Summer 2020 EAST Quarterly

MINDFULNESS IN THE CLASSROOM

Resources to Help Students From Facilitator Amanda Wicker

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Summer 2020 QUARTERLY

ISSUE

29

GEEK SPEAK

Explore Toasty with Director of Events Jessica Dunham

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ALLIES

#INSPIRE CHANGE We

are committed to helping all learners use their voice and their actions as an ally for their chosen causes. The change we hope to inspire begins with intentional education, continues with careful thought and consideration, progresses to planning and teambuilding, then advances to actions that promote equity. This is EAST, a network of change agents challenging others to explore, develop, and improve the world around them.

Scan here for links to more resources!

RESOURCES WWW tolerance.org

Resources to help you craft a learning plan.

TOOLKITS Seven Ways to Promote Equity in the Classroom from the University of Southern California rossier.usc.edu/seven-effective-ways-to-promote-equityin-the-classroom/

Well Connected Communities Equity in the Classroom wellconnectedcommunities.extension.org/equity-toolkit/

READING The Uses of Anger: Women Responding to Racism

by Audre Lorde

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Greetings All! As I sit down to address the EAST family I am reminded of a song lyric, ‘Back to life, back to reality!’ or what we know now as reality, right? There was a time I tried to wear a mask at school for homecoming, (I think it was) and we weren’t allowed to enter the building with it. Now we’re not allowed to enter the building without one. I hope you all have plenty of options with fun colors and sparkles! I am building a pretty hefty collection myself, but I digress! Reality as we know it has drastically changed, but the ability to create a new and improved or unique reality has not! And I have no doubt that is what you all will do with what others consider as limitations; create something new! Just in case you don’t think you can make it happen, here are a few people who used the limitations of their world to create lasting impressions. Remember the thing in life that limits you most is the picture you draw of it.

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EAST and the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas carry on the legacy of a STEM legend.

@theEASTinitiative

@EASTinitiative

EAST Initiative

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MINDFULNESS IN THE CLASSROOM

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Apryl Jackson Communications Coordinator

fb.me/EASTinitiative

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CARING FOR THE WHOLE STUDENT

Recognizing the signs of depression and anxiety in the classroom.

Veteran Facilitator, Amanda Wicker, introduces a new resource to help students practice mindfulness in the classroom.

1930s Food Insecurity - Ruth Graves Wakefield invents what became Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies 1970s Economic Crisis - General Electric invented the Fluorescent Light Bulb 1982 Economic Recession - Coca-Cola Classic debuts the Diet Coke 1997 Invention of the Digital Era - Netflix is started in California 2001 Invention of the Digital Era - Apple invents the iPod 2009 Invention of the Digital Era - Kepler Space Telescope used to see stars 3,000 light years away

6215 Ranch Dr. Little Rock, AR 72223 501.371.5016 EASTinitiative.org communications@EASTstaff.org

EAST & THE WOMEN’S FOUNDATION OF ARKANSAS PROPELLING WOMEN IN STEM

GEEK SPEAK Take a dive into the world of Toasty with Director of Events, Jessica Dunham.

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MEET THE STAFF

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BECOME A FRIEND OF EAST

Quarantine Edition: Our Favorite Snacks!

EAST’s newest initiative has many benefits for anyone and everyone. Join us.

MAGAZINE TEAM Editor - Apryl Jackson Designer - Kristen Farmin

news.eastlink.me/podcast

Disclaimer The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited materials lost or damaged in the post.

All text and layout is the copyright of the EAST Initiative. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the copyright holder. All copyrights are recognized and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review.

Read this and previous issues online at news.EASTlink.me/EQ SUMMER 2020 | EAST QUARTERLY

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“

EAST has taught me to be there for my community and be there for others and not just do service for show but make it meaningful. This scholarship allows me to be around people like me, at UCA, who are dedicated to learning and love science.

