University of Illinois Extension McLean County
McLean County Extension News
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/extnews/
For more information, please contact:
McLean County Unit
402 North Hershey Road
Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 309-663-8306 / Fax: 309-663-8270
E-mail: mclean_co@extension.uiuc.edu
The Regional Worldwide Youth in Science Engineering (WYSE) Academic Challenge Regional Competition held Feb. 6 at Illinois State University was a successful day for many area high school students and their schools. The McLean County Community COMPACT, with its partner, Illinois State University hosted the event. Over 200 students from nine area high schools participated in four divisions determined by the school's population. They competed in seven subject areas: biology, chemistry, math, English, computer science, physics and engineering graphics.
This is the sixth year for the WYSE Academic Competition which brings together the areas brightest students for an academic competition designed to send groups of students and individuals students through a regional, sectional and state competition recognizing their schools outstanding educational background and the individual academic talents of students in the area. We have been very fortunate in the past to have both team (school) winners and individual winners at the state level. This year will be no exception as students move to the sectional competition at Bradley University in March or at Knoxville College in Galena on March 15.
The 2004 Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Academic Challenge results sponsored by the McLean County Community Compact are as follows:
Division 300 Results (Those with less than 300 students in their high schools)
Mathematics 1st, Josh Nelson, HHS 2nd, J. Godfrey, HHS 3rd, Ryan Sessions, HHS
English 1st, Sarah Drake, EPHS 2nd, Mandi Kindred, HHS 3rd, Katie McCarron, LHS
Chemistry 1st, Josh Nelson, HHS 2nd, John Gustafson, EPHS 3rd, Sarah Drake, EPHS
Physics 1st, Ryan Sessions, HHS 2nd, E. J. Godfrey, HHS 2nd, David Pignotti, EPHS 3rd, Brittney Lower, HHS 3rd, Holly Ratts, HHS
Biology 1st, Eric Leigh, LxHS 2nd, Mira Coleman, EPHS 2nd, Tyne Payne, LxHS 3rd, Katie McCarron, LHS 3rd, Sara Navis, HHS 3rd, Mark Schuler, LxHS 3rd, Heather Thomas, LxHS
Engineering Graphics 1st, Lucas Cook, HHS 2nd, Jay Marlet, HHS
Computer Fundamentals 1st, Joel Dudley, EPHS 1st, Lance Golliday, LxHS 2nd, Andrew Lown, LxHS 3rd, Eric Leigh, LxHS
Division 300 Team Winners
1st, HHS 2nd, LxHS 3rd, LHS
Division 700 Results
Mathematics 1st, Durga Giridharan, UHS 1st, Tomek Stadnik, UHS 2nd, Nick Timme, UHS 2nd, Patrick Turner, UHS 3rd, Jeff Kerestes, UHS
English 1st, Eric Bill, CCHS 1st, Jeff Kerestes, UHS 2nd, Angela Skinner, CCHS 3rd, Jordon Van Loom, UHS
Chemistry 1st, Jeison Wen, UHS 2nd, Brian Sinn, UHS 3rd, Lori Nichols, UHS
Physics 1st, David Crow, UHS 2nd, Brian Sinn, UHS 2nd, Patrick Turner, UHS 3rd, Michael Gallagher, CCHS 3rd, Durga Giridharan, UHS
Biology 1st, Nick Timme, UHS 2nd, Jenni Kobus, CCHS 3rd, Sarah Swanlund, CCHS
Computer Fundamentals 1st, Jeisun Wen, UHS 2nd, David Crow, UHS 3rd, Lori Nichols, UHS
Division 700 Team Winners
1st, UHS 2nd, CCHS
Division 1500 Results
Mathematics 1st, Kyle Eades, NCWHS 1st, Ryan Rastegar, NCWHS 2nd, Yogitha Potini, NCWHS 3rd, Kara Albert, NCWHS
Physics 1st, Mrutunjaya Mishra, UHS 2nd, Andrew Schini, UHS
Biology 1st, Andrew Schini, UHS 2nd, Kristin Claricoates, UHS 3rd, Jessica Diaz, UHS 3rd, Sarah Peters, UHS
Computer Fundamentals 1st, Phil Slama, UHS 2nd, Tanya Akhmendova, UHS 3rd, Jason Choi, UHS
Unlimited Division
Mathematics 1st, Jon O'Rourke, NCHS 2nd, Peter Overright, NCHS 3rd, Ryan Resetar, NCHS
English 1st, Alex Dale, NCHS 2nd, Molly Scharer, NCHS 3rd, Thomas Rutherford, NCHS
Chemistry 1st, Joe Trimble, NCHS 2nd, Jon O'Rourke, NCHS 3rd, Tyson Hawkins, NCHS
Physics 1st, Joe Trimble, NCHS
Biology 1st, Molly Scharer, NCHS
Computer fundamentals 1st, Peter Overright, NCHS 2nd, Weston Love, NCHS
