Inaugural S.A.G.E. development training is a huge success!

Our volunteers enrich the learning experience for the schools they serve - from helping a child learn to read to demonstrating chemistry techniques.  We understand every experience is as different as the students and teachers with whom S.A.G.E. members interact.  We at the board of directors, are arming our wonderful members with the tools needed to thrive. Through a series of  2-3 hour training sessions, our members will become a further asset to their schools.

Our first training session was held on February 23rd at the Northampton Library. 22 volunteers participated in "S.A.G.E.'s Ages in Stages" which focused on child development.  Participants were a mix of new and seasoned volunteers.

Board members Christine Moran and Samantha Zirolli organized and headed up the training.    Samantha shared some of the training details.  "Specifically, we covered the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual characteristics of children ages 5-12. We focused on this age group because most of S.A.G.E.'s volunteers are placed in an elementary school setting, and these ages represent grades K-6."

Christine and Samantha used a PowerPoint presentation and worksheets to present information.   Seniors also had the opportunity to share their experiences in the classroom which was a valuable connection to the material at hand.  The training's closing activity allowed seniors to pair up and write a cinquain regarding their experience with SAGE. "Being board members, Christine and I appreciated the volunteers sharing bits and pieces as well as their opinion of their experience as we don't get to see them within the classrooms," Samantha adds.
 

The seniors really enjoyed themselves at the training.  At the moment, Christine and Samantha are throwing some ideas around for the next training.  A suggested topic is "technology in the classroom" but we are open to anything.  It really depends on what our seniors are most interested in learning about. We have the resources so why not tell us what will help you out the most!

Chemisty calls, Council Rocks answers - Part 3

After two hours of intense questioning on March 6^th, the YBTC Challenge for the Philadelphia region was narrowed down to four students.  I’m proud to announce that with the help of S.A.G.E., parent, teacher and other volunteers, two students moving on to the state competition are from Council Rock. 

Elementary and middle school students from surrounding Newtown and Holland participated in the second round of the YBTC Challenge at Dow Chemical facility in Spring House, PA.  These students competed against several other districts in this nationwide, interactive scientific competition.

This time, I had the pleasure of speaking with 2 outstanding volunteers, Sandra Kiselica and Mary Evangelisto.  Sandra has a Ph.D. in chemistry from Penn State University and is a consultant to the chemistry publishing industry. Mary Evangelisto, majored in chemistry & education and teaches chemistry at Bucks County Community College and Holy Family University.  Last June, Sandra attended the national challenge in Philadelphia to see how the program worked.  She was so inspired by the dedication and willingness of young students to learn about science that she knew the YTBC was something CR had to try. 

Outside of work, both women have a special interest in creating opportunities for young people to learn about science. Every year, Sandra provides chemistry demonstrations [geared towards getting girls enthused about chemistry] while Mary routinely volunteers as a judge at science fairs. 

Mary played a vital role in the preliminary round.  She and Wally Ropchan, another S.A.G.E. volunteer, attended study sessions and helped students prepare.  “We couldn't believe how much chemistry the students absorbed, probably more than most high school or even college students,” agree Sandra, Mary and Wally.  Mary goes on to say “Wally was a big help.  I’m sure he’ll be doing more with S.A.G.E. in the future and I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity as well.” 

Sandra had the chance to attend the second round of competition.  She was impressed with students’ level of knowledge and their confidence. Council Rock hopes to continue the YBTC next year and in order to grow the program, has applied for a grant to award prizes.  Sandra hopes to increase awareness and gain involvement from local chemists in the future.  “In this manner, they would be able to mentor and do more hands-on demonstrations with the students, quite an attraction.”

The two students moving on to the state competition at Penn State main campus on April 27^th are Rishi Mago, a sixth-grader from Sol Feinstone Elementary School and Henry Liu, a seventh-grader from Newtown Middle School.  What a wonderful achievement for them and the Council Rock school district! 

 

Chemistry calls, Council Rock answers - Part 2

When cool lab demonstrations mix with fun facts, Chemistry can be a fascinating science.  Just ask any Council Rock student participating in the You Be The Chemist (YBTC) Challenge.^®   

On February 12^th, elementary and middle school students participated in the first round of the YBTC Challenge at Council Rock North high school.  The YBTC is a nationwide, interactive academic competition that teaches students in grades 5-8 about important chemistry concepts, scientific discoveries, and laboratory safety.

