14 May 2013

Joseph Dickens Honored for Academic Achievement at St. Olaf College

By Marie Frederickson
ORTHFIELD, MN (05/13/2013)(readMedia)-- Joseph Dickens was among nearly 900 St. Olaf College students who were recognized for academic achievement at the college's annual Honors Day convocation on May 3. Dickens, from Bettendorf, is a Mathematics major. He is the son of Dan Dickens and Jayne Rose.

Honors Day recognizes students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.60 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The convocation also recognizes students who have been awarded scholarships and fellowships, including Fulbright scholars, Goldwater scholars, and senior members of leadership and academic honor societies.

The ceremony began with a colorful academic procession led by St. Olaf President David R. Anderson '74, and was followed by a reception for students, parents, friends of the college, faculty and staff.

St. Olaf College

As one of the nations leading liberal arts colleges, St. Olaf College offers an academically rigorous education with a vibrant faith tradition as a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. St. Olaf prepares students to become responsible citizens of the world by fostering the development of mind, body, and spirit. Widely known for its programs in mathematics, the natural sciences, and music, St. Olaf also provides dynamic opportunities for interdisciplinary study. Committed to global education, more than three-quarters of St. Olaf students participate in off-campus study programs. Over the years, St. Olaf College has been a national leader among liberal arts colleges in producing Rhodes Scholars, Fulbright Fellows, and Peace Corps volunteers.

13 May 2013

Lia Johnson Receives Degree From Bryan College

By Tom Davis

DAYTON, TN (05/13/2013)(readMedia)-- Lia Johnson of Davenport, IA, was among 187 graduates who received their diplomas in commencement exercises May 11 at Bryan College.

During the services the college awarded 19 Master's degrees, 60 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 107 Bachelor of Science degrees, and one Associate's degree. In addition, 13 members of the Bryan College Class of 1963 were presented Golden Anniversary diplomas in recognition of 50 years since their graduation.

Lia, daughter of Howard and Susan Johnson, received the Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, in liberal arts: arts and humanities option.

Bryan is a Christian liberal arts college offering two Master's degrees and Bachelor's degrees in 20 areas. The college has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for 17 consecutive years as being among the Top Tier of Southern comprehensive colleges.

13 May 2013

Rivermont Collegiate is the highest-ranking college prep school on the 2013 Iowa AP Index!

By Brittany Marietta
10 May 2013

Students graduate from Dordt College

By Sarah Vander Plaats

SIOUX CENTER, IA (05/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Dordt College awarded 307 diplomas at the 2013 commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10, in the B.J. Haan Auditorium. Among them were the following local students.

Erin Conley of West Liberty, Iowa, graduated with a bachelor of science in engineering degree in engineering.

Abigail Davis of Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in environmental science.

Among this year's graduates, 288 earned baccalaureate degrees, 13 associate of arts degrees, and six master of education degrees. The baccalaureate degrees presented included bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of science in engineering, bachelor of science in nursing, and bachelor of social work degrees.

Dordt College President Dr. Erik Hoekstra will give the commencement address, "Building for the King." Hoekstra began his term as the fourth president of Dordt College at the start of the academic year.

Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive Christian college rooted in the Reformed tradition. U.S. News & World Report, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review all list Dordt on their best colleges lists. Dordt is home to approximately 1,400 students. To learn more about Dordt College, visit www.dordt.edu.

10 May 2013

REP. SMIDDY INVITES LOCAL EDUCATORS, PARENTS TO EDUCATION FORUM

By Rick Martin
PORT BYRON, IL - To gather feedback from the community on issues in education, state Rep. Mike Smiddy
(D-Hillsdale) is hosting an education forum on Saturday, May 11 from 10 am to 11 am at West Carroll Primary
School, located at 2215 Wacker Rd. in Savanna.

"This forum is a chance for me to listen to residents' concerns and ideas for improving the schools in our
area," said Smiddy. "Strengthening education is a top priority for all of us, and I look forward to speaking with
educators and parents to improve opportunities for our children."

Illinois' 71st District includes all of Albany, Cleveland, Coal Valley, Colona, Como, Cordova, Deer Grove, Erie,
Fulton, Hampton, Hillsdale, Lyndon, Morrison, Port Byron, Prophetstown, Rapids City, Rock Falls, Savanna,
Sterling, Tampico, and Thomson and portions of Carbon Cliff, East Moline, Moline and Silvis.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Smiddy's full-time constituent service
office at (309) 848-9098, RepSmiddy@gmail.com, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

WHO: 71st District State Rep. Mike Smiddy

WHAT: Education Forum

WHEN: Saturday, May 11 10 am - 11 am

WHERE: West Carroll Primary School, 2215 Wacker Rd., Savanna

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10 May 2013

Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Support Student Success

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack recently introduced legislation to address the importance of increasing access to critical services in schools to address the non-academic factors that affect students' ability to learn.  His legislation, the Reducing Barriers to Learning Act, would increase student access to school counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, specialized teachers, and community partners such as mental and physical health providers. Loebsack spoke about his legislation during an Education and the Workforce Committee hearing earlier this week.  Video can be found here.

