Youth and Education
Pre-college programs exposes youth to college experience
Getting an early taste of college encourages young people to stay in school and continue their education.
That's one reason the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a variety of pre-college programs throughout the school year as well as in the summer, says Pamela Clark, executive director TRIO and Pre-College Programs.
The office oversees programs that are funded through the federal and state grants as well as through the university. Some are open to all; others are targeted to students of certain schools, first-generation students, or economically disadvantaged students. The Pre-College Programs even have options for adults who need some extra support as they explore the possibility of returning to school. Programs provide a variety of services. These Pre-College programs can offer courses to improve academic skills, tutoring or mentoring, campus visits, assistance with counseling, career planning, financial aid applications, and ACT test preparation.
For a complete list of programs, eligibility requirements, registration forms and deadlines and other information, check out the UWM TRIO and Pre-College Program Web site at www.triopc.uwm.edu. You can also call the program's main office at 229-2645.
The site also includes links to other pre-college programs offered through individual departments and schools.
A few examples of TRIO and Pre-College programs:
The Future Leaders Program (FLP) provides academic and social support services to students leading to positive educational outcomes in high school and college. After completing the program, participants will be prepared to meet the requirements for admission to UWM.
The intense two-week summer residential program engages potential UWM Students in English, math and science classes in the focus areas of business or accounting. This summer program serves as a continuation to the year-round component. The Future Leaders Program is closely tied to UWM's Access to Success program.
The Quest program for middle and high school students encourages minority and low-income students to attend schools in the UW System. Students receive academic support in their current work and get a chance to learn about different majors and possible careers.
Talent Search, for students ages 11 to 27, identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education.
The Saturday Academy, held each fall and spring, helps middle school students explore their interests and talents and improve their learning skills in preparation for college.
The ACT Preparation Class (grades 11 and 12) and the ACT Test Taking Experience (grades 10-12) are designed to help high school students prepare for and get some actual practice in taking the ACT, a pre-college admission test required by many colleges and universities.
The Upward Bound program for high school students offers both summer classes and academic year programs for students with the potential for college success. This program also offers special sections focusing exclusively on mathematics and science.
SDC offers preschool programs
September is quickly approaching and that means back-to-school time.
Sign-up is underway for a free preschool program offered across Milwaukee County. The Head Start program of the Social Development Commission (SDC) gives children between the ages of three and five a jump-start on life.
Head Start offers academic preparation, social skills, medical and dental screenings, and parental involvement at no charge for income-eligible families.
One young parent bringing her child to SDC's Head Start program is Katrina White. Katrina has enrolled her daughter Preonna at SDC's Head Start 78th Street site for the coming school year. She said she learned about the program from a friend who has two children enrolled in the program.
Information on enrolling in SDC Head Start can be obtained by calling 414-906-2777 or visiting the SDC website at www.cr-sdc.org.
Employees collecting supplies
Employees at the Martin Luther King Drive office of M&I Bank are collecting school supplies for the Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School as part of M&I Community Day, a nationwide mobilization of M&I employees to benefit the communities in which they work.
The collection of school supplies will run from August 27 through September1.
The general public, as well as M&I customers and employees, are invited to donate school supply items in the lobby of the M&I Bank office located at 2745 N Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee during regular banking hours.
"Identifying needs in the community--and working together to meet them--is a focus for M&I employees year-round," said Mark Furlong, president and CEO of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation. "Reflecting this commitment, M&I Community Day provides a unique opportunity for thousands of M&I employees to be part of a corporate-wide effort to support the communities we serve."
M&I Community Day was launched in 2001, and since its inception, thousands of people have benefited from the efforts of M&I employees.
Pens, books offered
County Supervisor Toni Clark and the Office Depot Foundation will provide school supplies to the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, Running Rebels and Daniels-Mardak Boys and Girls Club today.
"This is a wonderful program and I look forward to working with the foundation in the future," Clarke said.