“

-Bailey Doss

EAST & The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Propelling Women in STEM

D

uring the spring of 2020, amidst unpredictable times in our nation, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) connected with EAST and put wheels in motion to establish a scholarship in honor of STEM pioneer and founding member of the foundation, Dr. Mary Lowe Good. WFA and EAST have forged a unique partnership that highlights the importance of mentorship, experience, and exposure for young women in all STEAM fields. These two organizations have established a form of support to combat financial struggles that all too often delay and discourage students from pursuing the higher education needed to achieve their goals.

noting that she embodied the same perseverance, creativity, and servant leadership as Dr. Good. Bailey will be a freshman at the University of Central Arkansas this fall, pursuing a STEAM degree in health sciences.

says WFA Executive Director Anna Beth Gorman, “Dr. Good supported and believed in the holistic experiences that product design and language arts (strong communication) provided young women.”

“EAST is thrilled that this scholarship is focused on EAST students and honored to help with managing the scholarship process while honoring Dr. Good’s legacy--she was an EAST supporter from our earliest days,” says member of the internal scholarship committee and program coordinator, Sara Swisher.

With this scholarship, Bailey will study and work to achieve her goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist. Bailey shared, “At first I thought I wanted to be a surgeon, but I began volunteering at the hospital and learned more about nursing during high school. After shadowing a few doctors, I thought to myself, ‘maybe I’ll become an MD,’ but my internship solidified that I wanted to be a nurse. They offer medical and emotional support. As a nurse, I can be in on everything that’s going on and still interact with the patients and possibly change someone’s day and help save their life.”

Dr. Good was an advocate for quality STEM education on every level and a firm promoter of women in STEM. The goal of WFA is to build on the legacy of Dr. Mary Lowe Good by financially assisting young women looking to make bold strides and advancements in the STEAM field. “It is important to include the A in today’s society,”

Out of many applicants, Bailey Doss of Berryville, Arkansas, was chosen as the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Mary Lowe Good Legacy Scholarship. A diverse team of EAST supporters and alumni unanimously selected Bailey,

Dr. Mary Lowe Good was a native Arkansan and distinguished chemist, professor, industrial innovator, and government leader whose career provides great inspiration for women in science. Dr. Good was born in Grapevine, Texas, but grew up in Kirby and Willisville, Arkansas. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Physics from the University of Central Arkansas. She then went on to be the first woman in Arkansas to earn her Master of Science degree and Ph.D. in Chemistry and Physics from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

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EDUCATION CONTINUED! EAST provides all learners with the opportunity to have relevant, individualized, life-changing educational experiences and so do many of our neighboring colleges and universities! Join us in celebrating a few graduates of the class of 2020 who will be furthering their education with the help of a scholarship made possible by EAST or through their participation in EAST!

CAROLINE CECIL

STETSON VAN MATRE Congratulations Stetson Van Matre!

Stetson is an EAST student at Northside High School (Fort Smith, Arkansas) and a 2020 University of Central Arkansas EAST Scholarship Recipient! Stetson has been in EAST for one year. He plans to attend the UCA Honors College in the fall, majoring in Biochemistry.

BAILEY DOSS

Congratulations Caroline Cecil! Caroline is an EAST student at Harrison School District and a 2020 University of Central Arkansas EAST Scholarship Recipient!

Caroline has been in EAST for six years! She was also on the EAST at Harrison Junior High School Founder’s Award team and served on the EAST Conference Leadership Team as a Social Media Reporter. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the fall.

KOBE SISOUPHANH Congratulations Kobe Sisouphanh! Kobe is an EAST student at Northside High School (Fort Smith, Arkansas) and a 2020 University of Central Arkansas EAST Scholarship Recipient! Kobe has been in EAST for three years! He also served on the EAST Conference Leadership Team! He plans to major in Management Information Systems at UCA in the fall.

COMING SOON! The EAST Student Scholarship is made possible through the generous donations of our staff, supporters, and partnership with the Arkansas Community Foundation! Applications will be available in January 2021.

Continue to help offer EAST scholarship opportunities to deserving students. Visit our website at EASTinitiative.org and donate today!

KAYLA STAHL Congratulations Kayla Stahl! Kayla is an EAST student at Vilonia High School and a 2020 University of Central Arkansas EAST Scholarship Recipient! Kayla has been in EAST for two years and was also on the EAST at Vilonia High School Conference Team two times. She plans to major in Broadcast Journalism to become a Meteorologist.