Normal Community High School (NCHS) Normal Community West High School (NCWHS) Heyworth High School (HHS) University High School (UHS) LeRoy High School (LHS) Lexington High School (LxHS) El Paso High School (EPHS) Central Catholic High School (CCHS) Bloomington High School (BHS)
Congratulations to the many outstanding students from McLean County on their success at the WYSE Regional Competition. Best of luck to all as they move forward to the Sectional and State Competitions this spring.
Revitalizing America Through Community and Economic Development Initiatives
The face of America has been gradually changing for the last century. That change has resulted in continuously growing metropolitan areas that are choked by their population, and small communities that face the hardship of globalization which has an effect on small communities. However, many small towns and cities in America are not willing to allow their communities to become desolate. They want revitalization, they want to emphasize community and economic development, and they want vitality and prosperity while not losing the charm of their local community.
University of Illinois Extension McLean County Community and Economic Development team and McLean County Community COMPACT are dedicated to helping these communities with growth and development. Recently, Emily IntVeld was hired under a special contract with the University of Illinois Extension East Central Region and the McLean County Extension Unit to facilitate community and economic development projects which are in progress in the East Central Region. IntVeld is working with Nigel Austin, CED Educator from the Champaign Extension Center and Sue Bandy, CED Educator in McLean County, on strategic planning, community visioning, and providing technical assistance for interested communities. This group is working with seven projects for community and economic development in McLean County and throughout the East Central Region.
The University of Illinois Extension gets involved when concerned citizens express an interest in addressing the needs and defining the assets of a community. Most often these citizens form volunteer organizations that focus on making the decisions that will lead the community to success, growth and prosperity. Volunteer development groups form to allow for effective participation of community members in the decisions that affect their community's future.
IntVeld is a graduate student at Illinois State University in the politics and government applied community and economic development sequence offered through ISU's Stevenson Center. Emily is completing a year-long practicum which will complete her course requirements for her masters degree from ISU. She has worked for the last year with the McLean County Community COMPACT/ U of I Extension in McLean County as an intern acquiring training in various programs.
We are excited to have Emily IntVeld undertaking this new project, and wish her continued success in the future.
COMPACT Taps New Intern
Dan Wienecke joined the team at the McLean County Community COMPACT/ University of Illinois Extension McLean County in January of 2004 as an ISU student intern. He is a graduate student at Illinois State University working on his master's degree in Applied Community and Economic Development at the Stevenson Center through the department of politics and government.
Dan is originally from Colorado. He loves to travel and has traveled to Western and Eastern Europe seeing the sites that shaped world history. He also visited the Czech Republic and encountered some of the joys and hardships of volunteering in eastern Ukraine.
Before beginning his studies at Illinois State University, he enjoyed a brief stint as an English teacher in South Korea. He also enjoys reading, hiking, dancing, laughing, art, music, history and philosophy. He is excited about working for the McLean County Community COMPACT and University of Illinois Extension, and he is anxious to see where his work, studies and travels will take him. Please feel free to stop by and visit him when you get the chance.
