Archive: February 2010
Lewiston Adult Education's annual Spring Super Saturday will be held this March 27th! Nearly a dozen courses will be offered for busy folks who want learn something new in a one-day workshop. The variety of courses will include:
A Slice of Summer Wall-Hanging: Use a template-free, quick sew method to create a festive seasonal wall-hanging. 9:00-3:00, $32 plus a $5 lab fee.
Automotive Essentials for Kids & Teens: Parents and children/teens are invited to a hands-on workshop on how to keep an automobile running safely and deal with unexpected (but common) auto emergencies. Appropriate for those aged 10 & up. All youth must register with an adult; an adult may accompany up to two youth. 9:30-1:30, $25 plus a $10 lab per parent-youth pair, $10 for an additional child.
CPR, First Aid, AED Training: Become certified through the American Heart Association in basic CPR, First Aid and proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). 9:00-3:00, $65.
Bead Weaving & Wire Wrapped Earrings: Create a beautiful bracelet using a bead-weaving technique and matching wire-wrapped dangle earrings! 9:00-Noon, $18 plus a $25 lab fee.
Introduction to Email Marketing: Learn new strategies to promote your business effectively and with no up-front costs using ConstantContact. 9:00-3:00, $55 plus a $10 lab fee.
Introduction to West African Drumming: Join Eric and Barbara vanBok of Resounding Rhythms for an introduction into the world of West African Drumming. 10:30-1:30, $23 plus a $5 lab fee.
MS Excel Workshop: This course will help beginners gain a functional understanding of MS Excel. Learn to enter data, create formulas, and format spreadsheets. 9:00-3:00, $55.
MS Word in a Day: Review the basics of MS Word, and then move on to learn how to utilize the most useful features MS Word offers, including integrating graphics and spreadsheets, creating and controlling tables, bullets, mail merge, wizards and more. 9:00-3:00, $55.
Rectangular Carrier Basket: Join Martha Chessie to weave a unique basket with personalized color accents. 9:00-3:00, $28 plus a $16 lab.
Seashell & Glass Sun Catcher: Join Jim Nutting of Maine Art Glass to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind stained-glass sun catcher in a day. 9:00-2:00, $27 plus a $15 lab fee.
Spell Better: Take a morning to learn tricks that will improve spelling skills. 9:00-Noon, $12.
Lunch will be included with all day-long classes. For the full listing of courses, or to register for any of the above workshops, visit [ http://www.lewistonadulted.org ]www.lewistonadulted.org or call 795-4141.
Posted
by Jessica Crabtree
on February 25, 2010
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Events
Does a child or young adult in your life have an interest in cars? Would you like to spend a few hours with them learning about cars? Well this is a great opportunity to spend some time together as you both learn a little about how an automobile works, how to deal with unexpected (but common) car problems, and how to keep a vehicle running safely.
This four hour class will focus on the systems covered in the Maine State Inspection procedure. Participants will have the opportunity to test their knowledge and perform an inspection in the automotive repair shop at Lewiston Regional Technical Center. Additional basic skills will also be covered, including the use of jumper cables, changing a flat, fluid inspection and other general knowledge topics. The instructor will also share information about the automobile industry and career opportunities.
Appropriate for ages 10 & up. All youth must register with an adult; an adult may accompany up to two youth. Lunch is included in the registration fee.
Saturday, March 27th, 9:30-1:30. $25 + $10 lab per parent & youth, $5 + $5 lab for an additional youth. Call 795-4141 to register.
Posted
by Jessica Crabtree
on February 24, 2010
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News
Grant from Nellie Mae Education Foundation recognizes efforts to put students at the center of learning
Wiscasset, ME –The Wiscasset schools of RSU 12 have been selected as a recipient of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation’s Catalyst for Change awards, which recognize existing examples of personalized, student-centered learning experiences across New England. Twelve schools and education organizations have received a one-time grant of $50,000.
“We are thrilled that the hard work and commitment to personalized learning is receiving this recognition,” said Anne Fensie, Adult Education Director. “It is our hope that we can collaborate on successful models of student directed learning with other schools in the region to capitalize on the school reform initiatives that promote personalized learning. In addition to actively engaging students in learning, the Wiscasset schools have created a change in the school culture that makes students believe that the logical choice is to attend some form of postsecondary training or college.”
“The selection process has helped us become more aware of efforts already taking place across the region to put students at the center of the educational experience,” said Mary Sylvia Harrison, Vice President of Programs for the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. “We’re pleased to recognize these schools and organizations, and we look forward to further exploring how to build on the momentum for innovation that these models create.”
All Catalyst for Change applicants were asked to clearly articulate how they define, implement and/or promote personalized, student-centered learning through their school models, policy change or advocacy efforts. Applicants were also asked to present a clear rationale for their particular approach and provide supporting evidence of the approach’s contributions to the improvement of educational outcomes for middle and high school students, especially the underserved. Applicants also had to show that their programs were a core facet of schooling and not a stand-alone program.