Congratulations Bailey Doss of EAST at Berryville, the INAUGURAL recipient of the Dr. Mary Lowe Good Legacy Scholarship presented by the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas in partnership with EAST and the Arkansas Community Foundation! Bailey will be attending the University of Central Arkansas and majoring in nursing in Fall 2020!

The Dr. Mary Lowe Good Legacy Scholarship is made possible by generous donors who support EAST. #GirlsInSTEM #WFA #CollegeBound

SUMMER 2020 | EAST QUARTERLY

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Caring for the Whole Student

Collective Trauma & Stress in the Classroom

by Dr. Khiela J. Holmes

H

ello, EAST community!! It is an honor to engage with such an amazing organization. As a society, we have been through SO much in the past months, including an unprecedented pandemic and social unrest around systemic racism. As a clinical child psychologist who has been trained in trauma-informed therapies and works with educators to create trauma-informed schools, I have been in constant reflection about examining the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest through a trauma lens. Some might wonder why the word “trauma� would describe how to view this societal moment and why it is essential to approach these crises in a trauma-informed manner. Good question!!

economic hardship and food insecurity, increased substance use in the home, and more intense fear about safety. For those who did not have pre-existing trauma and adversity, COVID-19 has presented new concerns. Among them are:

A potentially traumatic event is an experience that a person (of all ages) has or witnesses that presents a threat to his/her safety and security. A notable portion of children in Arkansas had already experienced trauma and adversity before COVID-19.

We know that 1 in 7 children experience abuse and neglect in any given year. The following are adverse experiences that Arkansas children have: parental divorce/separation (33% of children in AR), extreme economic hardship (33%), a parent in jail (16%), alcohol/drugs in the home (12%), a person with a mental illness in the home (10%), death of a parent (7%), the victim of or witness violence (5%), or experienced unjust treatment because of race/ethnicity (4%). For these children, the uncertainty, isolation, and losses of COVID added to their already adverse circumstances. For them, this could mean increased concern about abuse and violence, more profound

Using a trauma-informed lens in an education setting means that it is vital to have an awareness of, identify and provide support to not only the students but also the caregivers, teachers, administrators, and school personnel. Traumainformed approaches acknowledge that teachers have to feel safe to teach and students have to feel safe to learn.

Trauma Informed Schools Resources

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Unemployment in the family, Physical isolation from friends and family, Parental stress, Loss of essential routines, enjoyable activities, and self-care strategies; 5. Death and/or sickness of loved ones; and other direct and indirect stressors.

This is undoubtedly a stressful and challenging time for everyone‌and it is an opportunity to connect with each other as a community, nurture established supportive relationships, build important life skills, innovate and create new routines and approaches, and emerge as visionary and inspirational leaders. One powerful way to do this is to adopt traumainformed strategies. Below are some tips for having a traumainformed lens.

COVID-19 Trauma Resources

Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom

SELF-CARE.

We have ALL been through a lot. Please extend compassion and grace to yourself. We are all doing the best we can! Take time to rest and relax, connect with your loved ones, engage in activities you enjoy, get adequate sleep and nutrition, set and maintain boundaries, laugh, and be grateful for the “small things.” It is crucial to support the adults who care for and support children. Be mindful of your emotional health. Notice if you are experiencing increased stress, irritability, a short fuse, worries, fears, decreased motivation, low energy, difficulties thinking clearly, anger, sleep problems, appetite difficulties, grief, and uncertainty during this time.

Please seek out the support (supportive friends and family, faith community, mental health professional, etc.) you need during this time.

AWARENESS that COVID-19 and social unrest around racism are potentially

traumatic experiences that have created or added feelings of not being safe, uncertainty, fear, worry, and stress. Be aware that these feelings can lead to problematic behaviors.

Remember that problematic behavior is a way to communicate and a sign of a lagging or missing skill.

EDUCATE yourself regarding trauma and the impact of trauma on children’s social, emotional, academic, and behavioral functioning. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (www.nctsn.org) has a wealth of information on these topics!

WATCH for and NOTICE signs of emotional distress. It is essential to highlight that emotional distress related to COVID-19 and systemic racism can manifest for all children from those that are in early childhood (0 to 5 years old) to adolescence.