Council Hosts Forum on "No Child Left Behind"
In spite of the freezing winter weather and the early hour, several guests, members of local business leaders, and educators showed their interest in President Bush's "No Child Left Behind" legislation by listening to political candidates and current office holders debate this controversial issue. The meeting, held in the McLean County Farm Bureau Auditorium on Jan. 28 and hosted by the McLean County Community COMPACT, was an opportunity for Illinois political candidates and incumbents to express their opinions on "No Child Left Behind" legislation.
The "No Child Left Behind Act" is a piece of legislation that seeks to establish greater school accountability, to improve the quality of teachers, and allows parents to become more active in education. The panel was composed of a variety of interests including Representative Dan Brady (R-88th District), Kenneth Mauer (D-representing the office of Gery Chico, candidate US Senate), David Gill (D-candidate 15th Congressional District), Debbie Clark (R-representing the office of Senator Bill Brady, 44th District), Ralph Langenheim (D-candidate 15th Congressional District), Tari Renner (D-candidate 11th Congressional District), Charlie Johnston (R-representing the office of Andy McKenna, candidate US Senate), and Christy Rogers (D-representing the office of Senator Dick Durbin). Due to prior obligations Representative Bill Mitchell (R-87th District) and US Senate candidate Jonathan Wright were unable to attend.
At the crux of the debate were the issues of school accountability, funding, and differing approaches to improving the quality of education in Illinois. Each speaker was given not only the opportunity to speak their mind on "No Child Left Behind," but also to explain how they would represent educational issues in Springfield and Washington, D.C., if they are elected to office. The fundamental difference between those candidates in favor of the legislation and those opposed to it were most vocally expressed in regard to how "No Child Left Behind" affects students. On one side of the debate were candidates in support of the legislation who felt that the best way to help students and schools improve is to mark their progress and evaluate schools based on their performance. These candidates also expressed that the best way to bring about change is to compare test results and hold schools accountable for failing grades; a concurrent argument was made that schools in the United States should know their academic rank in order to compete with schools in other countries. Those opposed to the legislation argued that "No Child Left Behind" does not take into account the fact that students and schools face a multitude of challenges, and that individuals learn at different rates. These candidates argued that the "full picture" was not taken into account, that there is not enough funding to support the legislation, and that, eventually, the legislation would be detrimental to the state of education in Illinois, thus causing several schools to eventually fall behind.
The legislative issue sparked lively debate among the candidates and drew considerable interest from those in attendance.The forum was moderated by Regional Superintendent of Schools for McLean, DeWitt and Livingston counties, Larry Daghe, with a number of school administrators representing local education issues on the educators' panel. Composing the panel were Dr. Robert Nielson (superintendent, District 87), Dr. Alan Chapman (superintendent, Unit 5), Jim Miller (superintendent, El Paso), Dr. Charles Hartseil (Director of Mackinaw Valley Special Education), and Eugene Jontry (retired Regional Superintendent for McLean, Livingston, and DeWitt County). After the candidates made their opening remarks and answered a series of pre-selected questions, the Education panel proceeded to ask the candidates questions ranging from the current state of education in Illinois, Governor Blagojevich's "State of the State" speech, and the possibility of developing local control for education.
Overall, the "No Child Left Behind" forum served as an opportunity for political candidates to express their opinions on a critical issue; a chance for state educators to inquire how the legislation will affect their school districts; and for local community members to learn more about the debate and meet the candidates who will shape the future of education in Illinois.
The next McLean County Community COMPACT meeting is scheduled for March 31 at the McLean County Farm Bureau Building Auditorium.
McLean County Community COMPACT Hosts Job Shadowing
Students from Normal West High School were given job-shadowing opportunities in the community on Jan. 8. The McLean County Community COMPACT placed 11 students from Megan Freyman's class in job shadowining roles by looking at the students' career choices and finding placements in those chosen career areas. The students enjoyed the opportunity to spend time during the day with a mentor in the career area they wish to pursue in the future.
