Fall 2006

Snelling Connection Newsletter of the Hancock/Hamline University Collaboration

Hancock Gets Election Head Start

College Begins in Kindergarten (CBiK) Editor’s Note: The Collaboration is committed to the idea that “College Begins in Kindergarten” and is working to make the dream of a college education a reality for every Hancock student. Each issue of the Snelling Connection will have different tips about what students and parents of students can do to start planning for college in elementary school.

3 Rules for College Savings from the Partnership for Learning

In This Issue: Kids Voting

1

Letter from the Editor 2 Carter Award Mini-Grants Calendar

3

From the Desk of...

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Traffic Calming Speak Out!

5

Advice Column Meet the Editors

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Volume 10, Issue 1

Whitney Klein

1. Start early. When your child is 5, start saving $100/month for 13 years. With 8% annual return, that’s $27,000.

2. Invest often. Commit now to set aside $5, $50 or $250/month. Or have it withdrawn from your paycheck. Send refunds, rebates, loose change to the fund. Ask relatives to contribute to the college fund instead of buying toys.

3. Don’t wait. Earmarking even $25 makes a difference. Telling your kids will inspire them. Ask them to help and drop a dime in their college jar for every dollar they get. It will teach them to work towards a goal.

Hancock students joined hundreds of their peers at the Capitol to learn about Kids Voting. The students that gathered listened to speeches, shared their wishes for America, and made a giant chain of American flag bracelets that stood for their promise to vote.

By Jason Allen and Phoua Thao Kids Voting Saint Paul is an orga- of Hancock, complete with a marHancock Student Editors nization seeking to increase voter shal, inspector, judges, and clerks. participation by encouraging K-12 Students will vote on the followhich would you rather students to bring their parents to ing issues: “Shall Hancock School have---spinach or a the polls and vote with them. Kids increase the amount of physical wristband? On Friday, Voting gives students a head start activity by 10 minutes for every October 13th Hamline University with the process of what it’s like to school day?” and “Shall Hancock Professors David Hudson and Da- vote. It also instills the importance School have Academic Perforvid Schultz presented this question of voting and how each vote can mance Assemblies?” The “Referduring a kickoff for Kids Voting make a difference. The results from endum for Continued Excellence at Hancock School. During this the Kids Voting ballots are posted in Schools” is also on the ballot. mock election students were not in the newspaper and online.

The referendum is an issue up for able to vote because they weren’t Campaign banners, pencil flags, vote in the election on November registered, so the teachers chose and bookmarks have been visible 7. If passed, it will increase monies spinach! The students were then since the kickoff. These symbols for education by $593 per pupil for allowed to register to vote, and in are all reminders of the upcoming the next six years. We asked Marjothe re-vote, the wristbands were election, where Hancock students rie Abrams, Principal at Hancock, victorious. After the kickoff stu- will have an opportunity to practice what the referendum will do for dents received a wristband to wear voting on issues that affect Han- our school. She said, “The referento help remind them to vote on cock. On November 6th a polling dum would help us keep $214,000 November 7th. station will be set up in the lobby “Kids Voting” continued on page 6

W

Fall 2006

H/H Collaboration is Carter Partnership Award Finalist!

The Hancock/Hamline University Collaboration is very excited to be one of five finalists for the 2006 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Award for Campus-Community Collaboration. The Carter Partnership Award is presented every two years to one exceptional partnership involving a Minnesota Campus Compact member college or university and a community group or groups, with a $10,000 prize divided equally between campus and community partners.

Former Senator John Glenn will give the keynote address at the award dinner, October 30.

Twelve-hundred business, education and other community leaders are expected to attend.

We’ll let you know how we do— keep your fingers crossed!

Mini-Grant Applications Are Now Available!

The Hancock/Hamline University Collaborative Advisory Committee is offering grants of $50 to $500 for collaborative proposals for programming and/or events that enrich the collaboration between Hancock/Hamline Collaborative Magnet School and Hamline University. The grant process is open to everyone in the Hancock/Hamline community. This opportunity is available because of a contribution from the Wolfe family to the Hancock/Hamline Collaboration. Applications are due November 3, 2006.

Want an application? Check out the Collaboration’s website (listed below) Need more information or have questions? Contact David Hudson at Hamline University or Shannon McParland at Hancock. (Contact information is listed in the red box on page 6 of this newsletter.)

Visit http://www.hamline. edu/hamline_info/centers/ hancock/hancockhamline_ home.html Page

Letter from the Editor

Snelling Connection Gets Makeover

I

’d like to start by introducing myself. My name is Whitney Klein, and I am the assistant to the Hancock/Hamline University Collaboration and the editor of the Snelling Connection. I am in my second year at Hamline University and have worked at Hancock since I’ve been a student at Hamline. I began my job as the assistant to the Collaboration in February 2006, half way through my first year. This is the third edition of the Snelling Connection that I have edited, and I am very proud of how far this newsletter has come.

This year is a year of transition for the Hancock/Hamline University Collaboration. Rita Johnson, the Hamline liaison to the Collaboration, retired at the end of last spring, and David Hudson joins Hancock Liaison Shannon McParland in the collaboration

leadership this year. The Advisory Committee, volunteer programs, and the Snelling Connection are undergoing many personnel and structural changes.