Young children might display changes in behavior, attention, mood, sleeping, eating, toileting, and loss of previously learned skills. Older children may also show concerns with worries, fears, sadness, anger, irritability, difficulties focusing and staying on task, more tired and difficulties with low energy, more withdrawn from peers and school family, emotional outbursts, more academic difficulties, lack of enjoyment from activities, and increased overall emotional and behavioral challenges.

CONNECT with the community. During this very stressful time, it is important

to connect with our friends, family, and coworkers. Social connection is powerful! Be intentional about carving out time and ways of connecting with and supporting one another. Celebrate each other’s successes both small or large. Genuinely ask about your coworkers feelings. Extend each other grace during stressful moments. Be helpful with each other where possible.

BUILD

critical social-emotional skills through more intentional teaching and modeling. These skills include recognizing and naming emotions, solving problems, managing conflict, seeking adult support as needed, using calming strategies, having perspective-taking skills, and noticing one’s strengths and abilities. It is also important to encourage healthy and effective interactions among students. These techniques will help all students feel safe and position them to be ready to learn!

LEAD

with compassion, vision, and clear, honest, and timely communication.

If you influence a person or group of people (students, teachers, staff), you are in leadership. Leaders thrive during crises! In times of crisis, people need to have wellarticulated plans (plans for emergencies and upcoming changes), an inspirational and encouraging vision to get behind, and routines and rituals (daily schedule). This can help to alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.

Dr. Khiela J. Holmes received

her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialized concentration in children. She provides psychotherapy and psychological assessment services to individuals aged 6 to 25 with symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, mood, ADHD, and behavioral difficulties. Her primary research interests include cultural variables, trauma, aggression and disruptive behaviors, and the intersection of mental health and faith. Dr. Holmes also has a specific interest in leading organizational change efforts to create trauma-informed systems of care. She is committed to professional service through leadership roles in national and state-level psychology organizations such as the Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology Diversity Committee, Arkansas Psychological Association, and the Arkansas Association of Black Psychology Professionals. khielaj@gmail.com Khiela Holmes

SUMMER 2020 | EAST QUARTERLY

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Mindfulness in the Classroom

By Amanda Wicker

Amanda Wicker EAST Facilitator at Lonoke High School

M

y name is Amanda Wicker, and this is my 4th year as the EAST Facilitator at Lonoke High School. This year will be my 20th as a teacher. My husband, Chad, is an assistant manager/biologist at the Game and Fish Hatchery in Lonoke, and we live with our three sons. We have a senior and a freshman in high school and a wild little 3rd grader. We love our community and are very involved.

Recently, our world has experienced some eye-opening issues and events. These hit home with my community, my school, and my students. I found myself genuinely stopping and listening. Really trying to understand the things going on around me that were heartbreaking. Issues that I never took the time to realize were happening, because they didn’t affect me personally or so I thought. But the reality of it is, they did. I had friends hurting and struggling daily. Friends worried and stressing about their children when they shouldn’t have to be.

These children are my students, and for me, my students are like my own kids! I wouldn’t watch my kids struggle, and I could not stand by and watch my students struggle to process everything happening around them. This has pushed me to find ways to teach my students mindfulness.

Mindfulness as defined in the Webster Dictionary: “The practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis also: such a state of consciousness.”

To me, this is something our world truly lacks in this day and age. We are such a self-centered place. If someone thinks differently than us, we believe they are wrong! I want my kids to understand that we all think differently based on our lives, experiences, backgrounds, trauma, fairness, and so many other things. The only way to learn what we haven’t experienced is to listen to others tell their story with an open mind. We have to choose to get out of our bubble.

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I am planning to have daily conversations with my students on “sticky” topics. Before we can do this, they will need to understand mindfulness and how to appropriately have these discussions. I will teach the process of mindfulness using the online platform, “Nearpod.” This summer, I attended a professional development session about using Nearpod for team building activities with EAST students for blended learning. It is excellent in the classroom as well as for virtual learning opportunities. While preparing to present the information at the annual EAST Seminar — a three-day professional development conference for veteran EAST facilitators —I found Nearpod had some fantastic lessons created to teach mindfulness that are very interactive.

