ROTARY WHEEL for March 6th 2012
ROTARY WHEEL for March 6th 2012
Editor: Joe Willis
March Off-Sight Meeting Location Calendar
March 6th Glen Oaks WDM
March 13 Sheraton in WDM
March 20 Johnny's Hall of Fame on Court Ave. DSM (Discuss Farmer's Market)
March 27 Sheraton in WDM
LAST WEEK 02-27-12:
Our own WDM Rotary member and Superintendent of the WDM School District, Dr. Peter Ansingh, presented an overview of challenges and opportunities for the WDM educational system.
Peter replaced Tom Narak who retired in 2011. Peter is a Dutch immigrant moving to the U.S. when he was four years old, and grew up outside Seattle, Washington. While working on his engineering degree in Wyoming, he switched to a teaching degree at the University of Wyoming. After two years of teaching in Wyoming, he became school superintendent. He eventually migrated back to the state of Washington where he spent the last 20 years before taking the position here in WDM. His wife, Pam, will officially move here in March.
WDM Educational Challenges
Leadership: Changes not only included Peter, but his associate superintendent and several new Schools Board Members.
Demographics: Expanded territory and language barriers.
Budget: Looking at no growth from the state in 2012 and 2% for 2013.
Reform-Blue print of three focus areas:
-Teachers and Qualifications
-State Standards and assessments for students to earn a diploma
-Innovations such as chartered schools
NCLB (No Child Left Behind): By 2014, objective is to have every student become 100% proficient in math and science by the time they graduate.
Opportunities
WDM is a successful school district and we don’t want to lose that status. We have 14 schools: Nine elementary, Two Junior High and three high schools.
Goal is consistency starting at the elementary level, so that the transition to junior high and then to high school is as smooth as possible for the student. Some schools will receive tailored resources to meet demographic needs.
“Time on Task” –Some kids need more time and effort to comprehend material in certain areas compared to other students. Goal is to have teachers available to help such students, without lowering the standards of the class or curriculum for the other students.
We need to keep better students challenged and help those (time) that find a subject challenging. Quality of the teacher will be integral in keeping these issues in the cross hairs.
Three-Minute Speaker/Sgt. At Arms
Larry Everett is in insurance sales and service with Krist Insurance Agency in WDM. He and his wife, Mary, of 28 years have three sons. The oldest, Van, is in his last semester of law school with an employment opportunity already in hand. Middle son, Jake, is in a special needs program at Valley High School. Their youngest son, Broc, is a Junior at Valley and plays golf, track and baseball. He sang the National Anthem at the last home basketball game for Valley.
Larry is active with Sacred Heart Church. He and his oldest son, Van, are Eagle Scouts. Jason Wolfe introduced him to WDM Rotary Club membership.
Announcements
The Taco Boys are Going South of the Border Again!
Tom Narak and Tom George are preparing for their trip to Xicotepc, Mexico March 10th to March 18th. Most of us already know this is to help a local community with the educational infrastructure. This includes better housing, water, uniforms, shoes and learning materials.
Donations
We are still looking for donations to help this cause. If you want to contribute a tax-deductible donation for this, please make a check payable to WDM Rotary Service Fund and give it to Harold Hulleman. For example, $60.00 will provide one child with two uniforms and pair of shoes.
Bicycle Donations
Per below details, please sign up or contact Harold Hulleman (720-6510) if you can help.
Need volunteers to help with giving the bikes to kids. We want to work in pairs when sizing the kids for the right bike and helmet, including any adjustments. Harold, Bob Start and others have prepared these donated bikes for road use.
Each school has discretely targeted the kids in need. Now the time has come to give these special gifts away to the kids.
Wednesday, March 7th: Clive Elementary 1600 73rd St. Windsor Heights (25 bikes)
Wednesday, March 14th: Crestview Elementary 8355 Franklin Ave. Clive, IA (23 bikes)
Time for Each Day: 1:00PM to 2:30PM
Mentors for Crestview Elementary Students
Crestview has made a request for 6-8 mentors to spend about an hour a week with a student. Please let the board know if you have an interest.
District 600 Conference
April 12th to 14th. More details upon request.
Big Band Music at Java Joe’s
Bob Start and the CJC Big Band will be performing “Singer’s Summit 3”.
Where: Java Joe’s 214 4th St. DSM, IA
When: Sunday, March 18th from 2:00PM to 4:00PM.
Cost: FREE!