved from farms to factories, which required workers - and therefore students - who would follow instructions and endure repetitive, boring tasks, he says.

"We did not need to educate many people to high levels, so Industrial Age schools sorted students, promoting the few needed for managerial and professional work, and flunking out the many needed for the assembly lines," says Reigeluth, a former high school teacher and Indiana University professor.

"Today, knowledge work is more common than manual labor, and our systems are far more complex. All adults need a higher degree of knowledge just to function in society, so we can no longer afford a system that is designed to leave many children behind."

Here are four Industrial Age educational artifacts, according to Reigeluth, and how to update them for the Information Age:

•  Time-based student progress: Currently students in a class move on together to the next topic according to the calendar, regardless of whether they have learned the current material.  Slower students accumulate learning gaps that make it more difficult for them to master related material in the future, virtually condemning them to flunk out. The system is designed to leave many children behind.

A paradigm designed to leave no child behind would allow each student to move on as soon as he or she has learned the current material, and no sooner.  This requires "personalized learning'' and "learner-centered instruction" that is both high-tech and high-touch.

•  Standardized and other broad tests: Rather than evaluating a student based on how much he or she has learned in a certain amount of time, such as a 9-week period, each student should be evaluated to determine when the material has been learned, so we know when the student is ready to move on. This is called "criterion-referenced assessment," a different paradigm from "norm-referenced assessment."

"A big test with 20 different topics, as we use now, shows only how much a student knows compared to other students," Reigeluth says. "In the Information Age paradigm, all students are expected to finish learning whatever they undertake to learn. Like a Boy Scout working on a badge, each student continues to work until the material is mastered."

Assessments, then, are incremental and cover a single competency, or a small set of competencies. They certify mastery while also helping guide learning by showing students what they need to continue working on.

•  The traditional grading system : The traditional grading system indicates how well a student performed compared to the other students in a class - a tool that is only effective in sorting students. It's not an effective way of guiding and ensuring individual student learning, and it tells you little about what the student has learned.

"Rather than achievement reflected as grades on a report card, it would be reflected as lists of skills and concepts that the student has mastered," Reigeluth says.

•  Locking students into grades: Grade levels are incompatible with the Information Age model because students learn at different rates and become ready to move on to different material at different times. Grade levels are a key feature of the time-based, sorting-focused paradigm that served us well during the Industrial Age, but are detrimental to meeting Information Age educational needs.

Instead, group students into similar developmental levels, which typically span three to four years.

"Grouping developmentally, rather than based on age or rigid levels of content learning, accounts for the different rates at which children develop socially and emotionally," Reigeluth says. "Children can remain in their social-emotional peer group while working on projects typically tackled by students of a higher or lower age."

About Charles M. Reigeluth

Charles M. Reigeluth is a distinguished educational researcher who focuses on paradigm change in education. He has a B.A. in economics from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in instructional psychology from Brigham Young University. He was a professor at the Instructional Systems Technology Department at Indiana University, and is a former chairman of the department. His new book, "Reinventing Schools," (www.reigeluth.net), advocates and chronicles a national paradigm change in K-12 education. He offers presentations and consulting on this topic.

This Saturday, June 7, Iowans can help Strike Out Malaria while enjoying an I-Cubs baseball game and a special concert from Manic Drive - whose current single 'Save a Life' can be heard in the popular movie "God's Not Dead."

All ages are encouraged to attend the concert and game at Principal Park in Des Moines. Each ticket includes a lifesaving donation to Imagine No Malaria, an extraordinary ministry of the people of The United Methodist Church that puts faith into action to end preventable deaths from malaria in Africa. Efforts have already cut the death rate in half.

"We have never done anything like this before," said Pastor Phil Rogers, youth minister and creator of the statewide Strike Out Malaria event. "This event brings Christian youth together for music, inspiration, fun and to save lives. They see that they have a voice and can make a difference."

In addition to the game and concert, there will be an all-night event for youth and their adult sponsors. Churches and youth organizations are encouraged to learn more and register at http://www.inmiowa.org/strikeout.

Admission for the youth lock-in is $40 and will include a lifesaving $10 donation to Imagine No Malaria, a ticket to the I-Cubs game, concert by Manic Drive, dinner and breakfast, a Strike Out Malaria t-shirt, overnight activities in the stadium (including worship with United Methodist Bishop Trimble) and a youth march to annual conference on Sunday morning.