The lessons dig deep into what emotions you are feeling, why you are feeling these emotions, and how to stay focused on the current topic and not let your mind wander to other issues. Often when someone says something to us that we have “always” disagreed with, we want to immediately dig up all of the reasons we have learned to disagree before we ever TRULY listen to why this person feels this way. We have to teach our students to put that all aside for a moment and try to experience what others are bringing to us instead of shutting down. Nearpod has provided lessons that go into this and do it in a way that is as comfortable as possible for the students.

These lessons can be done in the physical classroom or virtually, so we are ready no matter the hand Covid19 deals us. I am planning to have students access the Nearpod lessons on mindfulness with me (teacher paced) at least every other week. I will begin with cultivating mindfulness, then practicing mindfulness, and then we will take these skills and implement them into real weekly conversations. I will also use Nearpod lessons on social awareness and teaching tolerance to reinforce these skills throughout the year. I am really looking forward to having a “mindful classroom” with mindful conversations.

GET

INVOLVED

STAY

CONNECTED

FOLLOW US!

/EASTinitiative

Social media and similar platforms are an excellent space for students to use their voices and stay connected! Whether sharing projects, recruiting volunteers, taking virtual field trips, or even producing a personal vlog as they adjust to life during a pandemic, it’s time to get involved and stay connected.

Facebook

@theEASTinitiative @EASTinitiative EAST Initiative

>>

With over 1.3 billion users, it’s no surprise that Facebook is still thriving! Now that we’re home more often than not, Facebook is a great way to target people in your neighborhood, school, community, and district with a targeted boost!

Flipgrid Did you know that you could use Flipgrid for a journal and as a marketing channel? It allows for great engagement while social distancing — Flipgrid reaches 140 countries!

With frames and filters, students can create their own branded marketing efforts for their projects, programs, or community partners.

Instagram Did you know that there are one billion people on Instagram? Use your account to connect with them! Set a follower goal and challenge yourself to produce content for diverse audiences! Use strong “action” photos to tell your story. From candid shots to polished and professional content, “IG” is a great resource!

Twitter Twitter allows you to teach through play! Use it to share information with parents, interesting topics, start a unique EAST program hashtag, follow other hashtags, or even connect your students to relevant blogs and organizations that spark their interest outside of their school work!

LinkedIn While mostly used by professionals for networking and research, LinkedIn is a great place to find new community partners and help student entrepreneurs establish a presence in their market before leaving the classroom.

Follow companies to see what their needs are and reach out to them to be community partners.

Looking for ways to amplify your program’s social media presence? Let us know! We’d be more than happy to help! Communications@EASTstaff.org

>>

Many resources are available to learn the benefits of social media. Here are two EAST picks for you: Edutopia.com and eLearningIndustry.com!

SUMMER 2020 | EAST QUARTERLY

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GEEK SPEAK! What is Toasty and how can I use it for my virtual gatherings?

BY JESSICA DUNHAM

Meet Jessica Dunham, EAST Director of Events. Jessica introduced EAST to Toasty when the staff began working remotely as a way to remain engaged and entertained during long meetings. If you are looking for a fun way to help colleagues, staff, and students combat “Zoom fatigue” and remain interactive while virtual, take a look at what Toasty has to offer!

What is Toasty?

Why/when would I want to use Toasty?

Toasty was created to combat the frustration of ineffective, unproductive online meetings by transforming them into interactive, collaborative experiences. In a nutshell, Toasty is a video conferencing platform with built-in activities that are designed to engage attendees. Think Zoom or Google Meet but with a variety of icebreakers and team-building right at your fingertips.

It’s perfect for any type of virtual gathering! Use Toasty to encourage brainstorming and discussions during a team meeting or to complement the training activities in a workshop. It’s also a great tool to establish trust among team members, to encourage conversation among people meeting for the first time, and to facilitate networking opportunities. It should also be noted that Toasty limits its platform to 25 participants per session, so keep that in mind.

Getting attendees to participate in meetings is not an easy task, and virtual meetings have additional obstacles to overcome. Attendees can more easily go unnoticed in the “background” and some find it even harder to speak up during a virtual meeting. Toasty helps meeting planners create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation and engages attendees right from the very beginning.

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How does Toasty work?

