PRNewswire/ -- Wren, a provider of enterprise video management solutions since 1983, announced today that it will donate $10,000 over the next four years to establish a scholarship fund to help school resource officers (SROs) further their education, thereby bringing even more expertise and security strategies to protect the schools they serve. Offered and administered through the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), the Wren Solutions SRO Scholarship award program will open its call for applicants in December 2008. The winner will be announced at NASRO's 19th annual SRO/School Safety Conference to be held June 29 to July 3, 2009 in Baltimore, MD.
"We deeply appreciate Wren's generous donation to help law enforcement officers further their education and strengthen their ability to reduce crime, drug abuse, and violence in schools," said Dick Caster, Executive Director of NASRO. "In this economic climate, funding resources are expected to be an even greater challenge for SROs and we are confident the Wren Solutions SRO Scholarship will make an important, measurable impact not only on the individuals we select for this award, but also on the school communities they serve."
NASRO, a not-for-profit organization for school-based law enforcement officers, school administrators, and school security/safety professionals working as partners to protect students, faculty and staff and the schools they attend, will officially open the nomination process to its membership in December 2008. The scholarship award will also include an additional donation of Wren's expert security and site assessment services to the school that the winning applicant serves.
"SROs answer the call to duty and choose to serve by helping to secure our nations' schools. It is an honorable profession that is fraught with responsibility and financial challenges for the law enforcement community at large. Beyond providing technology-based solutions that are vital to help SROs perform their work, Wren recognizes the financial burden of higher education, which is absorbed by the SROs as they strive for personal improvement and professional achievement," said Andrew Wren, president of Wren. "As a salute to these admirable men and women who pursue school security and law enforcement as a career, Wren is honored to endow this scholarship."
Wren's video surveillance solutions are the key technological components that secure many K-12 schools and colleges and universities across the country. For more information on Wren's products and services for schools, please visit their website. The company also publishes a school security blog as a resource for school administrators, principals, SROs and staff. An official call for applications will be issued in December.
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Surveillance Solutions Provider Wren Donates $10,000 to Establish Scholarship Fund for School Resource Officers
Georgia Tech Awarded New Center to Study Potential Silicon Successor
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded funding to the Georgia Institute of Technology to create a new Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC)- The Georgia Tech Laboratory for New Electronic Materials.
The Laboratory will focus its efforts on the development of new materials to serve as the successors to silicon in the semiconductor industry. Specifically, the development of graphene – which holds tremendous promise as an electronic material – will be the initial core of research and development at the Center.
NSF funding will be $8.1 million for six years of research and development. The MRSEC office suite will be housed in the Georgia Tech’s new Marcus Nanotechnology Research Center Building.
“This is an exciting time for graphene research,” said Dennis Hess, director of the Georgia Tech MRSEC. “Our studies may allow the manufacture of microelectronic devices and integrated circuits based on graphene. The Georgia Tech team, in conjunction with external partners, has already pioneered the use of epitaxial graphene to achieve such goals. Georgia Tech Physics Professors Walt de Heer, Phil First and Ed Conrad are worldwide leaders in the growth and characterization of epitaxial graphene. We look forward to additional innovative discoveries from our Center over the next few years.”
The Laboratory will be a cross-disciplinary effort utilizing the talent and resources of Georgia Tech and four additional institutions: University of California Berkeley, University of California Riverside, Alabama A & M and the University of Michigan. Georgia Tech will initially have 13 faculty members involved in the Laboratory’s efforts, with five additional members representing the partner schools. Collaborations are already in place with several companies and national laboratories within the U.S. and abroad.
Graphene, a sheet of carbon only one-atom thick, holds the potential to become the core material for computer processors in electronics, which continue to become smaller in size. Silicon, comparatively, has fundamental limitations that inhibit operation in ever-shrinking devices used in microelectronics, optics and sensors.
Georgia Tech will develop the fundamental science and technology to maximize graphene’s potential as a component in future electronics technologies. In addition, the Center will provide the core curriculum, train a diverse workforce and develop the future academic and industrial leaders needed for this new direction in the semiconductor industry.