"As a former educator, I recognize the importance of focusing on all of the factors that contribute to student success in order to promote learning and safe and supportive school environments.  Knowing who is available to help struggling students and those in need of more specialized supports is critical," said Loebsack.  "The Reducing Barriers to Learning Act will increase student access to critical services so that we can better address the non-academic needs of students and help them learn in the classroom by addressing issues such as depression, low-self esteem, and speech and language disorders.  This will not only set our children up for success both in school and in their future college and career pursuits, but will also support our teachers' efforts in the classroom."

Loebsack's bill would improve specialized instructional support services in schools and clarify the roles of specialized personnel to ensure they are able to best serve students' needs. It would also create a grant program to develop programs and train personnel dedicated to removing barriers to learning.

The Reducing Barriers to Learning Act is endorsed by the following organizations:

American Federation of Teachers

National Association of Social Workers

American Counseling Association

National Association of School Psychologists

School Social Work Association of America

American Council for School Social Work

National Association of Pupil Services Administrators

American Art Therapy Association

National Association of School Nurses

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YouTube - Videos from this email:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hg_795Y1oVY
09 May 2013

Davenport, North Scott history students advance to national contest

By Jeff Morgan

32 Iowa students win National History Day in Iowa contest

Students advance to national contest at University of Maryland next month

DES MOINES - Thirty-two Iowa students took top honors in a statewide history contest this week and will represent Iowa at the National History Day competition next month at the University of Maryland.

The 32 students competed against 375 other students in the junior division (grades 6-8) of the National History Day in Iowa contest this week at the State Historical Museum of Iowa in Des Moines. The students join 38 other Iowa students who competed last week in the NHD in Iowa senior division (grades 9-12) in advancing to the 2013 Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest held June 9-14, 2013, at the University of Maryland.

The group of 70 Iowa students will compete for scholarships and cash prizes against nearly 2,500 students from the United States, Guam, America Samoa, Department of Defense Schools in Europe, and Shanghai, China

National History Day is an academic-enrichment program that helps students learn about historical issues, ideas, people and events. The year-long academic adventure fosters students' enthusiasm for learning and encourages them to use primary, secondary, community and statewide resources on a subject of their choice related to an annual theme. The theme for 2013 is "Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events.

Working individually or collaboratively in groups of two to five, students compete in the following categories: historical papers, individual and group exhibits, documentaries, performances and websites. Nearly 10,000 Iowa students competed in the program this year, with winners at school and district competitions advancing to the state contests in Des Moines.

In addition to helping students discover the world of the past, the NHD program helps them develop the following attributes that are critical for future success:

  • critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • research and reading skills
  • oral and written communication and presentation skills
  • self-esteem and confidence
  • a sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process

The NHD in Iowa program has been coordinated by the State Historical Society of Iowa since 1994 and is sponsored by the State Historical Society, Inc., and the History Channel. More information about NHD in Iowa is available at www.iowahistory.org or by contacting Millie Frese at 515-281-6860 or millie.frese@iowa.gov.

Following is the list of this year's NHD in Iowa junior division national qualifiers:

 

(Category)

(Community)

(Student(s))

(Title of Project)

(School)

(Teacher(s))

Junior Historical Paper

Johnston 

Brooke Thacker

Common Sense: Turning Colonists into Freedom Fighters

Johnston Middle School

Kathy Paul

 

Storm Lake 

Wendy Leyva

Insulin: An Elixir Of Life

Storm Lake Middle School

Priscilla Robinson

Junior Individual Exhibit

Eldridge

Matt Griebe

D?Day: Turning the Tide of WWII, Operation Overlord

North Scott Junior High School

Chris Green

 

Johnston 

Allie Tubbs

Jackie Robinson Turns the Tide in Baseball History

Summit Middle School

Colleen Ites

 

Junior Group Exhibit

Eldridge

Brady Frank, Adelyn Carmody, Benjamin Stutting

Kristallnacht "Night of Broken Glass": A Turning Point in Jewish History

North Scott Junior High School

Chris Green

 

Akron 

Emmy Knuth, Danika Smith, Rose Witt

Chernobyl: Fatal Disaster, Turning Point in Nuclear Energy

Akron?Westfield Community School

Colleen Westergard, Val Philips

 

