Maine Adult Education Association

Farnsworth, RASA Hold Photo Club

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:48:01 -0500

Rockland — The Farnsworth Art Museum and Rockland After-School Alliance are collaborating to provide an afterschool photography club for Rockland middle school students at the Julia’s Gallery for Young Artists.

Last summer, Julia’s Gallery created a digital photography lab equipped with new iMac computers and cameras and ran two summer photography intensives taught by mentor artist Deanna Witman, who is now leading the afterschool photography program for RASA students. Some of the fall projects included creating handmade photo albums, postcards and three-dimensional photo sculptures and book forms.

The RASA Photography program at the Farnsworth’s Julia’s Gallery for Young Artists will continue this winter. For information about how to sign up, visit youthlinksonline.org.

The Rockland After-School Alliance is a collaboration between Youthlinks and RSU 13 that provides free afterschool, vacation and summer programming to Rockland-area middle school students. Julia's Gallery for Young Artists is an award-winning afterschool and summer teen arts program at the Farnsworth. Julia's offers students age 13 to 17 the opportunity to contribute to their community by creating, curating and critiquing art in a fun and supportive environment.

207-594-4401 VillageSoup Art/Entertainment Editor Dagney Ernest can be reached at begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 207-594-4401 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or by email to dernest@villagesoup.com.

Reprinted from Village Soup's online article #476712 (January 1, 2012)

RSU13 Part of Maine's Community Connection Program

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:37:05 -0500

RSU13 is proud to announce it’s participation in Maine’s Community Connection Broadband Technical Assistance Program. What does that mean for our students and the RSU13 community? Well, we are your community connection for information on utilizing Maine's expanding high-speed internet connectivity. Whether you are looking to meet your educational goals, enrich your life, obtain health information, access governmental services or enhance economic and community development, we can help!

Due to increased use of technology in all facets of our lives, here are the courses we are offering for the spring and summer of 2012:

Computer Applications I

Computer Applications II

Computer Tutoring one-on-one

Computers for Beginners

Want to increase your technology skills? Try:

Keyboarding

Excel I & II

Word I & II

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RSU13 is your community connection for information on utilizing Maine's expanding high-speed internet connectivity. Whether you are looking to meet your educational goals, enrich your life, increase literacy, access governmental services or enhance economic and community development, we can help! As a participant in the Maine Adult Regional Technology Initiative (MARTI), our teachers have learned how to integrate technology into their instruction to assist all learners.

Look for this symbol in our catalog to learn about high speed internet and its usefulness to you. This community education program is presented in cooperation with the Maine Department of Education and the ConnectME Authority. Learn more at www.maine.gov/connectme and check the speed on your internet connection Call us a 594-9764 for more information.

Heartwood Theatre comes to RSU13

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:19:58 -0400

http://tgs.rsu13.org/node/2307

RSU 13 adult education receives grant from Barbara Bush Foundation

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:58:10 -0400

As published in The Herald Gazette: http://knox.villagesoup.com/place/story/rsu-13-adult-education-receives-grant-from-barbara-bush-foundation/413269

Biddeford — Former first lady Barbara Bush announced recently that the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy’s Maine Family Literacy Initiative has awarded $25,000 to Regional School Unit 13 Adult and Community Education.

Beth A. Gifford, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Mid-Coast Maine accepted the award from Bush at a ceremony held at the J. Richard Martin Community Center in Biddeford on June 15. The grant will be used to implement the Know and Grow program. This program is a partnership between RSU 13 Adult & Community Education and Literacy Volunteers of Mid-Coast Maine that seeks to expand a thriving adult literacy program to include intergenerational learning in the areas of health, technology and literacy. The project will focus on parental literacy as well as key developmental stages of early childhood. Know and Grow will combine home- and community-based activities to assist adults in earning a credential while helping transition youth to school and beyond.

“The abilities to read, write and comprehend enable people to create brighter and more prosperous futures for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Bush in a news release. “The staff and volunteers with the MEFLI programs are making a wonderful difference in many lives, and I am proud of their work to make Maine a more literate state.”

A total of 10 grants of $25,000 were awarded this year from applications submitted by libraries, adult education and public schools across the state. Programs receiving support provide family literacy services including adult and early childhood instruction, and time for parents and children to read together. An additional two planning grants of $5,000 each will help communities develop the partnerships and resources needed to implement a family literacy program in 2011.