An industrial advisory board is being assembled for the Center, which will include representatives from leading electronics companies.
"This new MRSEC complements Georgia Tech’s multiple programs and investments in nanotechnology extremely well,” said Professor Mark Allen, senior vice provost for Research and Innovation. “Much of the work will take place in our Nanotechnology Research Center, a new facility dedicated to research into both inorganic and organic nanoscience and nanotechnology. We look forward to enabling the next generation of graphene electronics through the efforts of the researchers in this new MRSEC.”
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Monday, October 13, 2008
Georgia Southern University Featured in Princeton Review’s ‘Best Business Schools’
Georgia Southern University’s College of Business Administration (http://coba.georgiasouthern.edu) has been named one of the most outstanding business schools in the country by the Princeton Review. Georgia Southern, with an enrollment of nearly 18,000 students, is featured in the just-published 2009 edition of the Princeton Review’s “Best 296 Business Schools.”
“This is an outstanding honor and it represents the type of program and faculty we have at Georgia Southern University,” said Ron Shiffler, dean of the College of Business Administration. “We are very pleased to be named among the top business schools in the country.”
According to Robert Franek, Princeton Review vice president of publishing, "We select schools for this book based on our high regard for their academic programs and offerings, institutional data we collect from the schools, and the candid opinions of students attending them who rate and report on their campus experiences at the schools. We are pleased to recommend Georgia Southern University to readers of our book and users of our website as one of the best institutions they could attend to earn an MBA."
The Princeton Review does not rank the schools in the book on a single hierarchical list from 1 to 296, or name one business school best overall. Instead, the book has 11 ranking lists of the top 10 business schools in various categories. Ten lists are based on The Princeton Review's surveys of 19,000 students attending the 296 business schools profiled in the book. The lists are posted at www.PrincetonReview.com.
Georgia Southern University’s MBA program has become the program of choice for both full- and part-time professionals wanting to take the next step in their business career.
“We offer a traditional MBA at our main campus, a program in Savannah, Ga., and also an online MBA,” Shiffler said. “In an increasingly competitive global business environment and in challenging economic markets, an MBA will differentiate you and prepare you to take the next step in your career.”
For more information about Georgia Southern University’s MBA program, visit www.georgiasouthern.edu or e-mail mba@georgiasouthern.edu. Prospective students may also contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (912) 478-7240.
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Sunday, October 12, 2008
Clayton State Receives Planning Grant Award Notification for Archival Studies Masters from Department of Education
Based on a July 2007 U.S. House of Representatives Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill, Clayton State University has received notification from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) of a $310,479 planning grant for the establishment of a Master of Arts in Archival Studies at the University.
The grant is the work of U.S. Congressman David Scott (D-GA), a long-time friend of the University and education. Three institutions with an already-established partnership that are located in Scott’s congressional district – Clayton State, the Southeastern Regional Archives of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the Georgia Archives – and all will benefit from the proposed masters program.
“I am proud of Clayton State University for its vision of the archives programs,” says Congressman Scott. “I was pleased to be able to speak at the dedication ceremony of the National Archives in 2005 and at the time I understood the University’s long-term commitment to archival studies. This grant will help expand the University’s national reputation and provide the citizens of Georgia with an important field of study. You can count in my continued support for Clayton State University and the archives facilities.”
Clayton State and the two archives have worked together on a number of initiatives since the two facilities opened adjacent to the Clayton State campus earlier in this decade. Morrow, Ga., is the only location in the country where a state archives and a regional headquarters of the National Archives are co-located. The archives connection with Clayton State initially came about at the invitation of the University in conjunction with Clayton State’s reputation as one of the most technologically-advanced institutions of higher learning in the state. With archival studies having become a field wherein its records management relies heavily on Information Technology (IT), and with Clayton State’s IT and History programs being among the best in the state, the partnership was a natural one.
