College hosts session on Learning in Retirement

The Rock Valley College Center for Learning in Retirement will be hosting its Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.) at RVC’s Physical Education Center (PEC) on the college’s main campus, 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford.

This event is  free and open to the public and provides a great opportunity for those ages 50 and older to find out what the Center for Learning in Retirement (CLR) at Rock Valley College has to offer. There are many short-term educational and fun classes, bus trips, social events, a custom senior fitness program, special interest groups, volunteer opportunities, and much more!

By attending the Annual Meeting, you will be among the first to receive the Fall 2017 CLR Catalog and be able to register early for any of the 141 fall classes. You’ll also meet the CLR Advisory Committee, learn about our volunteer planning committees, and hear about the exciting things we have planned for this fall.

Don’t miss the fun and lively musical program by Trinadora – featuring Ron Holm and Jannie Nelson! These very talented musicians sing and play a variety of instruments. Ron plays the guitar, harmonica, and bass. Jannie plays the keyboard, concertina, penny whistle, ocarina, and various percussion instruments. This will be a performance that puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step!

There will also be door prize drawings and complimentary refreshments for those in attendance!

Close parking will be available in RVC Lots #1 and #2 off the Mulford Road entrance to the college. Golf cart transportation will be provided if needed.

ROCKFORD

Year-round school focuses on STEAM

A new school year is now under way  Haskell, and the year-round elementary school is shifting focus to become a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) academy.

The STEAM Academy at Haskell is a K-5 special program that integrates science and technology, interpreted through engineering and the arts, all based in mathematical elements. Haskell will keep its modified calendar for the 2017-18 school year.

This school year will focus on a new, integrated science curriculum designed to engage students and increase student achievement. ‘

“We are excited to use our new materials to teach the Next Generation Science Standards,” said Haskell Principal Loree Leathers. “The program comes with amazing opportunities for hands-on learning for our students.

The student-driven learning environment fosters inquiry, problem-solving, innovation and growth mindset. STEAM additions are not just add-ons – they’re integrated, deeper learning experiences. The model is ideal for students who have a strong love for science and math. Each year the curriculum will have a greater emphasis on science, math and engineering that includes hands-on learning.

Haskell staff overwhelmingly supported the idea to move to a STEAM model with a goal to add an academic focus and boost student engagement. This year, staff will pilot STEAM-focused ideas, curriculum and professional development. A three-year plan and rollout includes STEAM school site visits, and implementing more technology, engineering and arts.

Implementing a STEAM focus is similar to the high school academy model, where traditional curriculum is taught in the context of a specific academy or pathway. In a STEAM program, traditional elementary curriculum is taught within a STEAM context.

The program is open to students all over the district, and a few seats are still available for the 2017-18 school year. Call the Welcome Center​ for more information: 815-967-8070.

AREA

Love Park veteran employee joins Rockford Park District

The Rockford Park District and City of Loves Park have worked together for years and that relationship is only going to get stronger as a critical role in the Rockford Park District is filled by a long-time City of Loves Park employee.

The Rockford Park District hired Dan Jacobson, Director of Public Works and Development for the City of Loves Park to fill the Superintendent of Operations position. Jacobson will oversee Capital Planning and Asset Management (CPAM), Maintenance and Parks, Rockford Park District Police, Golf Rockford, and Mercyhealth Sportscore Complexes.

Jacobson has been with the City of Loves Park for 28 years and has directed multi-million dollar public improvement projects, led community planning and engagement efforts, assisted in all facets of administrative functions, and served the citizens and businesses of Loves Park.

“I have been afforded the opportunity during my career to work with local, state, and federal agencies as well as many private sector businesses and leaders on a variety of initiatives,” he said. 

“I cannot recall a more opportune time for public and private organizations and citizens to come together to collaborate and make Rockford, Loves Park, and Winnebago County the most desirable place to live, work, and play,” said Dan Jacobson, current Loves Park Director of Public Works.

“This move will just strengthen our great relationship with the Rockford Park District and is a wonderful opportunity for the entire community as both public sectors will benefit from this move. Dan assembled a great team under his leadership with the city and I am very comfortable with members of that team taking over his responsibilities,” said Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury.

Jacobson currently holds a leadership role on the Technical Committee of the Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the Leadership Council of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. He was a member of the team which established the Winnebago County Geographic Information System (WINGIS), served on the Public Infrastructure spoke team of Transform Rockford and currently sits on the board of the Land Use Policy Committee of the Illinois Municipal League, as well as the Illinois Tax Increment Association.

“Dan has been heavily involved in many Rockford Park District projects over the years such as the development of Carlson Ice Arena and expansion of Mercyhealth Sportscore Two campus through Reclaiming First. He will not only help us sustain and advance the legacy of the Rockford Park District but will continue to collaborate with others and take our partnerships to the highest of levels,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine.

Jacobson will transition into his role at the Rockford Park District over the next few months.

–Winnebago County News Briefs–