Five “Lighthouse Model Programs” grants of $25,000 have also been awarded to well-established, model family literacy programs that have proposed outreach activities to support the promotion and expansion of family literacy services in Maine. Applicants were selected based on their ability to demonstrate experience and success in providing family literacy programming, the creativity of their outreach activities, and the diversity of their partnerships and target audiences.

Since 1996, The Maine Family Literacy Initiative has awarded 243 grants totaling $4,341,991. To learn more, visit mainefamilyliteracy.com.

Adult Ed Diploma Program Offers a Way Forward

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:50:59 -0400

as published in the Bangor Daily News (Midcoast Beacon) http://bangordailynews.com/2011/06/20/news/adult-ed-diploma-program-offers-a-way-forward/

Adult ed diploma program offers a way forward

By Heather Steeves, BDN Staff

June 20, 2011, Posted 4:46 p.m. at
ROCKLAND, Maine — Everyone sitting in the GED and adult high school diploma programs in Rockland has a different story — a different reason for leaving high school early and a different reason for coming back.

Some of them now have children of their own and couldn’t help them with their homework. Some found the perfect job, but weren’t qualified because they didn’t finish high school.

“Even McDonald’s and Burger King ask for a GED or high school diploma,” said GED preparatory teacher Beth Gifford.

Earlier this month Regional School Unit 13 graduated 25 adult students who all earned either their GED or high school diploma. Some of those students have already been accepted to college or have gotten jobs.

The program is completely free and volunteer-run.

For people who left high school with only a few credits to go, the adult ed program allows them to take their remaining high school classes at night at Rockland District High School. These courses take three hours per week for 15 weeks. For people who didn’t get as far in high school, the adult ed program helps them get their GED.

Students are assessed by trained volunteers in the learning center at the McLain School on Lincoln Street. There are five areas of study, including math, English and social studies. To get a GED, a person must pass a test in each subject area. People who are already knowledgeable in some areas can take those tests and study for the others. According to Gifford, the adult students don’t have to do it all at once. If he or she wanted to, a student could study for one test at a time. Because of this, the time it takes each person to earn a GED varies.

“It’s an open-ended thing. It depends where their skills are now. If you went through April your senior year of high school, it won’t take you more than a few weeks,” Gifford said. “The ones who went through eighth grade, started their freshman year and didn’t make it and are 45 and haven’t done anything since — those people should plan to be here a while.”

From the beginning of the GED and high school diploma courses, volunteers try to get the students into a bigger-picture mindset. This, Gifford said, is why so many of this year’s graduates already have offers from colleges and employers.

“We get them in that mindset before they start,” she said. “As we work on the GED we also work on what career they are looking at and what training it will take them to get there. We ask, what do you want to do? Do you want to be a nurse? A commercial driver? Do you want to be a physicist? In their minds they often have things in their head they didn’t think were possible. We try to show them they are possible.”

The learning center is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. People interested in getting their GED or high school diploma should walk in or call 594-5154.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to tutor GED students also may call 594-5154.

RSU 13’s adult ed program also offers Coast Guard Captain’s License, Computers for the Very Beginner, Mixed Media Painting and Office Skills courses. Most are free or cost about $25. For more information, visit http://rsu13.maineadulted.org.

Representative Edward Mazurek Returns to RSU13 Adult Education

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:01:29 -0500

Published in Village Soup on December 16, 2010

On December 16, 2010, Representative Edward Mazurek joined the Adult Learning Center located at RSU13’s McLain School. There, he spoke with adult students about educational goals, the local economy and health literacy. Representative Mazurek, a retired teacher and coach, has been a long-time supporter of adult education. “Education is essential at any age. We never stop learning,” Mazurek stated.

Representative Edward Mazurek, of Rockland, is serving his fourth term in the Legislature. “As we look toward economic growth and expansion in the midcoast, our adult workforce is greatest resource. The RSU13 learning center values that resource, and works tirelessly to provide adults with learning opportunities,” Mazurek added.

For more information on RSU13’s Learning Center and the free services available for adults, contact Literacy Volunteers of Mid-Coast Maine’s Executive Director, Beth A. Gifford: 594-5154.

Photo Caption: Ed Mazurek speaks with Beth A. Gifford and adult students.