“There is a lot of energy toward archival studies at Clayton State, and this grant will allow us to capture that energy,” says Dr. Randall Gooden, assistant professor of History at Clayton State. “It will let us move forward in building a program that will supply interns and employees to institutions like the Georgia Archives and the National Archives, and in turn these institutions will provide hands-on learning experiences for our students. It is a win-win prospect.”
According to Dr. Sharon Hoffman, Clayton State provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, the DOE planning grant will be used to hire an archivist to head up the Masters of Archival Studies program and to provide stipends for Clayton State graduate interns who will be working at both NARA and the Georgia Archives under the program. The University intends to submit the proposal for the Masters in Archival Studies – a program that would be unique in the southeastern United States – to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for approval this fall. A team drawn from the Clayton State History faculty, NARA and the Georgia Archives will put together the proposal and develop the curriculum for the Masters in Archival Studies program.
A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
Gwinnett Tech Students Make the Grade on National Exams
Gwinnett Tech students in Health Science and Public Safety and Service programs continue to make the grade at the national level, posting nearly perfect results on a host of recent national exams.
The most recent high performers include students from the Surgical Technology, Radiologic Technology, Veterinary Technology, EMT & Medical Assisting programs. Graduates from each of these programs take a national exam specific to their field, posting these exceptional pass rates:
o Radiologic Technology 100%
o Surgical Technology 93%
o Medical Assisting 100%
o Veterinary Technology 100%
o Firefighting/EMT 100%
o Paramedic Technology 100%
"Gwinnett Tech students continue to post impressive results on the national certification exams for their fields. We couldn't be prouder of their commitment to their education and career, and we remain dedicated to our role in preparing them for these career milestones," says Dr. Jan McClure, Health Sciences division director, Gwinnett Tech.
Other notable results from these programs:
- Gwinnett Tech's Surgical Technology program, which also had a 100 percent participation rate on the national certification test, ranks among the top 20 of the 435 accredited surgical technology programs in the country, a status earned by student scores on the most recent Program Assessment Exam (PAE).
- The college's Veterinary Technology program has had a 100 percent pass rate on the Veterinary Technician National Examination since the first class of graduates sat for the exam in 1999.
- In the Medical Assisting program, both December and June graduates earned a 100 percent pass rate for the national certification exam offered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), far exceeding the national pass rate for the exam.
- Gwinnett Tech students' 100 percent pass rate on the National Registry of EMT (Intermediate) exam far exceeds the national first-time pass rate of 70 percent. Students taking this exam were part of the Gwinnett County Fire Department training program.
Gwinnett Tech offers associate of applied science degrees in Veterinary Technology, Radiologic Technology and Paramedic Technology, and diploma programs in Surgical Technology, Medical Assisting and in Firefighting/EMT. The college's Health Sciences division also offers programs in bioscience, dental lab technology, dental assisting, and respiratory care, among other career options. GTC has received developmental approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing to offer the associate degree nursing program and is now accepting applications, with the program slated to start in September 2009.
For more information about any of Gwinnett Tech's more than 140 program options, contact 770-962-7580 or visit www.gwinnetttech.edu.
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Gwinnett Tech Opens International Education Center at Gwinnett Place
Gwinnett Technical College has opened the International Education Center at Gwinnett Place Mall, created to prepare residents and businesses alike to prosper and thrive in an increasingly international environment.
The center will host a number of Gwinnett Tech's continuing education classes, including language offerings and workforce training courses that support area businesses and meet the needs of Gwinnett's multilingual population.
Leaders from higher education, business and the international community joined Gwinnett Tech President Sharon Bartels and Carl Swearingen, board chairman of the Technical College System of Georgia, for the center's opening yesterday.
"We live in an increasingly global environment, providing new opportunities and challenges for businesses and residents alike. Our International Education Center was created to provide the progressive education and training that students of all ages will need to be successful in an international world and workplace," Bartels explains.