Wiscasset Middle School will utilize the award to ensure the successful continuation of Expeditionary Learning. This program engages students in authentic opportunities that allow them to be out in the community doing "real" work that has significant impact as they do research regarding our local environment, especially the watershed areas. Wiscasset High School will enhance personalized learning by enabling additional programming for at-risk students and supporting the implementation of Response to Intervention. The funds will also support initiatives to bring students out into the community for experiential learning with local professionals, including after school and summer programming. Wiscasset Adult & Community Education will increase the availability and intensity of services for out of school youth, especially as they transition to postsecondary education. In addition, these funds will be utilized in coordination with the Maine Department of Education Office of Adult Education to create additional self-paced curricula aligned with the Maine Learning Results and modified for adult learners at various educational functioning levels, which can then be distributed to adult education programs throughout the state.
Twelve schools and organizations from across New England were selected to receive Catalyst for Change awards, including: Boston Arts Academy (Boston, MA); Boston Day & Evening Academy (Boston, MA); The Domus Foundation (Stamford, CT); Jobs for Maine’s Graduates (Augusta, ME); Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (Newport, VT); Q.E.D. Foundation (Amherst, NH); Springfield Renaissance School (Springfield, MA); Steps to Success (Brookline, MA); Vermont Rural Partnership (East Hardwick, VT); Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (Richmond, VT); and Young Voices (Providence, RI).
For more information about the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, visit www.nmefdn.org
Posted
by Anne Fensie
on February 18, 2010
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News
The annual Maine Adult Education Conference will be held at Colby College in Waterville on June 23 and 24, 2010, preceded by a Pre-Conference on Career Pathways on June 22. The Call for Presenters has just been released by Conference Chair Rob Wood of Portland Adult Education.
The Maine Adult Education Conference is the major professional development event for adult educations and is presented by the Maine Adult Education Association, a membership organization for Maine's adult education programs and partner organizations, as well as individuals devoted to adult education. The annual conference offers strands of workshop sessions on various topics and program areas, speakers, hands-on workshops particularly in the area of technology and exhibitors, as well a fun and relaxation in a beautiful setting. Housing is available on campus, or at nearby hotels. Registration information will be available in early spring.
Posted
by Cathy Newell
on February 17, 2010
Want to teach? [MSAD 52 Adult & Community Education]
Have we got a deal for you! Imagine being the center of attention for two or three hours each week, imparting knowledge it has taken you years to accumulate, achieving recognition as an expert in your field. Imagine doing this with a group of motivated adults who are listening to you because they want to. Imagine being paid to do this! Okay, okay, it isn't going to make you rich in the pocketbook, but it WILL make you rich in satisfaction. Our instructors teach because they love helping others learn. Possibly you do to. If this picture has appeal to you, then we need to talk.
You don't have to have a teaching certificate, nor do you even have to have a college degree. What you do need is the desire to pass along helpful information to others, and the ability to communicate your topic clearly. And, the desire to have fun.
To explore your ideas for a course or workshop, email kelly.cabral@msad52.org or call 225-3478!
Just a few topics of course interest:
Fly Fishing
Pottery
Ceramics
Small Engine Repair
Jewelry Making
Posted
by Kelly Cabral
on February 11, 2010
The theme for the Family Reading Club this year is the pillars of character: caring, citizenship, repsonsibiltiy, trustworthiness, respect, and fairness. This fall we explored caring with the help of Carrie the Caring Cat as we made cards for Grandparents Day, learned about how Johnny Appleseed helped the settlers, and read about how the Rainbow fish learned to share and play with others. We learned about citizenshipwith Cindy the Citizenship Crab as we celebrated through reading and crafts the holidays of Veteran's Day, Columbus Day, and Thanksgiving. We celebrated fall with our Five Little Pumpkin play and our Harvest Costume Party.
Through the holiday season, we explored traditions relating to thankfulness, caring, sharing, giving, and celebrating time with families and friends.
In January and February, we discuss winter traditions with stories and crafts relating to snowflakes, snowmen, snow families, and various activities we enjoy outdoors in the winter or inside all cozy on a cold winter day. We made pop up groundhogs for Groundhogs Day and introduced the concept of responsibilty with the help of Roger the Responsible Rabbit. We also came across the beginning of a new season of birthdays of members to celebrate!
Speaking of celebrations, we are having a Valentine's Party at our February 10th meeting with a special "pizza party" dinner as well as games and are making special valentines for our home celebrations with our loved ones. On March 3th we will celebrate Dr. Seuss, whose birthday is March 2nd, and the Reading across America program. We'll enjoyed green (boiled) eggs and ham, read our favorite Dr. Seuss (and other easy-reader authors) books, and made a Seuss inspired craft. What fun!
We had a deliciousl dinner prepared by the wonderful ladies of the Upsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa and Gamma at our February 3rd meeting and always look forward to their yummy gifts.
The Family Reading Club meets Thursday evenings when school is in session at 5:30 p.m. in the Early Head Start room at the Porter Town Hall Building. Join us for dinner, story time, and theme related activities and crafts. It's fun and it's free!
For more information or to let us know you're coming, call our office at 625-3092.

Posted
by Renee Payeur
on February 10, 2010
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Family Reading Club