Photos from Burnette Clingman's leadership conference at Life Skills Center of Dayton.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Studying leadership
Photos from Burnette Clingman's leadership conference at Life Skills Center of Dayton.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Life Skills Center of Hamilton County featured student
Dawone Holloway talks about what he likes best about the school.
Featured graduate
Megan Layton talks about her experiences at the school. She is slated to graduate in January.
Life Skills Center of Dayton featured graduates
After a mix-up with his assignments flunked him out of his classes, Dayton resident Jamel Head said he was able to find redemption at Life Skills Center of Dayton.
"I had surgery on my legs, they messed up my assignments and I flunked out (of classes)," Head said. "I needed to catch up and a counselor suggested I try Life Skills."
Head, who has attended the school for one year, said he was able to earn needed credits there.
"Having teachers who believe in you and want you to go somewhere and make something of your life is important," he said.
After graduation, Head, 19, said he wants to take business classes at Sinclair Community College in Dayton and is eyeing a career in Radio/TV production.
"I want to own my own television station," he said.
In this video, Head talks about what he likes best about the school.
Jacquilla Peterson wants a high school diploma, not just for herself, but her two children.
"I want to change my kids life," Peterson smiled as she talked about her two daughters; Jasmine, 3, and Alexandria, 1. "I was tired of making $8 an hour. I want to help provide a better life for them (and be able to earn enough) to be able to spend more quality time with them."
It wasn't always easy for Peterson, 22, she credits her teachers for giving her the strength to continue her studies.
"There were times I wanted to quit, but the teachers told me to keep going," she said. "Their determination helped me."
After graduation, Peterson is planning on attending Sinclair Community College in Dayton to study Culinary Arts.
In this video, she talks about her favorite part of school.
"I had surgery on my legs, they messed up my assignments and I flunked out (of classes)," Head said. "I needed to catch up and a counselor suggested I try Life Skills."
Head, who has attended the school for one year, said he was able to earn needed credits there.
"Having teachers who believe in you and want you to go somewhere and make something of your life is important," he said.
After graduation, Head, 19, said he wants to take business classes at Sinclair Community College in Dayton and is eyeing a career in Radio/TV production.
"I want to own my own television station," he said.
In this video, Head talks about what he likes best about the school.
Jacquilla Peterson wants a high school diploma, not just for herself, but her two children.
"I want to change my kids life," Peterson smiled as she talked about her two daughters; Jasmine, 3, and Alexandria, 1. "I was tired of making $8 an hour. I want to help provide a better life for them (and be able to earn enough) to be able to spend more quality time with them."
It wasn't always easy for Peterson, 22, she credits her teachers for giving her the strength to continue her studies.
"There were times I wanted to quit, but the teachers told me to keep going," she said. "Their determination helped me."
After graduation, Peterson is planning on attending Sinclair Community College in Dayton to study Culinary Arts.
In this video, she talks about her favorite part of school.
Life Skills Center of Columbus North featured graduate
Ali Oakes talks about her experiences at the school. She is expected to graduate in January.
Jan. 2008 Life Skills Center of Middletown featured graduates
Robbie Myers talks about his experiences at the school. He is slated to graduate in January.
After getting in fights in public schools, he said he was looking for peace,
something Myers says he's found at Life Skills Center of
Middletown.
"I was in a lot of trouble," Myers said. "People kept
trying to fight me."
So Myers, 18, looked for an alternative at the public
charter school.
"I wanted to work hard to graduate," he said. "Other
students treated me better and the teachers helped me
out whenever I needed it. I got to work at my own
pace. The teachers are friendly."
"He's become a lot more driven and really wanted to graduate,"
said his special education teacher Chris Doty. "He used to be really
distracted
and now he really concentrates on his work and is focused."
Myers, who has attended the school for three years,
says he wants to pursue a career in mixed martial arts
after graduation.
Aaron Travis Combs talks about his experiences at the school. He is also slated to graduate in January.
For him, the ability to go to Life Skills Center of Middletown for three hours
a day while he works at his career goal was appealing.
"I didn't like public school," he said. "A shorter day
is better for me since I work. I like doing work at my
own pace."
Combs, 17, has attended the school just over a year.
"In Travis, I've seen him succeed phenomenally here," said
his science teacher, Angie Verhoff. "He's had dedication and
every day he's here he's working hard to reach his goals.
He knows what he wants and he's going to make it."
After graduation, he said he's interested in getting
certified for welding and looking for a career as a
diesel mechanic.
After getting in fights in public schools, he said he was looking for peace,
something Myers says he's found at Life Skills Center of
Middletown.
"I was in a lot of trouble," Myers said. "People kept
trying to fight me."