Senator Chris Rector Connects with RSU13 Adult Education

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:37:14 -0500

December 15, 2010

Senator Chris Rector joined adult learners at RSU13’s Adult Learning Center to discuss literacy, local employment and health literacy. Senator Rector is serving his second term in the Maine Senate, having served three terms in the House of Representatives. Senator Rector toured the facility, located at McLain School in Rockland, to better understand the depth and breadth of adult education offerings in the area. “I have always been a supporter of adult education and know its vital role in strengthening the fabric of our economic, familial and social community. Today was a chance for me to hear the individual stories of adults who benefit from this important community resource,” Senator Rector said.

Students at the Learning Center range in age from 16 to 70 and work on a variety of skill building including, GED preparation; literacy, health, beginning computers; English as a Second Language, and college preparation. R SU13 collaborates with Literacy Volunteers of Mid-Coast Maine to provide direct instruction for students. Due to this partnership, students can work one-on-one with tutors in their area of academic need, and at their own pace. All services at the center are free and confidential. Senator Rector has a deep personal tie to this agency as his father, Fred Rector, was an active literacy volunteer for several years.

Senator Rector met with RSU13 Adult Education Director, Shannon M. Parker, to discuss the future of adult education and its role in the Many Flags initiative. “When we consider the future of economic development, adult education is a key factor in helping our adult citizens build skills and job readiness. Adult Education is where we get the biggest bang for our buck,” Rector added. Many of the 200 students served annually at the RSU13 site are returning to school after a long period of time in the workforce. Some are looking to enter college or change careers, while others attend the center to improve reading skills in order to more successfully engage in a child’s homework. “Adults who struggle with illiteracy and low skills often do not have a voice so it is vital that our state leaders speak for them,” says Parker.

The reasons behind Learning Center attendance are personal and powerful. For instance, Debbie, a local woman who struggled to read at the sixth grade level, sought the help of Adult Education when she realized her nine-year-old son was a more fluent reader. She’d dropped out of school in 10^th grade, but now realizes how important a credential is for employment and for her family. She attends the center faithfully everyday and took her first official GED test yesterday in Language Arts. Stories of adult academic success are common throughout Maine, due in large part to the coordinated local programs offered throughout the state.

For more information on RSU13’s Learning Center, contact Literacy Volunteers of Mid-Coast Maine’s Executive Director, Beth A. Gifford: 594-5154.

SPRING 2011 Brochure Coming Soon!

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:38:22 -0500

The RSU13 Adult Education Spring Brochure will be mailed by January 1, 2011.

Check your mailboxes for the printed version, or http://rsu13.maineadulted.org/ for online course listings.

Happy Holidays!

A Beauty Visits Midcoast Schools

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:31:00 -0500

published by The Herald Gazette on October 29, 2010

RSU13 recently hosted Heartwood Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Nearly 700 students from Cushing Community School, South School, Lura Libby, Gilford Butler and Owl’s sat in awe as actors brought the famed fairy tale to life. Reactions to the experience were overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Second grader Katherine Freeman said, “My favorite part was when Belle FINALLY gave up and decided to marry the Beast and lived happily ever after with her husband!” Her classmate, Connor Bannow, focused on the moral of this fable: “I've noticed that all fairy tales teach a lesson. This lesson is that you shouldn't look at the outside for the true person, you should look on the inside.”

RSU13 Adult and Community Education sponsored the events in collaboration with Heartwood Theatre of Damariscotta. Heartwood Goes to School is an educational outreach program bringing theater arts education and programming to midcoast schools in Lincoln, Knox, Waldo and Sagadahoc counties. The program is designed to allow K-12 students to experience many forms of performing arts including theater, mime, dancing, storytelling and puppetry. Heartwood Goes to School programming includes performances by professional Maine artists and theater arts workshops for students and teachers.

John Sommo, Principal of Owl’s Head School, was particularly impressed with the level of engagement the production afforded. “The performance was outstanding with students truly mesmerized by the acting, set and multimedia effects. It was especially rewarding to see the entire school warming up with the actors. The workshops offered an opportunity for all students to work on expression in a small group setting with professional guidance,” said Sommo.

RSU13 Adult and Community Education is dedicated to enhancing arts experiences for children in grades K-12. Last year, RSU13 students were exposed to a variety of artistic initiatives including Prince Ivan and the Grey Wolf; Sleepy Hollow by The Frogtown Puppeteers; Atlantic Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker; performances by Old Grey Goose International, and a visit by local children’s author and illustrator, Chris VanDusen. In addition, RSU13 Adult and Community Education sponsors after-school arts clubs at Thomaston Grammar School, Rockland Middle School, and South School.