Toasty is very simple to use - it can be set up in minutes and adjusted on the fly. It features a control center that enables the meeting host to manage participants, including moving them into breakout rooms. The activity toolbar is where meeting hosts can create activities or add templates on the spot, as well as edit, rearrange, or remove activities at any time.

?

Learn more about Toasty at toasty.ai

What types of things can you do on Toasty?

Activities include a fast-paced “Who Said That” guessing game and Conversation Cards to encourage discussion on a variety of topics. Breakout rooms provide an opportunity for attendees to get to know each other better in small groups and ensure that all voices are heard.

Group and individual responses provide opportunities for reflection and discussion. Toasty also has polls, chat, and a Q&A feature.

What’s my favorite thing about Toasty?

The templates are game-changers! Toasty’s ready-made templates can be customized and used instantly. There are a variety of options to choose from, depending on what you hope to accomplish - whether you’re looking for activities to help strengthen your team, to facilitate and enhance brainstorming, or just for fun.

Head on over to Toasty to take advantage of their 30-day free trial to try it out at your next virtual gathering!

Be sure to take a peek at the Toasty Blog for some great advice on working remotely, as well as tips to get the most out of your Toasty experience!

Here are a few of my favorite templates: Celebrate Wins Together Personal Weather Conditions Impromptu Networking Attitude of Gratitude Different Strengths Round Robin Recognition Which Would You Rather Stand Up! SUMMER 2020 | EAST QUARTERLY

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MEET THE

STAFF

QUARANTINE EDITION Whether you’re attending school virtually or in-person there is always time for snacks! Here are a few snacks that the EAST staff enjoyed during quarantine that you may enjoy as well!

Reuben Canada

Senior Director of IT Reuben@EASTstaff.org

Alicia Humbard

Program Coordinator for Phase Training Alicia@EASTstaff.org

Homemade salsa from the vegetables we grew in our new container garden!

Being at home with two teenagers we go through A LOT of snacks-so I like to buy snacks that come in BIG quantities. Our new family fav is the tub of peanut butter filled pretzels. Yummo! Can’t beat a tub of great salty snacks!

Amy Bell

Rinda Hall

Program Coordinator for Education Unleashed Amy@EASTstaff.org

Program Coordinator for Site Support Rinda@EASTstaff.org

My daily walks have become longer and more intense, so I’m fueling up with bananas, think! plant-based protein bars, and salami slices.

Fried chicken. Only thing I leave the house for!!

Jerry Prince

Sara Swisher

Senior Director of Program Services Jerry@EASTstaff.org

CHEEZ-ITs!

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Program Coordinator Sara@EASTstaff.org

Hot Cheetos with lime. Just empty a bag of Hot Cheetos in a bowl and squeeze lime over them. It’s delicious!

Konnie Hogue

Purchasing and Inventory Manager Konnie@EASTstaff.org

Whitney Croy

Operations Coordinator Whitney@EASTstaff.org

Maple bacon-wrapped dates. Because bacon always makes a “date” better!

During Quarantine I discovered the Klondike Bar Boston Cream Pie Donut edition. Yes, they are equally delicious and horrible at the same time if you are wondering. After making it three-quarters of the way through the pack I had to toss them out and buy a treadmill. 10/10 would recommend!

Jourdan Taylor

Pam Futch

Technical Services Representative Jourdan@EASTstaff.org

Senior Director of Accounting Pam@EASTstaff.org

Flaming Hot Asteroids or Cheetos.

Mid-morning, the Ninja blender comes out and I make protein shakes for my husband and me. Each has 1/2 frozen banana, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 2 Tbsp natural peanut butter, 2 tsp ground flaxseed, 8 oz. oat milk, and a handful of ice. It’s like Reese’s cup (low fat/high protein) in a drink!

Jessica Dunham

Lani Jennings-Hall

Director of Events

Jessica@EASTstaff.org

Marketing and Events Coordinator Lani@EASTstaff.org

All the varieties of homemade Amish friendship bread - cinnamon, orange, chocolate, banana, lemon poppy, etc.

Frozen Kind Bars...mmmm

Melissa Clemons

Christine Gronwald

Student Training Coordinator Melissa@EASTstaff.org

Director of Development Christine@EASTstaff.org

I think I can best describe my quarantine diet as “no carbs left behind.”