For youth and adults who wish to only attend the game and concert, tickets are $25 and include a lifesaving donation to Imagine No Malaria, admission to the game and concert and a Strike Out Malaria t-shirt.

To register, go to http://www.inmiowa.org/strikeout.

GRADE 6 - PRINCIPAL'S LIST

Alexandra Amacher Grace Anders Samantha Coleman Emma Cowles Tyler Estes Riley Frederick Jaylen Gore Adam Hyder Gianna Jewhurst Madilynn Klauer David Moens Tony VanDeWalle
GRADE 6
HONOR ROLL Erik Coulter Grace Moore Megan Tanghe Maggie Schaecher Michael Showalter Vanessa Verschoore Alexis Wilkens

GRADE 7
PRINCIPAL'S LIST Emma Beardsley Gabe Beardsley Chloe Boyd Anna Darrow John Do Tony Dockery-Jackson Sydney Elliott Jonathan Fernandez Grant Florence Parker Georlett Lauren Hird Hannah Luppen Olivia Manternach Aaron Mickleson Haley Mosley Paige Nimrick Mackenzie Parboosingh Taylor Parker Faith Pickslay Mary Powers Vanessa Reger Ava Reynolds Lily Schoeck Logan Swartz
GRADE 7
HONOR ROLL Ben Eder Emily Elliott Morgan Mander Natika Woods Kaitlyn Zonnevylle

GRADE 8
PRINCIPAL'S LIST
Zoe Arvanitis
Makenna Freyberger
Amber Guzzo
Brendan Hird
Mindy Hoang
Kale Hyder
Cloie Jennings
Alyssa Klauer
Benjamin Luppen
William Mihm
Rebecca Nonnenmann
Jenna Pauley
Jessica Pauley
Lauryn Praet
Collin Solorzano
Luke Trondson
Clare VanSpeybroeck
Aviana Zahara
GRADE 8
HONOR ROLL
Jonathan Berry
Justin Bost
JC Brenny
Madeline Chambers
Haley DeWitte
Bridget Ferguson
Emily Ferreyra
Erik Hoffman
Zach Larson
Isabella Milani
Daniel Powers
Caden Punkiewicz
Collin Rogiers
Claudia Ruiz
Brenon Wilson

Iowa Fraud Fighters - Shield Your Savings Public Education Program
Who: Iowa Insurance Division and other state agency partners. Presenters and panelists:
  • Tom Alger, Iowa Insurance Division Communications Director
  • Kevin McCarthy, Iowa Assistant Attorney General
  • Paige Thorson, Iowa Department on Aging Legal Assistant
  • Patty Price, Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Training and Education Coordinator
Why cover it? Informative and emotional human-interest stories. Con artists are targeting Americans age 60 and older, swindling more than 5 million Americans out of a $3 billion each year. This is the sixth forum in the state. At past forums, we've had very vocal seniors willing to share their stories with the press. Some have brought documentation of scams and the AG has opened up cases at forums. From RSVPs, we anticipate 150 in attendance.
When: Thursday, June 5
11:30 a.m.: Registration & information tables
Noon: Lunch
12:30 p.m.: Presentations and Q&A panel
1:30 p.m.: Information tables
2 p.m.: Adjourn
Where: The RiverCenter, 136 E. Third Street, Davenport
# # #

Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Dave Loebsack today met with leaders of the Iowa City Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, including the Acting Director. During the meeting, Loebsack was briefed on the process the Iowa City VA uses for scheduling appointments, the average wait time for new patients and the general quality of care that the veterans receive. He also gathered information about how he can ensure veterans receive the timely, quality care they deserve.

"I appreciate Acting Director Horsman and her staff for briefing me on the Iowa City VA's efforts to reduce wait times, expand mental health care, and their efforts to hire more medical specialists to help meet veteran demand and reduce wait times. While I have been extremely concerned about the reports of alleged preventable deaths and reported cover ups at VA health clinics nationwide, I know that Iowa VA employees are doing an excellent job taking care of our veterans. As a military parent, I am incredibly upset that this could have ever happened to the men and women who honorably served our nation. We owe it to our nation's veterans to provide the VA with the resources necessary to hire additional doctors and nurses so they can continue the great work they do in our community," said Congressman Loebsack.