So Myers, 18, looked for an alternative at the public
charter school.
"I wanted to work hard to graduate," he said. "Other
students treated me better and the teachers helped me
out whenever I needed it. I got to work at my own
pace. The teachers are friendly."
"He's become a lot more driven and really wanted to graduate,"
said his special education teacher Chris Doty. "He used to be really
distracted
and now he really concentrates on his work and is focused."
Myers, who has attended the school for three years,
says he wants to pursue a career in mixed martial arts
after graduation.
Aaron Travis Combs talks about his experiences at the school. He is also slated to graduate in January.
For him, the ability to go to Life Skills Center of Middletown for three hours
a day while he works at his career goal was appealing.
"I didn't like public school," he said. "A shorter day
is better for me since I work. I like doing work at my
own pace."
Combs, 17, has attended the school just over a year.
"In Travis, I've seen him succeed phenomenally here," said
his science teacher, Angie Verhoff. "He's had dedication and
every day he's here he's working hard to reach his goals.
He knows what he wants and he's going to make it."
After graduation, he said he's interested in getting
certified for welding and looking for a career as a
diesel mechanic.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
It's beginning to look a lot like ...
Life Skills Center of Hamilton County is displaying their Christmas tree at the school during December.The tree features a graduation cap at the top of the tree and many of the decorations on the tree are tassels from past graduates.
New Employability Specialist
This past month, Life Skills Center of Miami Dade County was proud to bring aboard Maria "Vicky" Mullens, our new Employability Specialist.
Mullen brings a wealth of experience to our family and we are glad to have her here.
She has already made a difference by coming up with innovative ways to help our student population find jobs.
Mullen brings a wealth of experience to our family and we are glad to have her here.
She has already made a difference by coming up with innovative ways to help our student population find jobs.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Robotics team fares well
The robotics team at the school advanced to the semi-finals at a meet Saturday at the University of Cincinnati.
The team won the MOTIVATE award for team spirit, motivation to participate and for cheering on other teams to win.
"We are very proud of the students," teacher Jill Davis said.
The team won the MOTIVATE award for team spirit, motivation to participate and for cheering on other teams to win.
"We are very proud of the students," teacher Jill Davis said.
Teacher praises Robotics team
By Brian Conti
Life Skills Center of Hamilton County teacher
Hello colleagues. If you see a "RoboSoldier" in the building today, congratulate them on their spectacular showing Saturday at the Robotics competition at UC.
Let me paint the picture for you...
It was a dark, cold December morning.
While most Cincinnati-ans were still asleep, warm in their beds, 10 students from all over town rose from their slumber long before the sun illuminated the land.
No complaints though, 5 a.m. wake up calls are the life of a RoboSoldier. This was no ordinary Saturday, however. This was Gameday.
Months of preparation, countless meetings, successes, failures...all the blood, sweat, and gears... for one chance to shock the world.
There are no doubts the Soldiers were underdogs in the event from the get-go. Limited funding and limited experience were supposed to lead to little chance of being competitive. Try telling that to the Soldiers, though.
The team assembled at the barracks before 7 a.m., and the excitement in the air was palpable. They had been pumped up about the event for weeks, but they had a special spark in their eyes on the morning of Judgement Day.
The team had no idea what to expect walking onto the battlefield for the first time, but they quickly assimilated to the environment. In a building full of privileged students with extensive Robotics backgrounds, the RoboSoldiers showed no fear. In fact, they stole the show.
From beginning to end, these 10 students from all walks of life exemplified sportsmanship, competitive nature, teamwork, and, above all... heart. The other 12 teams in the competition had obviously been taught well the intricacies of robot design and performance, but the RoboSoldiers stood alone in exhibiting the one characteristic you CAN'T teach... heart.
The team started strong, winning it's first match convincingly. The jubilation from this win quickly turned to dismay, when the Soldiers dropped their second match in a fiercely competitive battle. It went like this throughout the afternoon, ups and downs, close calls and near misses.
As the preliminary round drew to a close, the RoboSoldiers stood on the outside looking in. Chances of making the elimination round were bleak. Their indomitable spirit refused to wilt in the face of such odds, however, and the team was rewarded as the clouds parted and an orange light shone down on the Soldiers.
The orange-clad Botcats, who had qualified for the next round and needed an alliance, announced that they had chosen the RoboSoldiers as their comrades for the final showdown. As the announcement was made, a roar went through the crowd. The Soldiers were down, but not out. Victory was still attainable!
Going into the first match of the elimination round, the Botcat-RoboSoldier alliance was a huge underdog. The official odds of this unlikely partnership advancing even one round came in from Vegas, and they were slim to none.
