Education
UCO, Urban League team up for GED instruction
A partnership between the University of Central Oklahoma’s new Community Outreach Program and the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City Inc., will help Oklahomans earn their General Educational Development certificate, or GED, while UCO graduate students earn valuable teaching experience.
Through the partnership, Trina Arnold, a UCO student from Midwest City pursing her Masters degree in secondary education, began teaching a GED course at the Urban League of Oklahoma City’s headquarters in September, with students ranging between the ages of 18 and 24 years old.
After learning that the Urban League had lost its funding to secure a professor to teach a GED course this fall, UCO’s Community Outreach office worked with the university’s College of Education and Professional Studies to help come up with a solution, said Stacy McNeiland, director of UCO’s Community Outreach and Special Projects.
“We immediately knew that we might be able to help remedy this challenge. After much discussion and brainstorming ideas, we determined that a current graduate student could really appreciate the opportunity, experience and challenge of teaching such a course,” McNeiland said.
“Dr. Kathy Brown recommended one of her current students, Trina, for the position, and after evaluating her skills we found her to be a perfect match for teaching the course.”
UCO purchased the professor manuals and information for the GED course and equipped Arnold with the tools necessary to build a course curriculum before she started the course at the Urban League.
Having taken a 20 year break between high school and pursuing her college degrees, Arnold says that she understands what it means to have a college degree when it comes to getting a job after years of “just getting by.”
“My life experience helps me understand how important higher education is when it comes to landing a job that does not kill you by the end of the week, so I feel like I can relate to students,” she said.
“All of the students that have come to take the GED course have great potential to go onto college and become whomever they choose to be. I want to make a difference in their lives and help these young adults open new chapters, and I am learning just as much from the students as they are learning from me.”
After graduating with her masters, Arnold plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Educational or Instructional Psychology so that she may move on to a career as an educator.
An affiliate of the National Urban League, the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City is a United Way supported agency that serves over 15,000 clients annually.
UCO has established a longstanding relationship with the Urban League to assist with the projects and programs that need help, and was recently recognized by the organization as a Lifetime Member.
McNeiland said that the goal of UCO’s Community Outreach Program is to continue to make a strong and positive impact within the community so youth can see that higher education is and can be a reality.
“Our efforts through the GED course are just one step in many that we are taking with the Urban League. At the end of the day, our goal is to help prepare all students for the best futures possible,” McNeiland said.
Groups and schools interested in working with current or upcoming program initiatives can contact UCO’s Office of Community Outreach at 974-2734.
For more information, contact McNeiland at smcneiland@uco.edu.
- Education
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- Edmond students make Academic All-State team
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Edmond student part of national honor band
Grant Bingham, a senior at Edmond Memorial High School, will join other outstanding musicians from across the nation March 4-6 as part of Music for All’s 2010 Honor Band of America.
- Deer Creek student a Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation scholarship finalist
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ESA to honor children of police, firefighters
The Electronic Security Association is accepting applications for the 2010 Youth Scholarship Program which will award $10,000 in scholarships to two children of active duty police officers and firefighters. The first-place winner will receive $7,500 to put toward their college education and the second-place winner will receive $2,500. Eligible students have until March 31 to submit their applications, although participating states may have different deadlines.
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2-27 This Week: school calendar
Edmond Memorial
Saturday
8-9 a.m.: TBA Orchestra OSSAA Spring Contest (Santa Fe)
8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Choir District Vocal Solo/Ensemble Contest (Southern Nazarene)
8 a.m.-7 p.m.: Band District Solo and Ensemble Contest (Santa FE)
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Pom/Cheer Clinic for Swine Week (Doghouse Pom/Cheer Rooms)
9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Academic Team Tournament (EMHS 9th Academy)
9 a.m.-7 p.m.: Musical Work Day (Auditorium) -
2-27 Lunchtime: school menus
Edmond School District
Elementary Schools
Milk is served with all meals.
Monday
Steak fingers, texas toast, crispy baked fries, apple wedges or toasted cheese sandwich
Tuesday
Hot dog, broccoli w/cheese, banana or fresh salad of the day -
Light Horse 4-H club competes at OSU event
The Edmond Light Horse 4-H club sent a team to the Oklahoma State University Equine Day on Feb. 6. Members included John Amme, Amanda Atkins, Karen Laubach and Devin Thompson, all of whom competed in various events throughout the day.
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Santa Fe to kick off Double Wolf Dare Week
The Edmond Santa Fe High School students are at it again. After an incredible fundraising effort last year, the Student Council and Santa Fe students are again working to help needy children in Oklahoma as they partner with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oklahoma for the 15th annual Double Wolf Dare Week.
The students’ goal is to raise $115,000 and grant the wishes of all 23 Oklahoma County children currently waiting, including one of their own. -
2-20 Lunchtime: school menus
Edmond School District
Elementary Schools
Milk is served with all meals.
Monday
Cheese quesadilla, chips & salsa and peaches or BBQ turkey sandwich
Tuesday
Cheeseburger, potato wedges and grapes or Fresh Salad of the Day -
2-20 This Week: school calendar
Edmond Memorial High School
Sunday
1:30-5:30 p.m.: Swine Week 3v3 Basketball, Volleyball & Ping Pong (All Gyms)
Monday
7:30-8 a.m.: Enroll Sophomores (during English Class) (Counseling Office)
3:30-10 p.m.: Musical Rehearsals (Auditorium & Choir Room)
5:30-8:30 p.m.: Band Winter Guard Rehearsal (Central Middle School) - More Education Headlines
