Grant to MCCC will Aid College Completion

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Montgomery County Community College:

Montgomery County Community College has received a $100,000 grant to build on the success of a financial literacy prototype, developed as part of the inaugural Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) Breakthrough Models Incubator (BMI) cohort.

Last May, MCCC was one of seven institutions selected for the inaugural cohort.

Each institution received $50,000 to design and launch a technology-based support program, specifically created to improve completion rates, the quality of student learning and the time it takes for degree completion.

In April, each of the seven institutions from the initial cohort received the next phase of funding, $100,000, made possible by a grant from EDUCAUSE through Next Generation Learning Challenges.

After participating in NGLC’s three-day workshop in July, MCCC’s team of eight faculty and staff was given three months to develop a prototype based on the College’s initial proposal to improve first-time students’ understanding of financial, civic, and digital literacies through the creation of a “New Literacy” Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).

“Students cite ‘financial concerns’ as the top reason for dropping out of courses, especially during the first two weeks of a semester. Therefore, in order to make significant gains in student retention and completion, we must first improve our students’ understanding of financial literacy,” said Karen A. Stout, president, MCCC.

MCCC's West Campus in Pottstown.

“Our team has done outstanding work in building a pilot that has already helped hundreds of students strengthen their understand the financial aid process,” she said.

After engaging students through focus groups and surveys, MCCC developed “Montco Money Matters,” a module that introduces students to the concept of paying for college.

By working with content, media, technology and design experts from across MCCC, the team produced a multi-channel module that includes video displays, social media and face-to-face engagement, along with an online course-like experience.

The 30-minute, self-guided program introduces students to concepts of financial aid, loans and grants; highlights the long-term implications of loans and future debt; and makes them aware of other resources, like scholarships, to help pay for college.

The program incorporates open-source and original content, including a computer-generated tour guide, short video clips featuring actual MCCC students, and links to off-campus resources that allow students to delve further into topics of interest.

A total of 425 students actively engaged in the pilot program during a seven-week period during the fall 2013 semester.

Of those, 95 percent of students who provided feedback indicated they will recommend the online resources to others, and 80 percent said the course will influence future academic decisions.

In addition, feedback revealed that student loans and scholarship information were the most valuable topics covered, and money management is a topic on which many students would like more information.

With the prototype completed and funding secured, MCCC’s next step is to build out additional modules under the umbrella of financial literacy.

These modules could address topics such as cash management, budgeting, shopping for textbooks, transportation, loans and debt, among others.

The College also hopes to make “Montco Money Matters” accessible to school districts within Montgomery County and to the general population at large.

In addition to Montgomery, six other selected schools are part of the inaugural NGLC BMI cohort, including Austin Peay State University, Ball State University, Charter Oak State College, SUNY-Empire State College, Harper College and the University of Maryland-University College.

Tax Hikes and Raises in Pottstown Schools

What follows below, in the Tweets from last night's Pottstown School Board meeting, is a story you've seen many times before.

It's a story of a school board about to adopt a $56 million budget with a 2.9% tax hike and a 5.6% increase in spending which attracts no attention.

Resident Bruce Madera was the only member of the public to attend the meeting and speak about the budget, and he was there mostly because he tried to get the opinions of more board members and administrators, but only two called him back -- Superintendent Jeff Sparagana and board member Thomas Hylton.

Also quietly under contemplation at the same time the board is considering a budget that will mean unemployment for 11 people, mostly teachers aides, are votes to increase the salaries of mid-level administrators by 1.5 percent and support staff by 2 percent.

There was no public discussion of this, and Business Manager Linda Adams, whose salary will likely increase 1.5 percent to $137,000 after the board votes Monday, said the list of employees affected is not ready, despite being approved by the personnel committee last Thursday.

What was ready, with hourly rates for all to see, was four-and-a-half pages of stipends for "substitute van assistants, tutors and summer cleaners."

Funny how that works.

Raises for higher-paid administrators were part of an exhibit not made available to the public and not yet ready for even the board, who must vote Monday on those raises.

Either they are trying to hide something, or they're not.

Which is worse?

School Board President Judyth Zahora said Thursday night she is frustrated that only 10 percent of those eligible vote in elections.

Wonder if she can guess what the other 90 percent might be frustrated about.

Here are the Tweets from the meeting.