The Soldiers were used to being doubted, however, and this new challenge only seemed to inspire the team more. Already deafening chants of "RoboSoldiers" and "LifeSkills" became even louder, threatening the very structure of the building housing the event.
As the first playoff match got underway, long odds got even longer as the Botcats' robot died on the battlefield. Thus, it became the little-RoboSoldier-that-could against two behemoth machines who had been tormenting smaller robots all day. Defeat seemed inevitable, and this story would have been a happy one even if the Soldiers had fallen against such tremendous odds.
But they didn't. Instead, through expert driving and the sheer refusal to lose, the Soldiers pulled the upset of the decade and dominated both opposing robots en route to a convincing win!
In the semifinals, the RoboSoldiers were again alone on the battlefield, as the Botcats' machine had met its final resting place the match before. In this round, competition was even greater, as the Soldiers were aligned opposite the reigning champions and field leaders. Despite battling to the very end, the RoboSoldiers finally fell to the villainous duo, ending competition for the day. Even in defeat, the Soldiers were gracious, keeping their head held high.
The award ceremony culminating the day's events proved to be just another forum for the infectious spirit of the team, and how it was appreciated by all those in attendance.
Of the 5 different judges awards given to teams for specific accomplishments, one was based solely on spirit and character. As the announcer began recounting all the attributes considered when determining the recipient of this prestigious award, opposing teams began to smile and point at the Soldiers. It was obvious who had demonstrated the most heart throughout the event, and it was the Soldiers time to shine.
"And the 2007 First Tech Motivate Award goes to . . . Team 239, the Life Skills RoboSoldiers..."
The applause was uproarious. Everyone in the building rose to their feet and cheered wildly as the Soldiers made their way to the podium to accept their award. Teams from all over the country were applauding the Soldiers spirit, giving them "high-fives" as Team 239 progressed through the crowd... as a team. This "team spirit" award was the perfect culmination to the perfect day... spent together as a team.
All day long, the Soldiers had been courteous to other squads, while never losing that sense of "it's us against the world" on the battlefield. They had stuck together through thick and thin, good times and bad. They had laughed together, learned together, and grown together... as a team.
I honestly can't remember a time where I have been more proud of students that I've worked with. As you all know, I am a big fan of being competitive, having fun, and team dynamics. At first, I thought the ambiance of the whole event rather strange. Competition was a huge part of my life growing up, but I had never seen it approached quite like this.
Every team there wanted to win, but it seemed like they wanted every other team to win too! No trash-talking, no trying to intimidate and get that competitive edge. I have tried to win at everything I've ever done, and usually at all costs... but by the end of the night, I couldn't help but adopt this "We Are the World" mind set. Hearing all those kids and parents cheer for us the way they did really resonated with me.
It's something I'll never forget. For a lot of the kids on the team, this may be the ONLY time they ever have, or ever will, experience such a phenomenon. We didn't win it all, but, in many ways, this was a "15 minutes of fame" experience for our kids. Being part of a team, of a family, meant the world to them, and you could see it in their eyes and hear it in their words.
I, personally, was almost shocked by the behavior they displayed throughout the day. Gracious Professionalism is the theme for First Tech events, and we took that to another level.
The best part was, we (as teachers) had nothing to do with it! It was the kids who took it upon themselves to cheer for other teams, make friends with opponents, be courteous and appreciative towards the judges, and supportive of each other. We just got to sit back and watch it unfold. I could not have been any prouder to be a teacher than I was on Saturday, and you all know I usually don't say such a thing unless I mean it.
Too often, we (at Life Skills...students AND staff) get a bad rap in the community, and, even within our own building. I hear our own students bad-mouthing the school and their classmates as being almost second-class, just because this isn't a conventional academic institution.
I wish you call could have seen us on Saturday, though, because there was nothing second-class about it. Our kids showed they belonged there, which I think they BELIEVED all along, even if others around them didn't. Anyway, please congratulate the kids today if you see them. They earned it.
Practicing with the Robotic car
Video of students practicing working with the Robotic car
Teacher Jill Davis talks about the program
Nate Allbright talks about working on the car
Slide show from the practice
Teacher Jill Davis talks about the program
Nate Allbright talks about working on the car
Slide show from the practice
Practicing with the robotic car
Video of Life Skills Center of Hamilton County students practicing working with the robotic car
Slide show from the practice
Slide show from the practice
Life Skills Center of Middletown October student of the month
John Brewer, 18, was named the school's October student of the month.According to school officials, Brewer has never been a discipline issue - he always comes quietly into the building, is never tardy and starts his computer work right away. He never roams the halls or signs out early and always has his Life Skills shirt on when he enters the building.