RASA Winter Catalog

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:29:13 -0500

The RASA winter catalog is here! Programs begin January 10th and continue through February 18th. To enroll in clubs, please call 594-2221. You can download the catalog here: www.youthlinksonline.org/RASA

RSU 13 Adult Education Graduation

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:15:53 -0400

RSU 13 hosted its 2010 Adult Education graduation on Friday, June 9^th, a ceremony to celebrate the 46 adults who earned their high school diploma or GED this year. Graduates attending the ceremony include Kaitlyn Arsenault, Becky Chavanne, Krystal Dodge, Christopher Grout, Jessica Isakson, Joshua Keating, Annette Merrifield, Shawna Perreault, Morria Plant, Amelia Sukeforth, Jessica Tyler, and Michelle Young. Ms. Isakson was the student speaker and congratulated her peers in a touching speech. Mr. Grout and Mrs. Merrifield also addressed the audience, thanking those individuals who helped them along the way. In total, RSU 13 awarded 31 GEDs and 15 Adult Education Diplomas during the 2009-2010 school year.

Speaker of the House, Hannah Pingree, addressed graduates with an inspirational address that focused on the connection between individual successes and healthy, prosperous Maine communities. Ms. Pingree said that “having a diploma will open up more doors in your lives, present more opportunities.” She went on to acknowledge: “You all took a risk in coming back to school. None of this was easy or convenient, yet you did it. When you decided that going back to school was important to you, you took control of your future and you took a positive step forward. It may have seemed daunting at the time, but today you showed yourself that you were up to the task, and your life in the community, and your family will all be better for it. And that’s good for our entire community. Consider your success here today as a beginning, not an end.”

Ms. Pingree took a moment to honor Adult Education Director, Shannon M. Parker, for her recent recognition as a “tireless advocate and grant writer” for RSU 13. She also thanked the families of graduates, noting that support, effort and sacrifices furnished in the home were essential ingredients in student success. Ms. Pingree is the 99^th Speaker of the House of Representatives and is a native of North Haven, Maine. Her speech concluded by telling graduates, “Today is about celebrating and you should feel great. But I hope tomorrow that you will feel bolstered by this success and start thinking about what your next challenge will be. I wish for each of you to take on things that you didn’t think you were capable of, and I know it will make all the difference.”

Dr. Judith Lucarelli, RSU 13 Superintendent of Schools, proudly handed out diplomas. Her remarks challenged graduates to work toward their next degree, making lifelong learning part of their personal goals: “This is an amazing group of dedicated, determined people that we honor tonight. My challenge to you tonight is that this not be the end of your learning. I urge you to continue your education in a formal way. And when you move on to your next degree, please let us know how you are doing. You prove tonight that as an adult you can be successful at school. For your whole life, be a student!”

Students earning their GED (General Education Development) Diplomas worked within RSU 13’s full time Adult Learning Center located at the McLain School, while Adult Education High School Diploma students took credit bearing classes in the evenings at Rockland District High School. Nearly 150 family members and friends of the graduates joined in the celebration. “The graduates have worked hard to overcome incredible obstacles and I hope they feel inspired by their achievement and continue their education. Earning a diploma is an incredible accomplishment, one which has the capacity to bring endless opportunities,” says Shannon M. Parker, Director of RSU 13 Adult and Community Education.

Author: Shannon Parker

One-Week Summer Science Courses in Rockland!

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:13:39 -0400

Need a Biology or Chemistry lab credit for your college program? Want to explore the spectacular Midcoast at the same time? This summer, sign up for "Science by the Sea"!

We have heard much feedback that adult education college preparation courses are not offered in many locations in Maine during the summertime. For example, last summer, a Chemistry student was commuting from Westbrook to Rockland (170 miles round trip) two times a week because there were no other offerings closer to home!

So, we are offering a unique opportunity this summer: one-week high school credit science classes, or “camps.” Local residents can take a short time out from their busy summer schedules to complete their academic requirements in six days; rather than attend a class that meets for a few hours, once or twice a week, which seems to drag on and on over the entire summer.