Junior Individual Documentary

Estherville

Lizzy Herrick

Sesame Street: T is for Turning Point

Lincoln Central Middle School

Jean Hoffman

 

Eldridge

Michael Mohr

Henry Wallace: Hybridization of Corn, Turning Agriculture on its Ear

North Scott Junior High School

Chris Green

 

Junior Group Documentary

Council Bluffs 

Sam Hulett, Ben Price

Star Wars

Kirn Middle School

Deb Masker

 

Akron

Nick Schnell, Eric Cottrell, Michael Ford

Sputnik 1: A Small Object that Created a Huge Impact

Akron?Westfield Community School

Colleen Westergard, Val Philips

Junior Individual Performance

Akron

Makayla Swancutt

Antietam: A Crossroad to Freedom

Akron?Westfield Community School

Colleen Westergard, Val Philips

 

Davenport

Mickey Sloat

Game, Set, and (Pay) Match: Playing for Equity in Women's Sports

Williams Intermediate

Beth Miller

 

Junior Group Performance

Akron

Cameron Wahlberg, Daniel Martinsen, Skyler Briggs, Charlie Anderson

Teddy Roosevelt: Turning Tables on Corporations

Akron?Westfield Community School

Colleen Westergard, Val Philips

 

Fairfield

Anuja Pharasi, Dayna Price, Savannah Kelley

Nellie Bly: Benefiting Humanity One Word at a Time

Fairfield Middle School

Tena Nelson

 

Junior Individual Web Sites

LeMars

Kyle Marek

Civilian Conservation Corps

LeMars Middle School

Jeanne Rust

 

Johnston

Nikki Hobson

Nellie Bly: Paving the Way for a Society with Women in the Workforce

Johnston Middle School

Kathy Paul

 

Junior Group Web Sites

Nevada

Rebeka Bell, Madison Huynh

The Seneca Falls Convention: Crossroads in Women's Rights

Nevada Middle School

Randy Davis

 

Storm Lake

Cody Baker, Kayla Joyner

The Eisenhower Interstate System: Our Road to a Stronger Nation

Storm Lake Middle School

Priscilla Robinson

 

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The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for developing the state's interest in the areas of the arts, history and other cultural matters with the advice and assistance from its two divisions, the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. The DCA preserves, researches, interprets and promotes an awareness and understanding of local, state and regional history and stimulates and encourages the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them. It implements tourism-related art and history projects as directed by the general assembly and designs a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan with the assistance of the Iowa Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa. More information about DCA is available at www.culturalaffairs.org.


09 May 2013

Loebsack, Bustos Introduce New Legislation to Give More Flexibility to Students Receiving Pell Grants

By Vonnie Hampel

Bill Would Give Students More Flexibility In Choosing Classes & Let Them Enter Workforce Faster

More information on Loebsack's original legislation HERE; Watch Video Of Bustos' One Minute Floor Speech Introducing Bill HERE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) introduced new legislation to give more flexibility to students receiving Pell grants.  The Access to Education and Training Act would allow students who receive Pell grants to take advantage of the Pell grants year-round, including during the summer months, even if the student went to school full-time during the fall and spring semesters.  Many of those who would benefit most are non-traditional students who want to complete their courses faster so they can get back into the workforce.   

Last month, Bustos held a "Communities Working Together For Jobs" community college tour across the 17th Congressional District of Illinois.  During the tour, Bustos met with students, faculty, administrators, businesspeople, and others, at the seven community colleges that serve the region.  She heard numerous concerns about the lack of year-round flexibility for students receiving Pell grants, and today's bill is a response to those concerns.   Congressman Loebsack authored a provision that created year-round Pell grants in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which was signed into law in 2008.  However, the year-round Pell grant was unfortunately eliminated in 2011 and under current law, a student who goes to school full-time during the fall and spring semesters would not be eligible to receive Pell grant awards for summer courses.  In response to the ongoing need for more flexibility, Bustos and Loebsack partnered to introduce today's legislation which would reinstate the flexibility that was provided by Loebsack's provision in 2008.

"I know first-hand the difference education makes in students' lives and ability to secure good jobs.  That's why I'm continuing to fight to make higher education more affordable for Iowans. The year-round Pell grant availability that I created as a part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act in 2008 allowed students to progress towards their degrees at a faster pace with less debt. I have heard from countless students who's ability to afford college would be significantly improved by the availability of year-round Pell grants.  It was incredibly disappointing that it was eliminated in 2011 due to budget pressure, but I look forward to working with Congresswoman Bustos to push for reinstatement as work begins on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act," said Congressman Loebsack.