Five-year-old Aniyah Johnson showed off her Bill Hall bobble doll during a break in the action at the 620 WTMJ Brewers Block Party Saturday. The block party was the third in a series of events sponsored by the Brewers this summer and drew several thousand children to St. Paul Ave, northeast of Miller Park. In addition to players like Hall, Ben Sheets and Francisco Cordero, the event featured Bernie Brewe, the World Famous Klement Racing Sausages and other local dignitaries. (photo by Harry Kemp)
How you can help a child this school year
by Lynn Stewart
Last week's article focused on how youth and adults could work together to insure a successful educational experience this new school year. This week's article will further expound upon making that
concept happen by seeking the assistance of our community.
We, as a community, must always be aware of the fact that "it takes a whole village to raise a child."
I challenge all adults in Milwaukee-- individually or collectively--to make sure our children re-turn to school in a few weeks equipped with everything they need to have a successful 2007-2008 school year experience.
Here are a few ways individuals or organizations can make this happen: 1). Purchase at least one or more school supplies for at least one or more youth.
2). Buy at least one item of clothing or more. This clothing may be socks, undergarments, jackets, hats, gloves, shirts, etc.
3). Purchase individual packages of juice, granola bars, cereal or fruit cups for one or more youth. You would be surprised at how many children go to school hungry. A child cannot learn on an empty stomach. Breakfast is the most important meal.
I hope you decide to take me up on my challenge. You never know, by doing so you might be the vessel that helps make this a super school year for some child.
LaVarnway to celebrate 50th anniversary
Former 15th Street Boys, Girls Club influenced thousands
It is hard to imagine helping raise countless numbers of kids and teens, but that is exactly what all the staff and volunteers of the Augusta M. LaVarnway Boys & Girls Club (formerly Boys Club) have done for 50 years.
On Friday, August 24, past and present LaVarnway members – and the public – are invited to celebrate the Club’s 50th birthday at a block party along N. 15th St., between Center and Hadley Streets from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. It is open to all ages.
"We’re very excited. The birthday celebration has been in the works for some time," says Gerald McGregory, the executive director of Augusta M. LaVarnway Branch. "Thanks to our planning committee, the birthday celebration will feature food, music, carnival games, tours of the Club and a few other surprises along the way."
Since 1957, the Augusta M. LaVarnway Boys & Girls Club, located at 2739 N. 15 St., has been a north side landmark and a second home to thousands of youth. It is the oldest operating facility of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. Originally called the 15th Street Boys Club, it was renamed in 1964 to the Augusta M. LaVarnway Boys Club after a wealthy real estate business woman whose estate made a substantial gift to the Milwaukee Boys Club. In 1984, with the inclusion of girls as members, it became known as the Augusta M. LaVarnway Boys & Girls Club. Its programming is based upon the Boys & Girls Clubs’ six core service areas: character & leadership development, education & career development, health & life skills, arts & culture and sports, fitness and recreation.
"Many of LaVarnway’s alumni have shared with me how much the Club and people like Sam Williams, its long-time former branch executive director, meant to them," says Jim Clark, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. "And it continues today. The Augusta M. LaVarnway Boys & Girls Club, its staff and volunteers represent what I mean by ‘deepening the impact’: they help our kids develop the attitudes, skills, values and behaviors for personal success."
Local notable alumni such as former Milwaukee Bucks Coach Terry Porter, Dr. Howard Fuller of the Institute for the Transformation of Learning at Marquette University, Aldermen Willie Wade and Willie Hines, Common Council President, Northcott Neighborhood House Executive Director Mac Arthur Weddle and Dr. Adella Deacon are among the thousands of men and women who were positively influenced as Club members. They attribute their success to the adults who listened, encouraged them while providing them with a secure environment to have fun and learn.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is the oldest and largest youth-serving agency in Milwaukee. It offers after-school and evening programming for children ages 6-18, focusing on those who have major life obstacles, most often poverty. The Clubs operate six branches and 23 school sites including Hadfield Elementary School in Waukesha, and Camp Whit-comb/Mason near Hartland. Membership to the Clubs is only $5 per year, per child, but no one is ever-turned away based on ability to pay.
For more details about the Augusta M. LaVarnway Boys & Girls Club’s 50th Birthday Celebration, call (414) 372-6810.
Preparing for school
As parents are getting their children ready to go back to school, state health officials are encouraging parents to add health and safety lessons to their list of things to do.