In addition, this condensed schedule will make it possible for students from distant locations to stay in the Rockland area while completing their college prerequisites. Partners or families may want to come to the Midcoast together: while one studies during the day, the other(s) can play! Upon request, we will assist students “from away” in finding affordable accommodations: this includes budget motels, roommate possibilities, and campgrounds.

See course listings for more details. Call 596-2018 to register!

Chemistry with Lab

Biology with Lab

Sharing the Table & Meet Your Chefs Programs in the News!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:51:10 -0500

Georgeanne Davis of the Free Press wrote a terrific article on our pilot programs, Meet Your Chefs and Sharing the Table. Click here to see the article online!

We still have six available slots for this class. Call 596-2018 to register.

Summer 2009 Classes

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:35:36 -0400

Choose from the following classes this summer. See the course page for more detail on each learning opportunity.

Keyboarding/Typing Skills

Computer Basics / Computer Literacy

Computer Applications: Work and Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word II

Chemistry with Lab

Biology with Lab

Free Summer Youth Programming

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:31:35 -0400

Are you interested in any of the following? Call Christy Monroe for more details: 691-3167

Paint a Mural

Imaginative Clay Sculpture

World Dance

Beach Field Trips

Photography in Action

Discover Rockland

Global Cooking

Photography Around Town

Creative Clay

Tennis

Mainely Cooking

Retro Dance

Summer Sports

Field Games

MSAD#5 Adult Education Graduation

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:28:37 -0400

MSAD#5 hosted its 2009 Adult Education graduation on Friday, June 12^th, presenting 12 Diplomas. Graduates attending the ceremony include Jaynie Butler of Rockland, Crystal Davey of Thomaston, Jennifer Eastman of Rockland, Amber Grant of Rockland, Krista Murphy of Thomaston, Caleb O'Brien of Thomaston, Shane Preston of Rockland, Amy Rackliff of Rockland, Casey Robinson of Union, Meghan Runius of Rockland, Joy Skarka of Thomaston and Sheldon Woodcock of Rockland. In total, MSAD#5 awarded 29 GEDs and 6 Adult Education Diplomas during the 2008-2009 school year.

Crystal Davey of Thomaston, graduate and mother of two, was the student speaker for the ceremony. Her poignant words spoke of how important it is to have outside support, both from younger and older generations: "Children are an inspiration to all young parents. They make you want to do the very best in everything that you do. The support of friends and family is what helped me finish this great accomplishment. I know now my children can look up to the person I am today, and the person I will be in the future." Crystal has been working toward her GED while raising two young children. Her five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter joined her in celebrating, along with her fiancé-also a GED graduate-and family. Crystal plans to continue her formal education.

Dr. Judith Lucarelli, MSAD#5 Superintendent of Schools, proudly handed out diplomas. Her speech challenged graduates to work toward their next degree, making lifelong learning part of their personal goals: "This is an amazing group of dedicated, determined people that we honor tonight. You have chosen the harder path: not for you, the simple task of earning a diploma by going to school every day through twelfth grade. You, for a whole range of reasons known best by you, stepped aside from that path and made the choice as adults to complete your first degree, the diploma to be awarded tonight. My challenge to you is that this not be the end of your learning. You know better than ANY of the members of the class of 2009 at RDHS who received their diplomas on Tuesday. You know better than them that learning is something that adults do and thrive on. You know that you will continue for the rest of your life. For your whole life, BE A STUDENT."

Edward Mazurek, Maine State Representative from Rockland, was scheduled to be the guest speaker, however he was unable to make the graduation ceremony as he is co-chair of the Transportation Committee in Augusta and they were trying to pass their budget on Friday. Shannon Parker, MSAD#5 Director of Adult Education, read Mazurek's speech to the graduates and their guests. Mazurek remarks included wisdom for all attendees: "If you learn anything from this experience, remember that it is never too late to accomplish something you set your heart and mind to doing. It is never too late to dream your highest dream, and never too late to think the ‘impossible' and to achieve it. Enjoy this night, for today you have attained yesterday's dream."

Students earning their GED (General Education Development) Diplomas worked within MSAD#5's full time Adult Learning Center located at the McLain School, while Adult Education High School Diploma students took credit bearing classes in the evenings at Rockland District High School. Nearly 150 family members and friends of the graduates joined in the celebration. "Each graduate has worked hard to overcome obstacles and attain their academic goal. It is an incredible achievement for which they should be very proud," says Beth A. Gifford, GED instructor and Director of Literacy Volunteers of Midcoast Maine.