Brewer has earned 3.25 credits since his recent enrollment and his attendance is consistently at 85 percent or better.
Robotics team fares well
The robotics team at Life Skills Center of Hamilton County advanced to the semi-finals at a meet Saturday at the University of Cincinnati.
The team won the MOTIVATE award for team spirit, motivation to participate and for cheering on other teams to win.
"We are very proud of the students," teacher Jill Davis said.
The team won the MOTIVATE award for team spirit, motivation to participate and for cheering on other teams to win.
"We are very proud of the students," teacher Jill Davis said.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Tutoring services available
The school provides Supplemental Educational Services and free tutoring to families who qualify.
Students can receive free Reading and Math tutoring if their family meets the income requirements and if their test or assessment scores qualify them.
For information, call School Administrator Ed Haskins at 937-322-2940.
Students can receive free Reading and Math tutoring if their family meets the income requirements and if their test or assessment scores qualify them.
For information, call School Administrator Ed Haskins at 937-322-2940.
Awards night planned
Life Skills Center of Columbus Southeast will hold its senior awards night 6 p.m. Jan. 9 at the school.
Caps and gowns will be handed out that evening.
Caps and gowns will be handed out that evening.
Senior Saturdays
Life Skills Center of Columbus Southeast seniors will be allowed to work from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15 to finish up their requirements.
Another day will be added in January.
Another day will be added in January.
Breakfast with Santa event
Life Skills Center of Columbus Southeast will hold its annual Breakfast with Santa event 9-11 a.m.
Students are encouraged to bring their children, nieces, nephews and cousins from newborn to 5 years old.
Breakfast will be served and games will be played. Gifts will be given to all children who attend.
Students are encouraged to bring their children, nieces, nephews and cousins from newborn to 5 years old.
Breakfast will be served and games will be played. Gifts will be given to all children who attend.
December Food Drive
The school is holding a canned food drive to help those in need for Christmas.
Staff and students are being asked to donate a non-perishable food item by Dec. 20.
The lab to bring in the most food will receive a pizza party in January.
Food boxes will be set up in each lab and teachers will collect the money.
Staff and students are being asked to donate a non-perishable food item by Dec. 20.
The lab to bring in the most food will receive a pizza party in January.
Food boxes will be set up in each lab and teachers will collect the money.
Blood drive planned
The school will hold a blood drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 13 in the school's conference room.
New Facebook site
Life Skills Centers has a Facebook site, which features news, videos and photos about the school.
For safety and security purposes, users must register with Facebook to view the site.
View site here
For safety and security purposes, users must register with Facebook to view the site.
View site here
Holiday Food Collection
Students and staff are asked to bring in non-perishable food through Dec. 18 at Life Skills Center of Columbus North
The food will be used to replenish the school's food pantry, which helps students and staff who are in need of extra assistance throughout the year.
The lab who collects the most food will receive a pizza party on Dec. 21.
The event is sponsored by the school's GRADS program.
The food will be used to replenish the school's food pantry, which helps students and staff who are in need of extra assistance throughout the year.
The lab who collects the most food will receive a pizza party on Dec. 21.
The event is sponsored by the school's GRADS program.
School to host college fair
The school is hosting a college fair for January 2008 graduates and other interested students 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at the school.
Between 15-20 are expected to graduate in January from the school.
Colleges slated to attend the event include the Professional Skills Career Academy, Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Youngstown State University, Ohio Valley College of Technology, Pittsburgh Technical Institute as well as military representatives.
Between 15-20 are expected to graduate in January from the school.
Colleges slated to attend the event include the Professional Skills Career Academy, Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Youngstown State University, Ohio Valley College of Technology, Pittsburgh Technical Institute as well as military representatives.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Students, staffers putting together Mason Jar soup for the needy
WHAT: Life Skills Center of Elyria students and staff members will be
putting together Mason Jar soup for those in need. The activity has been
done for the past two years. According to Administrator Kim Sweigart,
the students select a soup recipe from a cookbook, create a shopping
list and assemble the soup into Mason Jars. The students then research
different agencies in our area and deliver the soup so that needy
families can have these available for the holidays.
WHEN: Thursday-Friday, December 6-7, 2007
During the last hour of each school session (10-11 a.m.,
1-2 p.m., 3-4 p.m.)
putting together Mason Jar soup for those in need. The activity has been
done for the past two years. According to Administrator Kim Sweigart,
the students select a soup recipe from a cookbook, create a shopping
list and assemble the soup into Mason Jars. The students then research
different agencies in our area and deliver the soup so that needy
families can have these available for the holidays.