"Going back to school is an exciting and fun time," Dr. Sheri Johnson, State Health Officer said. "Preparing for the school year can help students make the most of their educational experience. Parents need to make sure that they are not only buying school supplies but also checking to make sure their kids are up-to-date with their immunizations and physical health check-ups."
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep track of each immunization visit, and to ask their health care provider about how to access their child’s immunization records through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. Vaccinations are recommended not only for children entering grades K-12, but also for college students, particularly those freshmen living in dorms. These students should consider vaccination to protect against meningitis and hepatitis B.
"Childhood immunization is one of the easiest and most important things we can do to make sure our children grow up healthy and free from the effects of serious, vaccine-preventable diseases," said Johnson.
Before school begins, it is also a good idea to consider having your child see your health care provider for a physical health check up. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your school-age child have a complete history and physical exam, including weight and height, blood pressure, hearing and vision screening, and prevention counseling at least every two years. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association (WIAA) also has a requirement for a sports physical for children who want to participate in school sports.
In addition to taking your child to the doctor to make sure they are healthy, you should also promote a health lifestyle.
Eating healthy, being active and getting enough sleep go hand-in-hand with good learning.
Children who eat healthy
foods, have regular meals--including breakfast--and are active for at least 60 minutes each day are more likely to be successful. Parents and older children should pack lunches that are easy to prepare, healthy and fun to eat.
"Getting to school safely is also important," Johnson said. "If your area does not have crossing guards available,
consider establishing a Safe Routes to School Program in your neighborhood."
If your child will be biking to school, teach them that they always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride. Also teach your child about basic bike safety rules, such as:
o Riding on the correct side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.
o Using appropriate hand signals.
o Paying attention to traffic lights and stop signs.
o Wearing bright colored clothing so drivers see them.
If your child is taking a bus to school, teach your child safety measures. They should never walk behind the bus, and if they must cross the street, they should walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps or 10 feet ahead of the bus before crossing. Be sure that the bus driver can see them, and they can see the bus driver.
While purchasing school supplies for your child, remember to consider the limits of backpacks, which are often heavy to use. To prevent back pain, choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the child's total body weight. Have your child always use both straps because slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles and may increase curvature of the spine.
For information on any of the health topics mentioned here, visit these web sites:
o The Wisconsin Immunization Program http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/immunization
o Healthy eating and being active http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/health/physicalactivity/index.htm
o General information about children’s health and safety http://www.aap.org/parents.html
o Walk to school safety tips http://www.usa.safekids.org/walk-to-school/safetyTips.html
o Safe Routes to School http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/aid/saferoutes-toolkit.htm
o Riding a bus to school safety tips http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/safesobr/15qp/web/sbsb.html
o Bicycling safety tips http://www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/vehicle/bicycle/index.htm
o School health programs and related student services http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/index.html
Workshop for grandparents set
AARP Wisconsin, AT&T and a host of community partners are sponsoring a free workshop and resource fair to help grandparents and others who are caring for a child the second time around.
The event, titled "Grandparenting Summit 2007: Parenting the Second Time Around!" is designed specifically to provide information and valuable resources that can help these caregivers navigate the services available to their families. It will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, at Heart Love Place Ministries, 3229 N. King Dr.
This event is free. Childcare and lunch will be provided, along with bus passes. Free door prize drawings, for gifts such as overnight hotel accommodations, Green Bay Packer memorabilia, and gift cards, will be held throughout the day.
Register by calling toll free 1-866-448-3611. Ask for extension 6317.
"AARP Wisconsin, along with all of our community partners are so pleased to be able to gather all of these amazing resources in one location in order to help caregivers in the Milwaukee area," said Jeanne Benink, AARP Wisconsin's state program coordinator.
"These caregivers play such an important role in the lives of so many children. We can't emphasize enough how important it is to give them the support and tools they need."
The event will begin with a resource fair, a general welcome, and several sessions and workshops focusing on issues such as "the importance of nutrition in the family" and "caregivers as influencers of their child."
The event will conclude with a grand prize drawing and a thank you to all vendors, participants and sponsors.