The International Education Center occupies just over 32,600 square feet on two levels, with 23 classrooms. The center includes testing facilities to support language classes and a Recruitment and Information Center for Gwinnett Tech.
"The International Education Center brings Gwinnett Tech's specialized courses into the heart of the community where they are needed most. Technical colleges play a vital role in the economic development of our community, and we're pleased to contribute positively to the economic growth and vibrancy of the Gwinnett Place area," Bartels says.
A full slate of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes will begin at the center on Oct. 6, with several computer, construction and business training courses also scheduled to start early this fall. A full course schedule for all Gwinnett Tech continuing education classes is available online at www.GwinnettTech.edu/ce.
Also participating in the opening of the International Education Center were Georgia State Senator David Shafer; Louise Radloff, GCPS Board Member; Joe Allen, executive director, Gwinnett Place CID; James Song, vice chairman, Georgian Korean Chamber of Commerce; Demming Bass and Nick Masino, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce; Marty Solomon, Simon Properties; Michael Sullivan, board member, Technical College System of Georgia; Marian Lucia, board chair, Gwinnett Technical College; Charlene Fang, board member, Gwinnett Tech Foundation; and Maria Hall, board member, Gwinnett Tech Foundation.
For more information on course offerings at the International Education Center, call 770-995-9697 or visit online at www.GwinnettTech.edu/ce. The International Education Center is located at 2100 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA, 30096.
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Georgia Bioscience Technology Institute Launches New Web Site
Are you interested in forensics or criminal investigation? Would you like to develop new medicines to treat disease? Or, find ways to stop pollution? If those type of jobs interest you, you may be destined for a career in biotechnology.
A visit to the new Web site of the Georgia Bioscience Technology Institute (GBTI) at www.gabioscience.org can tell you how to make it all possible.
The Georgia Bioscience Technology Institute, a collaboration of Gwinnett Technical College and Athens Technical College, educates and trains professionals for Georgia's growing biotechnology and life sciences sector.
The GBTI has launched the new Web site to provide more information about this growing industry to prospective students and those eager for a career in the field. The site includes examples of possible jobs in the industry and a video that shares perspectives from students, graduates and employers.
Biotechnology students at both Gwinnett Tech and Athens Tech earn a two-year associate of applied science degree. Both colleges also offer several two-quarter certificate options in the field as well.
"Biotechnology and life sciences are among Georgia's fastest growing job sectors, and we expect job opportunities to remain strong," says Dr. Philip Gibson, bioscience program director at Gwinnett Tech. "Georgia now ranks seventh in the nation in the number of biotechnology companies. We are training the employees that these companies will want to hire."
Dr. Jeff Rapp, biotechnology program chair at Athens Tech, says, "The GBTI's partnerships with leading biotech companies and labs are of great value to our students when it comes to internships and employment after college."
Graduates in this field work in biomanufacturing, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, research or environment labs for major private companies, research institutions or government labs.
Visit www.gabioscience.org for more information, or call Gwinnett Tech, 678-226-6365, or Athens Tech, 706-355-5086.
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Gwinnett Tech is Now a Microsoft IT Academy
Gwinnett Tech is now a Microsoft IT Academy, a designation that offers a host of benefits to students enrolled in the college's Computer Science programs.
The Microsoft IT Academy provides technology students access to the latest Microsoft products and resources, including free software, e-learning materials, the company's E-Reference Library and Microsoft's developer products.
"We're focused on giving our students the most up-to-date education possible, so our partnership with Microsoft is a major plus for students. Being able to access such a wide variety of Microsoft products, services and educational tools is an amazing resource for a student to have," says Anthony Rojo, division director for Computer Sciences at Gwinnett Tech.
As a member of the Microsoft Developer Academic Alliance, Gwinnett Tech can provide students with free licenses for the latest Microsoft software. Students will also have access to Microsoft's Designer Academic Alliance. This allows students in design-related courses to use the latest Microsoft Express tools.