Banana pudding, Pasta Salad, Fruit Salad, and always a charcuterie plate!

Melanie Ridlon

Matt Dozier

Senior Director of Operations Melanie@EASTstaff.org

I pretty much eat apples and almond butter daily now; it’s delicious!

President/CEO Matt@EASTstaff.org

I try to balance healthy snacks (fruits and nuts) with chocolate and ice cream. I think that’s fair.

SUMMER 2020 | EAST QUARTERLY

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Become A

FRIEND OF EAST! Friends of EAST is a network of people passionate about EAST. It’s also one of the newest efforts by EAST to stay connected with and serve our amazing network of supporters. Friends of EAST fosters relationships in order to expand the work of EAST and its students through value-added services and support such as mentoring, volunteering, and funding efforts. Friends of EAST can be community partners, alumni, parents, facilitators, and students. Become a member today by signing up at eastlink.me/friendsofEAST.

GIVE Giving at EAST is easy! Donate monthly or mark your calendar to participate in the annual EAST Day of Giving.Your donations support the overall mission of EAST, EAST scholarships, and access to technology training. With your support, you can help EAST provide all learners with the opportunity to have relevant, individualized, and life-changing experiences.

TRAIN EAST students, grades 2 through 12, have the opportunity to attend free, professionally-led training in-person and virtually. With more than 75 class options covering technical and soft skills along with Adobe Creative Suite, Coding, 3D printing, and drone certification, we could not host these classes without the help of professionals like you. If you are interested in training, please visit eastlink.me/EASTtrainer.

Until 11/9 - Win an Amazon gift card for referring >> Now a friend to FoE! Just have them enter your name as the referral. eastlink.me/FriendsofEAST 12

EAST QUARTERLY | EASTinitiative.org

SUPPORT EAST hosts several special events each year. EAST Conference is a 3-day exhibition style event that celebrates and challenges EAST students to learn and perform at the highest levels. Attendees network with other students, share stories and ideas, and showcase projects that make a difference in their communities. EAST Seminar empowers facilitators, presenters, and EAST staff with an opportunity to network, collaborate, and discover. These events are made possible by sponsors, donors, exhibitors, and speakers. Interested in supporting EAST? Send us a message at events@EASTstaff.org.

PARTNER Exemplar EAST projects fill the CART — Critical Thinking, Advance, Real, and Teamwork. It is important for an EAST project to be real which often requires working with a community partner. EAST students work with community partners to curate unique experiences and solve real world problems.

Looking to connect with an EAST program? Check out our project database at EASTinitiative.org.

THANK YOU

to all of our sponsors and supporters who help make EAST happen for students.

CAST

Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies

SUMMER 2020 | EAST QUARTERLY

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Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit 521 Little Rock, AR

6215 Ranch Dr. Little Rock, AR 72223 501.371.5016 EASTinitiative.org communications@EASTstaff.org

Read this and previous issues online at news.EASTlink.me/EQ

fb.me/EASTinitiative

@theEASTinitiative

@EASTinitiative

EAST Initiative

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JOIN THE CELEBRATION! Follow EAST on social media to see the year-long celebration unfold.

SUPPORT EAST EAST believes that communities can be strengthened and education accelerated through service and technology. Programs offered and supported by EAST provide students with opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. With your help, EAST can continue to make an impact today and ensure bright tomorrows.

Join Kroger Community Rewards Programs and help EAST!

Go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com.

Add EAST As Your AmazonSmile Charitable Organization

Support EAST in 3 easy steps:

1. Sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser.

2. From your desktop, go to Your Account and select the option to Change your Charity. Or, from your mobile browser, select Change your Charity from the options at the bottom of the page.

3. Search for Environmental and Spatial Technology, Inc. Select this as your charity.

1. Click “Create an account”.

2. Enter your e-mail address, create a password and choose your preferred store.

3. Click “Create an account.”

4. Add your Kroger Plus Card number to your account and click “save.”

5. Scroll to Community Rewards (near the bottom) and click “enroll.”

6. Enter Environmental and Spatial Technology, Inc. 7. Thanks -- you’ve successfully enrolled in the Kroger Community Rewards program!

You must re-enroll each calendar year. This does not affect your fuel rewards.