Students requested placement in career areas such as child welfare, nursing, corrections, law enforcement, business, car detailing, teaching, mechanics, and cake decorating. Many thanks go out to The Baby Fold, BroMenn Healthcare, Normal Police Department, State Farm Insurance, Ziebart's, McLean County Sheriff's Department, Preferred Automotive, Lexington Elementary School and Cub Foods for hosting the students for the day.
The McLean County Community COMPACT makes opportunities possible each year for as many a 350 students from Tri Valley High School, LeRoy High School, Normal Community West High School, Bloomington Area Vocational Center, and other schools as requested. Teachers are offered job shadowing materials developed by the COMPACT that offers preparation materials including interest inventories, both on paper and on-line, information for parents and students about the expectations of the job shadowing experiences, and evaluations to be used in evaluating the experience.
Job Development Grant Project Receives Encouragement and Support
The Job Development Grant Project, a collaboration between Mackinaw Valley Special Education and McLean County Community COMPACT recently received encouragement and support from two important sources. James Emmitt of the La Grange Area Department of Special Education Vocational Alliance spoke with the Transition Planning Committee (TPC), the board responsible for facilitating the Job Development Grant, about how a similar grant was implemented in the LaGrange area. Mr. Emmitt praised the TPC for their organization and willingness to work together to develop job opportunities for developmentally disabled individuals in the community. Emmitt also supplied the TPC with suggestions for moving forward, working with the business community, training businesses, and working for more inclusive workplaces for persons with developmental disabilities.
Following the Transition Planning Committee, Emmitt was invited to speak to the Workforce Issues Committee of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Emmitt described how essential support from the business community will make this effort successful. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is planning to make an initiative like the Job Development Grant Project a priority this year. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce was very receptive to the project and has agreed to work with the TPC, and the grant administrators, in order to address, train and educate business members to resolve workforce issues involving people with developmental disabilities.
McLean County Community COMPACT would like to thank all the businesses, schools, and community members who are participating in this important project. If you, or your business would like more information please contact Emily IntVeld or Sue Bandy at the COMPACT office at 309-663-8306.
UNITY Community Center "A New Year, A New UNITY"
One-year anniversary coming soon!
Boy how time flies. Yes UNITY Community will be one year old in May.
For this event we will be showcasing all that the UNITY youth participants have learned from programs.
The youth of UNITY have already been planning for this event.
O A Teen Biz is planning on setting up the concession stands with hot dogs, popcorn, lemonade, and cotton candy. Anyone knowing where we can get a popcorn and cotton candy machine let us know.
Certain Kind of Soul is planning the produce stand for the summer. Our Master Gardeners are coming back in March to begin classes on gardening to plant the garden.
All programs will be either doing a display table and/or performing for this event.
This is going to be a GREAT celebratory event and we hope you will join us as we celebrate one year of being open and providing great FREE programs to local youth.
A Block Party is being planned and UNITY youth participants will showcase what they have done in the past year.
Thank you to: the following for fulfilling most of our UNITY wish list:
Mr. Robert Schaumburg.-U of I Extension Council
Mary Ellen Griffith-U of I Extension Council Member
Encyclopedias and other research resources. (received)
Reading tapes w/books, CD ROM, Leap Frog, etc.
Internet Access-DSL
Computer speakers-5 sets
Answering machine
Microwave-(received)
Small Refrigerator-(received)
Guest Speakers-Monthly
1-15 passenger van
A UNITY sign on building.
Did You Know?
UNITY youth choir performed at the Martin Luther King Celebration held at Illinis Wesleyan University. The youth sang "Siyahamba." in South African Language.
Extension Update
The Mother's of Multiples Organization... Enjoyed a program by Extension educator Mary Ann Fugate on a cold wintery January night. Extension travels to great lengths to deliver programs! The topic was How to Organize our Lives to Make Our Home Life Easier. Helpful tips were given on organizing household chores, grocery shopping and general organization in the home.
The Mother's of Multiples meets at the Calvary United Methodist Church on the first Thursday of the month.
Other Moms Groups who see this notice are welcome to schedule programs provided by Extension in Nutrition, Family Life, and Consumer Issues.