The college's relationship with Microsoft is also great news for students taking the various Microsoft Certification tests. They will now receive discounted testing fees, and have the Second Shot option, which allows them to re-take a Microsoft Certification test for free if they fail the first attempt.
GTC faculty members will benefit, too, with full access to the E-Reference Library, including 500 full-text technical titles from MS Press.
Gwinnett Tech offers associate of applied science degrees and diplomas in computer programming, computer simulation/game development, networking, information security and Web site design, plus a host of certification options in fields like Cisco CCNA and CCNP, cyber crime and more.
For more information about Gwinnett Tech's Computer Science offerings or other programs, contact 770-962-7580 or visit www.gwinnetttech.edu.
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State Graduation Rate Jumps to 75.4 percent
Georgia's graduation rate has jumped to over 75 percent, the highest level ever. The state's final graduation rate for 2008 is 75.4 percent, an increase of more than three points from last year.
"Georgia continues to make great progress in getting more students to graduate on time with a meaningful diploma," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. "In 2008, we had more than 83,000 students who graduated on time, which is 27,000 more than we had just five years ago. That's a testament to focus, collaboration and a lot of hard work by our teachers and students."
Governor Sonny Perdue said: "The progress we have made in our graduation rate has been nothing short of remarkable. Rising from just barely over 60 percent in 2002 to now over 75 percent reflects the commitment of our teachers, students, parents and graduation coaches."
The state's 2008 graduation rate was released as part of the final Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) report. Initial AYP results were released in July. The final release takes into account students who graduated over the summer and retest scores from the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) in grades 3, 5 and 8, as well as school and system appeals. The AYP report is mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
The final report shows that about 80 percent of Georgia's schools made AYP in 2008.
"It was much more difficult to make AYP this year and yet, in the end, four out of every five schools in Georgia met the mark," Superintendent Cox said. "That is very good news."
There were 241 schools that made AYP in the final report that initially did not make it in July. Also, 20 additional schools came out of Needs Improvement status after the results of appeals, summer graduates and CRCT retests were considered. In all, there were 1,721 of Georgia's 2,153 schools that made AYP.
Graduation Rate Rises for All Students
All groups of students saw significant increases in their graduation rate in 2008.
Georgia's African-American students had a graduation rate of 69.2 percent, up nearly four points from 2007. The state's Hispanic students had a graduation rate of 65.5 percent, up more than five points from 2007.
And Georgia's economically-disadvantaged students raised their graduation rate four points to 67 percent.
"The improvement in our graduation rate is happening across the board for all students in every subgroup," Superintendent Cox said. "We still have a lot of work to do, but we are making steady progress by focusing on what works for all students."
AYP Numbers Improve
In 2008, it was harder for all schools to make AYP.
First, the percentage of students that had to pass state tests in math, reading and English went up for all grade levels. Secondly, students were doing more rigorous work and taking more rigorous tests in 2008, especially in mathematics.
Superintendent Cox emphasized that in 2007-2008 the state's more rigorous curriculum and tests in mathematics were implemented in all grades considered for AYP in elementary schools.
"Our new curriculum definitely sets higher expectations and some students simply needed a little more time to master the work," Superintendent Cox said. "Once the results of summer retests were added we saw the AYP numbers improve dramatically."
Among the improvements:
- The percentage of elementary schools making AYP jumped to 90 percent, up from 76 percent in July.
- The percentage of middle schools making AYP jumped to 80 percent, up from 65 percent in July and 65 percent in 2007.
- There were 56 schools that came out of Needs Improvement status in 2008.
- The number of Needs Improvement schools dropped to 307, the lowest number ever, and down from 323 in 2007.
Schools that came out of Needs Improvement due to retest results, summer graduates or appeals must continue to offer public school choice and/or tutoring to students who have already taken advantage of these options. So, for instance, a student who transferred to another school based on the initial AYP results will remain at the school to which he or she transferred.