This is Council Rock’s first year participating in the competition and they came to play.  Renee Devlin, District Science Coordinator for Council Rock, along with a team of volunteers, headed up the event.  According to Biology and Astronomy student teacher, Justin Kapusta, there was an overwhelming response for participants.  The district had to limit participation to 100 students after reaching that number almost immediately!  About 50 students took the qualifying test in round one and 10 students moved on to Round 2 which will be held on March 6^th at the Dow Chemical facility in Spring House, PA. 

The outstanding students moving on, both male and female, represent diverse backgrounds; two 5th graders, five 6th graders and two 7th graders.  These students from Sol Feinstone Elementary, Goodnoe Elementary, Churchville Elementary, Holland Elementary, Rolling Hills Elementary, Newtown Middle School, Holland Middle School, and Richboro Middle School will now face off against other area districts. 

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this fantastic enrichment experience,” says Kapusta.  My role in assisting Renee Devlin quickly evolved, almost overnight.  I became the main contact for participants and their parents, set up the WikiSpace (website) and ran every event with the help of our terrific S.A.G.E. volunteers, high school volunteers, Sal Colosi, Nancy Tillery, Dr. Sandra Kiselica, and many others.  The YBTC Challenge is great because it introduces younger children to a more advanced science subject.”

The inaugural YBTC Challenge at Council Rock was an overwhelming success.  From all of us at Senior Adults for Greater Education, congratulations to all participants and good luck on March 6^th.  We look forward to more good news! 

Chemistry calls, Council Rock answers - Part 1

 

What is the difference between a scientific inquiry and the scientific method?  Name a scientific element that’s a good conductor of electricity but not heat.  What year did Niels Bohr win the Nobel Prize?  Could you answer these questions?    Elementary and middle school students from Council Rock South can. 

For the first time ever, Council Rock South is engaging in a science competition of epic proportion.  The You Be The Chemist (YBTC) Challenge^® is an interactive academic competition that teaches students in grades 5-8 about important chemistry concepts, scientific discoveries, and laboratory safety.

The YBTC challenge competition was inspired by the Chemical Educational Foundation^® (CEF), a national non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a greater understanding of the science and value of chemistry. These types of competitions encourage the collaboration of industry members, schools, and community organizations across the country, to educate students about the value of science education and the role of chemistry in everyday lives.

Renee Devlin, District Science Coordinator for Council Rock, along with a team of volunteers is heading up the inaugural event.  The Council Rock Qualifying Challenge, (the first round of the YBTC challenge), will take place on February 9th at CR North from 11AM-1:00 PM.  90 students representing CR elementary and middle schools, interspersed with some private school students, will complete a written test of 50 multiple-choice questions.  The test will be followed by some cool chemistry demonstrations.  The top 10 students will move on to the Local Challenge that will take place on March 6^th at the Dow Chemical facility against other area districts.

Devlin elaborates on the importance of the YBTC Challenge initiative.  “Like all science enrichment programs we offer, we hope the YBTC Challenge engages students and gets them talking about science at home and becoming more excited about science in the classroom.” 

Her volunteer team has done a wonderful job advertising the program and providing facilitated study sessions.  Renee’s outstanding team consists of teachers, parents, teachers, Sal Colosi and Justin Kapusta, Science National Honor Society students from both CR North and South and S.A.G.E. volunteer, Dr. Wally Ropchan, a retired chemical engineer.   

Dr. Wally Ropchan, a new S.A.G.E. volunteer, has had a tremendous affect on the program, coordinating study sessions, visiting schools and walking students through chemistry demonstrations.   When asked what he enjoys most about the YBTC Challenge, Wally says, “I enjoy the enthusiasm of both the teaching staff and students for having me work with them on STEM centered activities.  (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics activities.)  These great students keep me on my toes with their focused questions.  In addition, it is truly inspiring to see how progressive the Council Rock School District is in its support for the S.A.G.E. program as a valuable community-oriented approach to education. ”   

The YBTC Challenge is inspiring the next generation of scientists.  Be sure to follow this “mini-series” and see the outcome of the CR Qualifying Challenge on Feb. 9^th!

 

SAGE Volunteers Enhance Lessons for Students!

SAGE volunteers have the chance to enhance the basic foundational lessons of topics within the general curriculum by sharing experiences to students that allow them to make real-life connections to the material!  Most recently, Rockne Anderson, a current SAGE volunteer had the chance to share an experience from a past job that excited the 3rd grade students about science!

Throughout most of Pennsylvania’s elementary schools, the science curriculum includes topics such as weather, matter, habitats, rocks, sounds, solar system, life cycles, motion, electrical circuit, natural resources, etc.  These topics can often be difficult for students to understand, as they cannot make true connections that enhance learning.  When SAGE volunteers share their expertise on a topic, especially when he/she worked in that particular field - it can be a true eye-opener for young learners!