As always, hit the blue "read more" bar to make sure you see every single one....you wouldn't want to miss anything.

Girls on the Run

Barth's Girls on the Run after the race at Wissahickon High School.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Barth Elementary School

How many third and fourth grade girls do you know who would spend 12 weeks training so they could run in a 3.1 mile race?

At Barth Elementary School, the count is 22 students who took part in the “Girls On The Run” program.

GOTR is designed to allow every girl to recognize her inner strength. 

The Girls On The Run curriculum inspires girls to define their lives on their own terms. 

Barth's Ariana Torres is having fun on the run.

Throughout the season, the girls make new friends, build their confidence, and celebrate all that makes them unique.

High school guidance counselor Sarah Blaum, who is one of the program organizer, said, “The girls are learning to work together to help and support each other, to listen to their own bodies, and to listen to their coaches but most importantly to believe in themselves.”

“The 12 week program has three purposes which include life skill lessons, community service projects, and training for the 5K race,” said Barth Principal Ryan Oxenford.

The program was supported through generous donations by grant funding from different sources that included the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, First Presbyterian Church, and Chester County Running Store. 

Blaum said, “Our parents have been so supportive in helping with transportation issues for the girls after practice. This truly has been a collaborative effort of GOTR staff, community members, Pottstown School District staff, parents, and students.”

One parent noted the positive difference that participation in the program has provided when she said, “I’m so amazed with this awesome program. I have never seen my daughter so ambitious about something. She strives for perfection in almost everything she does and this program is teaching her so much it’s beautiful to see.”

On a sunny spring day in May the 22 girls, along with their coaches and volunteers, participated in the 3.1 mile race held at Wissahickon High School. The event, which attracted over 1800 participants from across Montgomery and Delaware counties, was the final chapter in the girls’ journey. 

The lessons the girls learned helped them not only complete the race but realize their potential as leaders in the classroom and the community.

Barth Elementary School was the scene of an afterschool celebration attended by all of the girls, their coaches, family members, and supporters. The girls received certificates and a personalized school bag with a journal and pictures of each of them participating in the program.

Oxenford said, “This program has enabled these young ladies to realize the potential they have to be successful through individual effort and teamwork. I am proud of them and appreciate the many volunteer coaches who helped to make this program a success.”

Volunteer coaches included: Sarah Blaum – PHS; Sarah Paul –Barth; Rachel Pollock – Barth; Mary Anderson – Barth; Jennifer Burkholder – Barth; Matthea Mazzie – Barth; Ashley Lanyon – Barth volunteer; Megan Walsh – Barth volunteer; Helen Bowers – PHS; and Melissa Schubert – PHS.

Participants included: Amber Adamski, Gianna Allen, Jenia Brown, Khaia Burgess, Mia Caballero-Vega, Josie Chladek, Hannah Jane Daniels, Margaret DiPietro, Lily Fetterman, Sanai Greene-Brinkley, Jazmin Gulick, Brianna Higgins, Makenzie Johnson, Aniyah Jones, Chasey Jules, Kylee Kennon, Jocelyn Malauulu, Mackenzie Moser, Kira Rodriguez, Ariana Torres, Chakae Tinson, and Oralee Wilson.

Flag-Waving Fun at Star-Spangled Sunnybrook

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Sunnybrook Ballroom.

Kick-off your July 4th week family celebration at the historic SunnyBrook Ballroom.

Use the courts to play some basketball and volleyball. 

Play a game of horseshoes. 

Have an All-American hotdog or hamburger from the outside grill. 

(Bring and display your classic or vintage car and receive a free sandwich.) 

The fun starts at noon. Then, at 2 p.m. join the crowd in the ballroom for a rousing flag-waving (flag provided) concert of patriotic music with an area favorite the Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit. 

Tickets for the concert are $10; children 6-12 $5; children under 6 are free. 

 Tickets can be purchased on our website at www.thesunnybrookballroom.net.

The Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit formed in 1976 as an all-volunteer, family oriented marching unit. From its first performance in the nation’s Bicentennial Celebration to its latest concert the band has been active throughout the northeast.

More about the band: http://bamu.webs.com

Formed in 2004 to save the historic 20,000 square foot ballroom from the wrecking ball, the SunnyBrook Foundation operates the venue as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. 