SIOUX CITY, IA (06/02/2014)(readMedia)-- Several area students were among the 199 students who received bachelor's degrees from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, during the college's 116th spring commencement held May 10.

The students are:

Andrew Burnham of Pleasant Valley, Iowa, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.

Micki DeWitt of Rapids City, Ill., graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Photography.

Morningside College is a private, four-year college in Sioux City, Iowa. Morningside has been designated one of the Midwest's "Best Regional Colleges" in the U.S. News & World Report's college rankings since 2005 and has been designated a "Best Midwestern College" by The Princeton Review since 2003. For more information, visit the college's website at www.morningside.edu.

Quad Cities completes Sunday's game with 7-4 win; loses seven-inning game, 4-3, despite three homers

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (June 2, 2014) - Quad Cities catcher Brett Booth hit a ninth-inning, go-ahead home run to help his team to a 7-4 win to complete a suspended game Monday afternoon, and the River Bandits hit three more home runs in the game that followed, but Wisconsin Timber Rattlers second baseman Francisco Castillo hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in his team's 4-3, seven-inning victory in front of 4,071 at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

Holding a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning when play resumed from Sunday's suspended game, Quad Cities (30-27) added a run in the top of the sixth on an RBI single by third baseman Tyler White. Right-hander Adrian Houser (4-1) held the 4-2 lead until the bottom of the eighth, when he hit designated hitter Clint Coulter with a pitch and allowed a one-out double to first baseman Taylor Brennan. Castillo then grounded a single between first baseman Jon Kemmer and second baseman Chan-Jong Moon to score both runs and tie the game, 4-4.

In the ninth inning against right-hander Harvey Martin (2-4), Booth led off by driving a 1-1 pitch over the left-field fence for his first Midwest League home run and the third of the game that spanned two days. With one out, right fielder Ronnie Mitchell reached on an infield single and went to second base when left fielder Tanner Mathis singled to center field. But center fielder Johnny Davis' throw to the infield got away, allowing Mitchell to reach third base, and Brennan's throw toward third base was also wild, allowing Mitchell to score and Mathis to reach third base. Designated hitter Chase McDonald then celebrated his 22nd birthday by singling home Mathis for a 7-4 lead.

After Houser allowed a leadoff single in the bottom of the ninth, right-hander Andrew Walter came in to strike out the next three batters for his fifth save. It gave Quad Cities a six-game winning streak to match its season high and move a season-best four games above .500.

In a seven-inning series finale, River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman struck out five of the first seven batters of the game, and he got support in the second inning from Mitchell's leadoff home run - his seventh in the last 13 games - off right-hander Preston Gainey.

Wisconsin (26-31) tied the game in the third inning. Left fielder Omar Garcia hit a leadoff double, went to third on a sacrifice and scored on a passed ball by catcher Jake Rodriguez. It was the only run against Thurman, who allowed four hits and struck out four in four innings.

In the top of the fourth inning, White smashed a 3-1 pitch from Gainey over the left-field fence for a 2-1 Quad Cities lead. Gainey's next pitch struck Mitchell squarely in the back, and home plate umpire Mike Savakinas ejected Gainey, who had allowed five hits and no walks with two strikeouts in three-plus innings. Left-hander Trevor Seidenberger took over, and he pitched the final four innings, yielding a sixth-inning home run by White, who joined Thomas Lindauer as the only River Bandits with a two-homer game this season.

River Bandits left-hander Chris Lee (2-3) began the fifth inning with a 2-1 lead but allowed three straight one-out singles and a gamke-tying, bases-loaded walk. Coulter grounded into a fielder's choice to give his team a 3-2 lead that lasted until White's game-tying home run. In a 3-3, seventh-inning tie, Lee allowed a one-out walk to Coulter and single by Brennan. With runners at first and third bases, Castillo flied to center fielder Brett Phillips, who spun and threw high to home, as Coulter scored for Quad Cities' fourth walk-off loss this season.

