OWL OBSERVER
Issue 9
11
OWL OBSERVER
September, 2020
Welcome Back!
The Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth
EDITION 9
Hello everyone and welcome to another exciting school year. As you know, it was a challenging summer for most because of the Pandemic and our ending the year so abruptly by transitioning online. Most of our staff worked from home from May until the first week in August, but now everyone is back, and we are ready to be of assistance. During the summer, we were fortunate enough to be approved to receive the Pell Grant. Without being approved for the Pell Grant, our students would not be able to receive GVRA funding.
Additionally, we were able to revise much of our curriculum. To date, we have 49 students making our program the largest in the state. Please know that we are following CDC guidelines and that everyone’s health is a priority for us. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Though different than previous years because of social distancing, we plan to make this a career, social, and academically enriching year. Let us know if you have any questions. Neil
Movie Matinees Where: Leadership Room of the Carmichael Student Center to allow for Social Distancing. Students should complete the poll in TEAMS to vote for the movie they want to see. The same film will be shown at each scheduled time. Students will be assigned to a day and time depending on their schedule to enhance social interaction. This gets students acclimated to being on campus and to know other Academy students. Pizza and cupcakes from KSU catering will be served. Friday 9/18 12-3 pm - Thursday 9/24 12-3 pm - Third Date: TBA
Academy Announcements Study Hall Room Change– Moved to the Burrus Building. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Room 368. Wednesday, Room 370. Mentor Support – Students assigned to in-person Tuesday/Thursday mentor support should report to Burrus Room 370. KSU Coronavirus Information and Updates: https://coronavirus.kennesaw.ed u/ Owl Life – For event information and list of registered clubs. https://owllife.kennesaw.edu
Congratulations to our Program Advisor, Shana Adkins, for completing her L.P.C. certification!
2
Back to School Meet and Greet We started out the first week of school with a meet and greet to introduce our new students to campus and help them get acquainted with the academy staff and returning students. Everyone received a welcome kit and introduced themselves to the group. It was an adjustment with the outdoor location and facemasks, but we made it work. It will be a challenge to come up with social activities this semester, but we hope to create more opportunities for the students to get out, socialize, and have fun in the safest way possible.
Virtual Mentor Support We’ve faced the challenge this semester of providing peer mentor support for students with the Covid-19 space limitations for our students in face to face classes, and assistance for students enrolled in online audit courses. We are trying a creative new model of virtual peer mentor support. Students in both classroom formats are being paired with a mentor virtually through MS TEAMS. The student and mentor work together by sharing the students screen with the mentor so they can get synchronous homework support, course navigation assistance, study and review opportunities, just like they would in a face to face setting. We are still working out a few kinks, but overall students are starting to adjust. Each student receives a specified assigned time to meet each week in a structured setting with the same peer mentor.
Student Haley O’Brien working with her virtual mentor Wyatt Fritz.
3
Students of the Month
W.I.N.G.S. Project The KSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Administration for Community Living. One of the parameters of the grant funding was to increase job opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They were looking for innovative models with a focus on career development, which is a key component of our program. The funding will enable the Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth to increase the number of paid internship opportunities for our students. O.D.I. also brought on board several campus departments to offer our students additional paid internship sites that didn’t exist prior to our partnership. Academy students are great employees and giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills, and be paid for their efforts, benefits everyone involved. We currently have eight students participating in paid internships as part of this grant. Our internship coordinator, Sarah Cox, has worked diligently to place students in valuable employment positions and we are thankful for the opportunities the grant has created for our program.
4
Welcome to our Human Services Interns
Crystal Bohannon My name is Crystal Bohannon, & I am a Senior at KSU in the Human Services program graduating in December 2020. Hooty Hoo! This is my second semester interning with the Academy for Inclusive Learning & Social Growth, & my favorite part of being here is that each day holds a new experience with the students. I have a dog named Sadie & three nieces to keep me busy outside of school & internship!
We are very fortunate to have some great interns from the KSU Department of Social Work and Human Services this semester. They will be working with the program advisors, social worker and academic program specialist providing additional support and guidance for students. Please welcome them and look for their participation in all aspects of the program for fall semester. Emily Gagne
My name is Emily Gagne. I am a Human Services major at Kennesaw State University. I am from Denver, Colorado. I moved to Georgia just before my senior year of high school. I have loved being in Georgia and my time at Kennesaw State. In March of 2019 I got married to my favorite person and best friend. Being newly married, working, and school has kept me busy! Fun fact about me, I am the youngest of 12 children (same mom and dad) and I have 35 siblings if you count my inlaw and step siblings. My family is one of my highest priorities, second to my love for Jesus. I love working with various populations and helping people wherever I can. I am super excited for this upcoming semester!
Anna Martin My name is Anna Martin. I am 22 years old and I am a Human Services major here at KSU. This will be my fourth year here! I’m not sure what I want to do with my major after graduating just yet, but it is along the lines of counseling or something working with children/people with disabilities. I'm a big homebody, I love to be with my family and our animals. I absolutely LOVE coffee, Dunkin’ is my favorite. I have a 10month-old chocolate lab and she is my best friend. I really enjoy walking and going on hikes in my free time.
5
Kellyn Dorsey My name is Kellyn Dorsey and I am a senior at KSU, I will be graduating in December 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Service with a concentration in Social Engagement and Advocacy. I was born and raised in Kennesaw, Georgia with one older sister, by an amazing Mom and Dad. Outside of work and school I enjoy wakeboarding in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. I have two dogs, 10-month-old yellow lab puppy, and a 4-year-old chow-shepherd mix. After graduation I plan to pursue a master’s degree and then eventually want to work in children advocacy, specifically investigating crimes against children. My passion for working in crimes against children comes from the desire for wanting each child to have the opportunity to experience a healthy and happy childhood. My dream for each child I encounter is that they get to grow up and have a fun, loving, and enjoyable childhood. I am excited to work with and get to know each student at the Inclusive Learning Academy.
Lauren Kane Hi everyone, I'm Lauren Kane, I am a senior at KSU majoring in Human Services. When I'm not at school or working I love doing anything outdoors with my dogs and traveling! I am so excited to have the opportunity to intern with the Academy this semester and I am looking forward to getting to know and work with all the amazing students!
6
GVRA Information We are not a part of the GVRA organization and do not have information related to the release of funds or processing of benefits. We suggest reaching out to your local office for more information. Atlanta: 404-206-6000 College Park: 770-909-2838 Norcross: 770-729 -5400 Canton: 770-720-3570 Athens: 706-354-3900 Douglasville: 770-489-3018 Marietta: 770-528-3435 Tucker: 770-414-2602 Augusta: 706-650-5600 Americas (Columbus): 706-649-7400