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Friday, October 10, 2008
Park Springs Members Participate in Mountain Park Elementary School Study Buddy Program
Members of Park Springs, a residential community offering a continuum of care in Stone Mountain, are imparting their wisdom on their younger neighbors. Mountain Park Elementary School is just two and a quarter miles away from Park Springs and several members have made the 30-minute weekly commitment to help children who need individual help with their reading through the Study Buddy Literacy Program.
“We try to make the program flexible to promote participation,” said Ruth Wilkes, parent, PTA member at Mountain Park Elementary School and organizer of the Study Buddy Program. “Anyone that can read, listen and offer an encouraging word is qualified to be a Study Buddy, and with Park Springs so close it seemed a natural fit. I was thrilled when several members agreed to serve as buddies.”
Several Park Springs members interested in participating in the program attended an orientation session on September 5th at Mountain Park Elementary. The volunteers were greeted with a warm reception and light refreshments. Each of them was able to choose the age of the child or children with whom they would like to be buddies, and the time per week up to an hour that they would be able to spend with their new buddies. At the end of the orientation several children participating in the program were introduced to the Park Springs members.
“Upon first meeting us they were shy, but seemed excited to see us,” said Fran Dubner, Park Springs Member and Study Buddy volunteer. “The orientation session convinced us that we could provide a useful service to the children and the school. Each of us as Park Springs volunteers look forward to our assignments and the prospect of the friendships we will develop with our new Buddies at Mountain Park Elementary School.”
The Southeast's premier residential community offering a continuum of care, Park Springs enhances life for active seniors by providing independent residences alongside extensive amenities and on-site wellness and private health care facilities. The 398-home campus-style community is situated on 54 acres surrounded by Stone Mountain Park. A 64-suite health center provides assisted living, skilled nursing and dementia/Alzheimer's care. The campus style community boasts a 50,000 square foot clubhouse serving meals in four themed dining rooms daily and a 12,000 square foot fitness center with an indoor swimming pool. The Seniors Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders named Park Springs a Platinum winner. Park Springs is developed by Isakson-Barnhart. For more information on Park Springs, call 770-879-5006, 800-267-7126 or visit www.parkspringscommunities.com.
Isakson Barnhart is Georgia’s developer of award-winning residential communities for those ages 62 and better. Partner E. Andrew (Andy) Isakson first founded the company in 1982 and partnered with David Barnhart in 1987. The company has established itself as one of the most respected in Atlanta’s competitive commercial real estate market. The company’s vision to provide amenity-rich, independent living for discerning adults was born out of the personal experiences of the family of Ed and Julia Isakson after their difficult search for a community that would provide their parents with an active lifestyle combined with on-site health care. This mission manifested itself in Park Springs™, the company’s flagship property in Stone Mountain, Ga. Park Springs™ is nationally recognized by the 50+ Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders as the recipient of the 2005 Platinum Award in the CCRC Overall Community category for large CCRCs (200 or more units), as well as the Gold Award for Interior Design. In 2006, the same group awarded Peachtree Hills Place the Silver Award for CCRC On the Boards – Large, rating the Buckhead community above all other entrants.
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Diapers to Dirt: Hydrogels Focus of National Youth Science Day
Thin strips of fabric floated through the air in Athens, Ga., on Oct. 8 as University of Georgia 4-H students ripped open disposable diapers to study their stuffing, joining students from across the nation to perform the first national science experiment for the 2008 National Youth Science Day.
Together, they turned diapers inside out to find hydrogels, the polymers that give diapers liquid-absorbing ability. A dot-sized hydrogel can hold up to 500 times its weight in water.
“We’re doing this experiment all over the nation. And if we can coordinate this, what other projects can be coordinated and replicated across the nation?” asked UGA sophomore and collegiate 4-H’er Laura Warren of Camilla, Ga.
The 4-H’ers collected the powdery gels and added water to see how much liquid a tablespoon of them could hold.
They then added dry hydrogels to soil, placing that mix and a control mix of plain soil in modified soda bottles. Then, they dumped dyed water into each sample. The liquid drained right through the control but stayed in the soil in the bottles containing the hydrogels.