"As the mother to three sons, I know firsthand how important a quality and affordable education is to building a middle class life," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. "College affordability was a major topic of conversation on my tour of the seven community colleges that serve our district last month, and that is why today I am introducing a bill with Congressman Loebsack to give more flexibility to students receiving Pell grant awards.  This bill would give students more options in choosing when to take classes and would let them enter the workforce faster.  The colleges and universities in our region offer a pathway to success to many, so I'll continue to do everything I can to help make them affordable and accessible for all."

"Pell grants enable millions of students to enroll in college each year, but unless we maintain flexibility in awarding Pell grants to students who are in year-round and accelerated programs, we are not maximizing the impact for the trained and retrained workforce called for by business and industries in our communities," said Dr. Thomas Baynum, the President of Black Hawk College. "I applaud Congresswoman Bustos and Congressman Loebsack for listening to the needs of community college students, and for introducing this important bill today which would increase access to higher education and workforce development programs in our region, and around the country."

Bustos was joined by Dr. Thomas Baynum, the President of Black Hawk College in Moline, on a conference call earlier today announcing the legislation.

Text of the bill can be found HERE and video of Bustos' one minute floor speech can be found HERE.

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09 May 2013

A Message from State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (05/09/2013)(readMedia)-- With graduation season upon us, there is no better time than now to start planning for the future. Whether your children are graduating from grade school or high school, a contribution to their College Savings Iowa 529 Plan account is a great way to show how proud of them you are!

Saving for college is one of the most significant things you can do for a loved one. With the cost of a college education rising faster than inflation, the majority of families will have to plan ahead in order to meet the challenges of paying for their children's higher education. My advice is to start saving early and to save regularly. Even a small amount of money, saved on a regular basis over an extended period of time, can grow into a substantial amount. Saving early may help reduce a family's need to borrow to cover educational expenses, which will help parents - and their children - get through college with less debt.

While any form of saving for college is better than not saving at all, there are advantages to using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa. Administered by the state treasurer's office, College Savings Iowa offers multiple investment choices, including four age-based options that take into account the child's age and the account owner's tolerance for risk. As a general rule, age-based accounts opened for younger beneficiaries are heavily invested in stocks early on; these accounts try to maximize returns by taking advantage of the longer time horizon. As the beneficiary nears college age, the assets are automatically shifted to more conservative portfolios. This allows you to protect your capital and reduce the market risk before you begin making withdrawals for college expenses.

In addition, 529 plans offer significant federal and state tax benefits to help grow your savings even more. Contributions and earnings grow free of federal and Iowa state income taxes while invested and remain tax-free when used to pay for qualified higher education expenses at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. Iowa taxpayers who are participants in College Savings Iowa are also allowed to deduct up to $3,045 in contributions per beneficiary account from their 2013 adjusted gross income.*

With initial and ongoing contribution amounts as low as $25, College Savings Iowa is an affordable way for families to save in order to meet the rising costs of higher education. College Savings Iowa's multiple contribution methods, including electronic investment options that allow you to transfer money directly from an existing checking or savings account, make it easy for busy families to save regularly and manage their accounts.

As a way to help families start saving, we are celebrating 529 College Savings Day on May 29 and giving away a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account. For more information and to enter the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com anytime before May 29.

While a college education is an investment that lasts for a lifetime, the season to save for it is a lot like summer vacation - much shorter than you think. Start saving today and help make college a reality for a child in your life - you'll be glad you did! For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit www.my529iowaplan.com or call 888-672-9116.

* Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

09 May 2013

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO GRADUATES MORE THAN 1,500 STUDENTS IN MAY 11 SPRING COMMENCEMENT

By Dan Benson

Mankato, MN...Minnesota State University, Mankato will graduate more than 1,500 students during spring commencement exercises to be held Saturday, May 11, 2013 in Bresnan Arena at the Taylor Center on the Minnesota State Mankato campus.  Included among the graduates is Jamie Fleetwood of Davenport with a BS in Speech Communication

Undergraduate students receiving recognition include 130 students graduating summa cum laude, 319 students graduating magna cum laude and 245 students graduating cum laude.

Awarded at the undergraduate level will be 31 associate of arts degrees, 147 bachelor of arts degrees, 41 bachelor of fine arts degrees, 1,611 bachelor of science degrees, 100 bachelor of science in engineering degrees, 15 bachelor of arts in athletic training, and 32 bachelor of science in social work degrees.

Graduate level degrees presented will include 111 master of arts degrees, three master of arts in teaching degrees, 13 master of business administration degrees, 31 master of fine arts degrees, two master of music degrees, 16 master of public administration degrees, 184 master of science degrees, one master of social work degree, and 18 specialist in educational leadership degrees.

Advanced degrees include three doctorate of nursing practice degrees, three doctorate of education degrees and two doctorate of psychology degrees. Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with over 15,400 students, is part of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system, which comprises 31 state institutions.

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