Following its final first-half off day Tuesday, Quad Cities opens a three-game series in Burlington at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, when River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave (5-2) is scheduled to start against Bees right-hander Victor Alcantara (2-3).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park at 6 p.m. Saturday with a Craig Biggio Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Prairie Farms and FOX18 for the first 1,500 fans. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, followed by a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

*****

Give blood with the American Red Cross and help maintain the summer blood supply

PEORIA, Ill. (June 2, 2014) – The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to make and keep donation appointments to maintain the summer blood supply and help prevent a shortage. Donors of all blood types are currently needed, especially those with type O negative, B negative and A negative.

While the need for blood remains constant during the summer, donations drop. Between June and August, on average, two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what hospitals need. This seasonal decline could be overcome if just two additional donors - above what is expected - give blood at each Red Cross blood drive this summer.

Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. Recently, a patient needed 79 blood products after injuries sustained during a car accident. Thanks to blood donors who gave in the days and weeks prior, blood products were readily available for this patient and thousands of others at approximately 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country supported by the Red Cross.

This summer, there are 100 chances to give hope with the Red Cross by giving blood. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to learn more and make an appointment.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll County

June 19 from 1-6 p.m. at Milledgeville Men's Club, 204 S. Main Ave. in Milledgeville, Ill.

June 20 from 12-6 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 405 E. Locust in Lanark, Ill.

June 27 from 12-5 p.m. at Mt. Carroll Community Building, 101 N. Main in Mount Carroll, Ill.

Clinton County

June 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at LyondellBasell, 3400 Anamosa Road in Clinton, Iowa

June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Skyline Center, 2600 N. 4th St. in Clinton, Iowa

June 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 147 Broadway St. in Charlotte, Iowa

Henry County

June 17 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kewanee OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, 1051 W. South St. in Kewanee, Ill.

June 18 from 2-6 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1001 9th St. in Orion, Ill.

Lee County

June 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First St. in Dixon, Ill.

June 30 from 3-6:30 p.m. at Amboy Community Building, 280 W. Wasson Road in Amboy, Ill.

Mercer County

June 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW 3rd Ave. in Aledo, Ill.

Whiteside County

June 18 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

June 21 from 5:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St. in Fulton, Ill.

June 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

June 26 from 4-7 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

June 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rock Falls Rehabilitation and Healthcare, 430 Martin Road in Rock Falls, Ill.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

###

Residents Encouraged to Monitor Conditions and Follow Direction of Local Officials

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?through its regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City and Denton (Texas)?is monitoring the possibility of tornadoes and large hail on Tuesday across parts of the Central Plains and Mid-Mississippi Valley. Residents in potentially affected areas should take the time now to prepare for severe weather and to monitor conditions via NOAA Weather Radio and local media.

FEMA is in close contact with the National Weather Service, which is forecasting the development of severe thunderstorms across the Great Plains into the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians Tuesday into Wednesday. The storms may bring the potential for significant severe weather events. Comprehensive forecasts for specific areas are available at www.weather.gov.

When natural disasters like severe weather and tornadoes strike, immediate aid often comes from neighbors, family, friends and co-workers. First responders?such as local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations and numerous private interest groups?provide rapid emergency assistance to protect the public's health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

Severe Weather and Tornado Safety Tips

· Maintain an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for power outages or impassable roads. Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared and how to protect your family during emergencies. Find severe weather and tornado preparedness tips at www.ready.gov/severe-weather.

· Follow the instructions of state and local officials, and listen to local radio or TV station for updated disaster response and sheltering information. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio and local news to monitor for severe weather updates and warnings. The National Weather Service is the official source for tornado watches and warnings.

· Many mobile devices are capable of receiving free Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service about imminent threats like severe weather. They look like a text message and show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take and the agency issuing the alert.

· Become familiar with the terms used to identify severe weather. Discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued.

Terms Used to Describe Tornado and Other Severe Weather Hazards

· For flooding:

· A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding.

· A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

· A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding.

· A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

· A Flash Flood Emergency is issued when severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a flash flood is imminent or ongoing.

· For a severe thunderstorm:

· A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area.

· A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area.

· For a tornado:

· A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.

· A Tornado Warning means a tornado is imminent, take shelter immediately.

· A Tornado Emergency is issued when severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage is imminent or ongoing, and reliable sources confirm a tornado.

###

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Pages