Some students got messy, like senior Steven Dasher of Glennville. He now sees diapers in a new light.
“It was interesting to learn about the many different applications of such an everyday item,” he said.
Hydrogels are networks of polymer chains that do not dissolve in water. They can contain over 99 percent water and occur both naturally or can be manmade. Besides stuffing them in diapers, scientists are also studying them as a way to repair human tissue. Some hydrogels are environmentally sensitive and release their water when such things such as pH or temperature change. They’re also used in disposable contact lenses and as water gel explosives.
Across the U.S.
The national science experiment is part of a larger 4-H effort to attract a million new youth to 4-H science, engineering and technology programs by 2013.
“I thought the experiment was very applicable, especially this day in age with water being a hot topic,” said Austin Suggs, a UGA 4-H’er and sophomore from Tifton. “I’m interested in hydrogel use in production agriculture and in industrial use.”
He felt younger scientists could one day find bigger and better ways to use hydrogels.
After performing the experiment, students nationwide were asked to log on to the national 4-H Web site (www.4-H.org) to discuss their results.
As of Oct. 9, 299 people had reported to the site. The majority were middle school students, but the ages ranged from kindergarten to the dean of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. And, 71 percent weren’t 4-H members.
Back in Georgia
Across the state, UGA Cooperative Extension agents performed the experiment with their students. One agent set it up on a square in downtown Covington. Others used 4-H club time to perform it with their kids.
Teachers also got in on the action. Students in Jackson County asked their teacher if they could take diapers home to show the experiment to their families.
Georgia state 4-H director Bo Ryles will be doing the experiment next week with boys at the Bill Ireland Youth Development Center in Milledgeville. He hopes the goopy hydrogels will pull the boys farther into science.
“We started 4-H there, and we’re a part of their science class every week,” Ryles said. “We’re reaching 80 seventh- and eighth-grade boys with this science program. We know it’s going to be a challenge, but their sense of curiosity is still there.”
By Stephanie Schupska
University of Georgia
Stephanie Schupska is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
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Thursday, October 9, 2008
Fayette County Invited to Go Red for Red Ribbon Week
Fayette County students and teachers will join millions nationwide in wearing red ribbons to support healthy lifestyles during Red Ribbon Week October 27-31.
This national celebration has become a major force for raising public awareness and mobilizing communities to combat drug use and underage drinking among youth. Research shows that early drug use is associated with negative consequences such as higher school dropout rates and a greater likelihood of violence and using weapons.
The community can help fight drug and alcohol use among youth during Red Ribbon Week by wearing a red ribbon during October 27-31 to show support, encouraging their workplaces to support Red Ribbon Week and getting involved in Red Ribbon Week events at schools throughout the county.
Many schools have planned activities for each day of the week including contests, spirit days and special assemblies. For the first time, Spring Hill Elementary will have a Red Ribbon Pep Rally in conjunction with students from Fayette Middle and Whitewater High schools. The Fayette Middle band and chorus along with the Whitewater High cheerleaders and football players will speak to the elementary students about the achievements they can make by staying drug free.
“Bringing in the older students creates relevance for our students because they see the success of their older peers,” says Tania Wismer, physical education teacher at Spring Hill Elementary School.
Sandy Creek High will be decked out in red beginning October 27 as the school’s Patriot Ambassadors decorate the school in preparation for the week’s festivities that include a Natural High Notebook competition, Wear Red contest and Red Run.
Both Sandy Creek and Whitewater High Schools will have a special assembly on October 22 featuring former DeKalb County District Attorney J Tom Morgan. He has written a book titled “Ignorance is No Defense, A Teenager’s Guide to Georgia Law.” His presentation will provide details on topics ranging from alcohol, driving, parties, misrepresentation of age or identity and age of consent.
Red Ribbon Week is an opportune time for families, communities and educators to unite in their efforts to prevent drug and alcohol use among youth. Please contact the school in your area to learn how you can get involved in Red Ribbon Week celebrations.
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