Reopened in 2008 as an entertainment venue through the work of scores of community volunteers, the facility’s fine dining restaurant and Chummy’s Lounge reopened in 2011. 

During the heyday of big band music, the historic ballroom was a regular stop on the tours of all of the era’s big bands. Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra are just a few of the names of nationally known performers who filled the room with the music of the era.

The venue continues to host community meetings, political rallies, weddings, wedding receptions, class and family reunions, high school proms, and other events.

Fun in the Sun

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Pottstown Middle School

Pottstown Middle School fifth grade students took a break from their regular academic classroom subjects to take part in an afternoon of physical activities designed to challenge their agility, stamina, and ability to work as a team. 

There was a home-run derby.

The program was organized and designed by fifth grade teachers Mike DiDonato and Mandy Langdon.

The students participated in the activities held in the school district stadium. 

They took part in the standard outdoor activities such as the 50 yard dash, baton relay race, and long jump. 

They were challenged with new activities such as the fastest draw in the west which challenged students to gain possession of flags that each student was issued. 

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you ... Frisbee."

Field events included a home run derby, sack race, tug of war, football toss, and soccer goal kick. 

DiDonato said, “These activities are all part of our school district-wide energizer activities - the goal of which are to help stimulate students’ academic progress.”

As the afternoon wore on, students enjoyed a refreshing sponge and pool relay race and all received popsicles to refresh them.

Mrs. Langdon said, “I am proud to have members of our Centurion Club assist in the organization and administration of these games. Without their help, we would not have been able to have these activities.”

“Our students have benefited greatly this year from our school district’s emphasis on understanding the relationship between healthy bodies and healthy minds,” said Principal Matt Boyer.

Fun in the sack.

West Pottsgrove Community Day

West Pottsgrove Township will hold a Community Day on Saturday, June 21 at the community pool on 953 Von Steuben Dr.

Admission to the pool will cost only $1, with $1 burgers, $1 hot dogs and $1 drinks.

There will be displays from the police and fire departments, community organizations, DJ entertainment and games all day and the community band will perform from 4 to 5 p.m.

There will also be a flea market and yard sale area available for a $5 donation, although you must bring your own table.

For more information, contact the township office at 610-323-7717.

It's Never Too Late for Education

GED graduates stand with faculty, staff and community supporters.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Montgomery County Community College.

Forty-five students earned their General Education Diplomas (GED) during Montgomery County Community College’s annual graduation ceremony on June 5 at the West Campus in Pottstown.

The graduates were part of MCCC’s rigorous five-week program that is among the most accelerated in the state. 

According to GED Program Coordinator/Instructor Raymond Ricketts, 860 students have completed the program since its inception in 2006–an 84 percent graduation rate. 

Student speaker Jamie Gehman, a Lower Pottsgrove resident, 

addresses her fellow graduates

The Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) funds the program, which is free to Montgomery County residents. 

The fee for out-of-county students is $100 and includes the course and GED exam. 

John Vestri, vice president of operations and finance for Video Ray in Pottstown, provided the keynote address. 

He commended graduates for taking ownership of their education, and encouraged them to take advantage of all future educational opportunities that arise. 

“Every single you chance you have to improve yourself through education, please take advantage of it. It will pay off in some way in the long run,” said Vestri. 

He added that there is “no such thing as a traditional education,” sharing “we all pursue what works for us; everyone is on some non-traditional path.” 

Providing the student address, graduate Jamie Gehman, Lower Pottsgrove, said the program “allowed me to focus on my problem area—math—and pass the GED with flying colors.” 

Gehman described how it became more and more difficult to return to school as time passed. 

However, as her youngest of four children started kindergarten this year, she realized it was time to continue her own education as well. 

“It’s never too late to give yourself or your loved ones a brighter future through education,” she shared. 

Gehman recently completed her first semester at the College, during which she earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA). She ultimately hopes to work with children who have learning challenges and brain trauma. 

Marisol Lezcano, executive director of the Montgomery County WIB and deputy director of commerce, presented the graduates with their diplomas, and Peggy Schmidt, chair, WIB Youth Council, provided closing remarks. 

“I’m sure, as you have gone through this journey, people told you that you couldn’t do it. But your hard work paid off,” she said, just before asking attendees to join her in reciting the lyrics to “High Hopes.” 

To learn more about the GED program or GED testing services, visit mc3.edu/adm-fin-aid/ged.