"I had an interesting time last week. I brought in some seismic profiler records and maps of the ocean floor from 50 years ago when I was working on an oceanographic ship. The records are produced from the echoes from the sea floor from 1/2-lb blocks of TNT we threw overboard every two or three minutes. The 3rd graders in Mrs. Fitzgerald's class asked the most intelligent questions for about 20 minutes until we ran out of time. This was for their science class where they are studying sound. "
~Rockne Anderson

This quote is just an example of how a lesson can soar beyond an educator's expectations when real-life connections are made between the material being taught and the students learning it!  SAGE volunteers have the ability to create these connections and enhance learning within our partnering schools!  All of us from SAGE would love to hear of similar experiences within the classrooms of our volunteers! This is what our organization is all about!

How to live a happier, healthier lifestyle

People are living longer and longer these days. Studies have shown that over the past 100 years, our life expectancy has increased by 30 years!  So what do we do with all this time?  What should we do to say in shape and healthy?  Why, volunteer any way you can! Volunteering has been proven to be an affect way to maintain an active lifestyle and continue social engagements among other benefits. 

Linda Fried, a professor of public health at Columbia University Medical Center, says increased longevity raises the need to find engaging activities in our later years. She says there are overwhelming benefits for older adults who decide to volunteer their time for any good cause. 
Two benefits of volunteering are that people stay physically active as well as socially active. 

Linda says, "The social networks of people tend to decline as they age; family and friends move away or die. Volunteering can replace these ties and their well-being and happiness benefits.
"The other thing that is really important to people, particularly as they get older, is that they feel they've made a difference being on the planet," Fried says. "That's a deeply personal sense of meaning, particularly as people take stock of their lives as they get older."

I think we all like to know we've made a difference on this planet no matter what our age.  But the more people embrace volunteering in their later years, the happier and healthier they'll be. 

Which type of volunteer best describes you?

1. Communitarians - Doing Good Makes Sense 
2. Devouts - Doing Good is God's Will
3. Investor - Doing Good is Good Business
4. Socialite - Giving is Fun
5. Repayers - Doing Good in return
6. Altruist - Doing Good Feels Right
7. Dynasts - Doing Good is a Family Tradition

To read more about why helping others is a secret of happiness, check out this link!
http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2012/04/04/why-helping-others-makes-us-happy?page=2

Different Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the starting point of the holiday season in America. It is known for feasting with family members –indulging in roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, etc. However, many families have special traditions that they partake in each year.

One word can describe an American Thanksgiving tradition: football. Most families like to watch a game on TV or even organize their own family ‘turkey bowl’! Some people go to the Thanksgiving parade in their hometown/city each year as a Thanksgiving tradition, while others donate time and service by volunteering at places such as an orphanage, old age home, soup kitchen, shelters, etc. There are families in which their traditions include the children cooking Thanksgiving dinner with a parent/grandparent or everyone sharing what they’re thankful for at the dinner table.

S.A.G.E. has a Thanksgiving tradition of its own in the form of an annual intergenerational luncheon. Beryl Katz, Executive Director of S.A.G.E., elaborates on this tradition. “We started the tradition in 1999, our first year assisting in Council Rock schools. Students really enjoy themselves and put on a good show for the seniors. One Thanksgiving, students were dressed in Wizard of Oz costumes and another year the football team and cheerleaders were servers. It is such a wonderful opportunity for folks to enjoy an afternoon of music and share a meal with other members of the community. We are especially grateful to Chartwells who have allowed us to continue this wonderful experience without any monetary outlay from the school district.”

This year’s luncheon took place at Richboro Middle School on Wednesday November 14^th. The fun afternoon involved the talented and caring students of the Council Rock school district showcasing their musical talents while showing appreciation for S.A.G.E. volunteers and their contributions to education. Kathi Sherzer, Associate Director of S.A.G.E., was pleased with this year’s amazing feedback at Council Rock, as the district truly knows how to “give thanks to the community.” She adds, “It was wonderful seeing 60 members of the CR community come together, enjoy musical entertainment, [and] share a meal and tons of conversation. Folks loved the entertainment and greatly appreciated the efforts of the football team who did all the serving.”

Originally the luncheon was a way to promote S.A.G.E. within the community and recruit warm volunteers. Today, it has become another intergenerational learning experience that both students and seniors look forward to each year and that’s what S.A.G.E. is all about. What Thanksgiving traditions do you and your families have?