In a world where video games, computers, and cell phones are replacing bike rides and capture the flag, it's not surprising that our children are not reaching recommended levels of physical activity.  Nearly 10 million children and adolescents in the United States ages 6 to 19 are considered overweight, and one of the factors having a dramatic impact is physical activity - or lack thereof.  Even First Lady Michelle Obama has gotten involved, joining in the Let's Move campaign - America's Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids.  "Exercise is not an option," Obama said during a recent interview with AOL Health senior editor Jennifer Fields.  "For our kids to be successful academically, they need to be successful physically."

Running, as well as other sports, helps kids gain health and maturity, inspiring self-respect and sportsmanship.  Rivermont Collegiate is hosting a unique cross country event on Saturday, Oct. 16th for runners in grades 5-8.  This exciting event will have athletes completing a 2 mile course around the Rivermont campus - featuring varied terrain of grass and pavement.  Rivermont is located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi, so there will be challenging hills, as well!  Over 30 students from local Quad City Conference schools will be participating, with volunteers directing them around the unique course.  The race begins at 9:00 a.m., with check-in beginning at 8:15 a.m.  Rivermont is located at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf, directly off 18th Street behind K & K Hardware.  Join us to cheer on these young runners as they rise to the challenge!

For more information on the Let's Move! campaign, visit www.letsmove.gov

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.

Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, non-sectarian PS-12th grade college preparatory school.  Visit us online at www.rvmt.org!

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If you've been watching NBC at all this week, it's been hard to miss - Education Nation!  This nationally broadcast, in-depth conversation about improving education in America is exploring our educational "ecosystem", where 68% of eighth-graders can't read at grade level, one-third drop out of high school, and another third aren't college-ready when they graduate.  Education Nation's mission is to gather parents, teachers, and students with leaders in politics, business, and technology for enlightened discussion of potential solutions in education.  As you take in the thought-provoking coverage of Education Nation this week, consider exploring the educational options available in your community!

Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college preparatory school, serving preschool through twelfth grade.  As an independent school, Rivermont offers faculty the freedom to create education experiences that meet individual student needs, with vast options in choosing curriculum.  100% of Rivermont graduates are accepted to four-year colleges and universities, with over 90% earning four-year renewable merit scholarships ($1.4 million in 2009).  Our close-knit school community creates a supportive learning environment that nurtures individuality and curiosity, while encouraging students to express ideas, share perspectives, and think critically.

Join us for Open Tours the first Tuesday of every month to explore the Rivermont approach to learning!  The next Open Tour will be held Tuesday, October 5th from 8:30-10:00 a.m.  No appointment necessary!  Drop in to explore our philosophy and curriculum, take a tour of campus, see our teachers in action, and get answers to all your questions about Rivermont.

For additional information on Education Nation coverage, including NBC programming and numerous interactive resources, visit www.educationnation.com

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate or Tuesday's Open Tours, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org

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Thursday, September 23, 2010

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today joined fellow foster youth advocates to release new data showing the educational playing field is not level for children in foster care, whose academic careers are often affected by multiple school relocations.  Grassley is founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth and ranking member of the Finance Committee, with jurisdiction over foster care programs.

"One of the primary goals of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth is to get these kids involved in shaping the policy that affects them," Grassley said.  "We've heard firsthand from foster youth how hard it is to stay in the same school. A foster youth might get a new placement that's a few miles from his current school, yet have to switch schools because of school district rules. New schools don't always accept paperwork from the old school. Congress needs to look at whatever can be done to ease the burden on these kids and help them make healthy, lasting connections. And we'll continue to hear from the kids themselves as we move forward on policy."

Grassley joined a news conference held by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute and Fostering Media Connections to release preliminary findings from a pilot program showing that foster youth in four counties in California are less likely than their closely matched peers and the general student population to achieve proficiency in English and math at all grade levels.

As one of the principal drafters of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 - the most significant foster youth legislation to become law in recent years -- Grassley supported provisions to promote stability in educational placements for youth in foster care.

Earlier this year, Grassley spearheaded a request from the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth to the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee encouraging the committee to hear from foster youth in hearings on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The committee agreed and heard testimony from a former foster youth.

To watch video of Grassley's remarks at today's press conference, please click here.

Third Reduction in Three Years

DES MOINES, IA (09/22/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan has reduced expenses for plan participants by one third. The annual asset-based fee on the plan's entire lineup of investment options has been reduced from 0.50% to 0.34%. The reduction will become effective on October 15, 2010.

College Savings Iowa makes it simple by offering all of its thirteen investment options at the same affordable price. With no additional account fees, the plan's all-in 0.34% expense puts it among the most competitive 529 plans available to college savers nationwide.

"College Savings Iowa has grown to over $2.2 billion in assets due to its nationwide appeal," Fitzgerald stated. "That growth has given us the ability to continue to lower the expenses, which allows investors to keep more money working toward their college savings goals."

The plan has a history of lowering expenses; since 2007, a series of expense reductions have lowered the all-in costs of each of the plan's investment options from 0.62% to 0.34% today.

"We're pleased to help deliver savings to College Savings Iowa investors," said Vanguard Chairman and CEO Bill McNabb.

College Savings Iowa has continually received high marks from organizations rating 529 plans across the nation, including Savingforcollege.com and Morningstar, which each rate 529 plans across the nation. Additionally, HLN money expert Clark Howard recently named the 529 plan as one of the top three in the country.

College Savings Iowa is designed to provide families a tax-advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. The plan lets anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - invest for college. Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $2,811 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income in 2010.* Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and room and board at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.** Participants in College Savings Iowa can also take advantage of Upromise®, which enables families to earn cash rewards from their everyday spending.*** For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.