WHEN: Thursday-Friday, December 6-7, 2007
During the last hour of each school session (10-11 a.m.,
1-2 p.m., 3-4 p.m.)
Life Skills Center of Springfield Intervention Assistance Team
Master teacher Maura Buckalew talks with student Matt Woodruff, 18, about the school's Intervention Assistance Team.
Blood drive scheduled
Life Skills Center of Springfield will host a blood drive 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 29 run in cooperation with the Community Blood Center.
Food drive being held
Life Skills Center of Springfield is hosting a food drive through Dec. 19 with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Springfield and Caring Kitchen of Urbana. Donations will be given to the two organizations.Canned foods and non-perishables are being collected.
A game day is planned for students who bring in food.
Teacher presents at national conference
Life Skills Center of Dayton English teacher Elizabeth Fogle, a 2007 graduate of Ohio Northern University, recently presented at the annual convention for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in New York City.
She discussed the need for collegiate clubs focused on preservice teachers and also highlighted the need for peer-to-peer communication at the college level to aid in the development of prospective teachers.
"Overall, the trip was a wonderful experience for a first-year teacher," Fogle said. "Presenting at the national level helped to build my confidence in what I was doing and that I 'knew' what I was doing."
Life Skills Center of Dayton Master Teacher Teresa Fife also attended the event.
Fogle founded the Secondary Education Society along with four other students while at Ohio Northern University. One, a teacher in Maryland, and the other three, still students at ONU, also took part in the presentation.
"The workshops covered various topics concerning the teaching of English, and as the District Test Coordinator for the LSC Dayton, I focused many of the sessions I went to in regards to high stakes testing and state testing models," she said. "The networking potential and the ability to talk to others who are out either doing what I am doing as a first-year or gaining insight from those with many years of experience was invaluable."
The society meets on campus but also has an online forum for alumni to respond to student questions.
Fogle has been with Life Skills Center of Dayton for five months and is a University of Dayton graduate student. She graduated from Benjamin Logan High School in 2004 and currently lives in Riverside, Ohio.
She discussed the need for collegiate clubs focused on preservice teachers and also highlighted the need for peer-to-peer communication at the college level to aid in the development of prospective teachers.
"Overall, the trip was a wonderful experience for a first-year teacher," Fogle said. "Presenting at the national level helped to build my confidence in what I was doing and that I 'knew' what I was doing."
Life Skills Center of Dayton Master Teacher Teresa Fife also attended the event.
Fogle founded the Secondary Education Society along with four other students while at Ohio Northern University. One, a teacher in Maryland, and the other three, still students at ONU, also took part in the presentation.
"The workshops covered various topics concerning the teaching of English, and as the District Test Coordinator for the LSC Dayton, I focused many of the sessions I went to in regards to high stakes testing and state testing models," she said. "The networking potential and the ability to talk to others who are out either doing what I am doing as a first-year or gaining insight from those with many years of experience was invaluable."
The society meets on campus but also has an online forum for alumni to respond to student questions.
Fogle has been with Life Skills Center of Dayton for five months and is a University of Dayton graduate student. She graduated from Benjamin Logan High School in 2004 and currently lives in Riverside, Ohio.
School helps students find jobs
Life Skills Center of Orange County Employment Specialist Jamarr Atkins was recently interviewed on the Orlando Job Spot blog.
View interview here
View interview here
School to share Christmas carols
Students and staff members of Life Skills Center of Youngstown will be caroling 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Boardman Speciality Care and Rehabilitation Center, 5665 South Avenue , Boardman, Ohio 44512.
Students, staffers putting together Mason Soup jars for the needy
WHAT: Life Skills Center of Elyria students and staff members will be
putting together Mason Jar soup for those in need. The activity has been
done for the past two years. According to Administrator Kim Sweigart,
the students select a soup recipe from a cookbook, create a shopping
list and assemble the soup into Mason Jars. The students then research
different agencies in our area and deliver the soup so that needy
families can have these available for the holidays.
WHEN: Thursday-Friday, December 6-7, 2007
During the last hour of each school session (10-11 a.m.,
1-2 p.m., 3-4 p.m.)
putting together Mason Jar soup for those in need. The activity has been
done for the past two years. According to Administrator Kim Sweigart,
the students select a soup recipe from a cookbook, create a shopping
list and assemble the soup into Mason Jars. The students then research
different agencies in our area and deliver the soup so that needy
families can have these available for the holidays.
WHEN: Thursday-Friday, December 6-7, 2007
During the last hour of each school session (10-11 a.m.,
1-2 p.m., 3-4 p.m.)
Monday, December 3, 2007
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