The Snelling Connection has been published since 1997, when it grew from the vision of Hamline student Jenna Thompson, who wanted to “get out the word” about the Collaboration between Hamline University and Hancock/Hamline University Collaborative Magnet School. Fellow management student Scott Benning joined the effort after both students had worked on a strategic analysis of the Collaboration in an academic course of the fall semester in 1996.

Since its first issue, the Snelling Connection has had many different looks. This year, since the Collaboration purchased new software for the newsletter, it made

sense that the Snelling Connection receive a makeover. The idea behind this redesign is centered on the idea of a bridge. The Collaboration between Hancock and Hamline bridges the two schools, bridges Snelling Avenue, bridges age differences, and bridges the roles of teacher and student. The bridge, which is standing behind the words “Snelling Connection” on the front page, stands for everything that the Collaboration aspires to do and to be.

Hopefully the new look accomplishes what I was striving for. I’d love to hear your feedback. Please call or e-mail with any comments or questions you may have.

Whitney Klein Hamline University Phone: 651-523-4082 E-mail: wklein02@hamline.edu

Snelling Connection Through the Years

2005 2006 2002 The Snelling Connection has had many looks over the years. The first few issues were only one page, back to back. The newsletter went to six pages in 1999 and added color in 2004. The theme this year centers on the bridge. (top of page) 1997

Fall 2006

Whitney Klein Samantha Henningson

Samantha Henningson

Hancock/Hamline University Collaborative Events Calendar November

December

2 In the Mix diversity training for Hamline student workers 3 Mini-grant applications due 6 Hancock Kids Voting 7 Election Day 8 In the Mix diversity training for Hamline student workers 9 Hancock early release day 10 Hancock no school 13-17 National Hunger and Homelessness Week 14 Hancock/Hamline Collaboration Advisory Committee Mtg. 23-24 Hamline Thanksgiving Break

11-21 12

15 18-21 23

Hancock Holiday Food Drive Hancock/Hamline Collaboration Advisory Committee Mtg. 11:15am to 12:30pm @ Hancock Elementary library Open to all!

Hancock Teddy Bear/Pajama Day Hamline Finals Week Beginning of Winter Break for Hancock students

Whitney Klein

Farewell to HOSTS and Hello to New Volunteer Program

By Melissa Hruza Hamline University student

A

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taking the best parts of the old program and making changes to fit everyone’s needs. One thing that many teachers wanted was to have children working with volunteers in the classrooms rather than being pulled out to work elsewhere. Blumthal said that the new program will provide just such opportunities for volunteers from the community.

Getting the new program running is a major challenge for Blumthal, and she has another.

Although the program officially begins on Oct. 24, it still needs

a name. If you have an idea for a name, or would like to volunteer, you can e-mail her at lynn. blumthal@spps.org or call 651293-8715, ext. 2110.

Hancock website

fter nearly a decade of “Helping One Student to Succeed,” the HOSTS reading program at Hancock has reached its final page, but a new program is in the works to replace it.

Hancock principal Marjorie Abrams announced the end of HOSTS earlier this year. She said that a new program would be developed that would place volunteers directly in classrooms to

help students with reading, writing, vocabulary and math.

HOSTS was a highly successful program, at one time employing over 400 volunteers who ranged from college students to business professionals to retirees. They worked one-on-one with kids on literacy, according to Hancock Curriculum Coordinator Shannon McParland. But the departure of coordinator Amy Kortuem this year forced school officials to consider some new possibilities.

Librarian Lynn Blumthal was asked to develop a new program,

Adult helping student in HOSTS. Snelling Connection

From the Desk of...

Issam

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Himmi

I mi and y m i H sam .M e is Is at Hancock d m a n y M an de th gra ts are math t is 5 n i m a .I jec orocco te sub favori ame from M rs old. My c ea gym. I . I am ten y 5th. I speak ica y1 in Afr ebruar like SEM F s i y a birthd nd French. I a Arabic it is fun. e becaus

Phoua Th

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My name is Phoua Thao and am in six I th grade at Hanco My favor ck. ite class es are S Geo-Bee EM, (G and Gym eography Bee) .M is swimm y favorite hobby ing school. S . I really enjoy chool is fun for m e.

David Hudson

This is my first chance to greet you as liaison from Hamline University to the Collaborative, but many of you know me from the Collaborative Committee, Kids Voting, and HOSTS. When Rita Johnson announced her retirement last year and suggested that I take her place, I must confess I was a little overwhelmed. Just being on the committee and helping with the Snelling Connection had shown me the enormous range of activities and connections that the Collaboration embraces. I wasn’t sure how any one person could keep track of all that.

Of course I realize now that one person doesn’t have to keep track of all that.

The Collaboration is a living, breathing organism made up of all the people—Hancock and Hamline students, faculty, and staff; parents and neighborhood volunteers—who work to enrich us all through the strength of our partnership. My Hancock counterpart Shannon McParland, the Collaboration Coordinator Samantha Henningson, and many many others too numerous to name make and remake the Collaboration every day.

I am so grateful to be part of this community, and to help plan and publicize the exciting activities that enliven our lives together. We have a terrific year ahead, with a new volunteer program, new and returning grade-level pairings, new mini-grant opportunities, and many other activities as well. There’s lots of work to do, and fun to be had, so let’s get started!

Fall 2006

Traffic Calming Still an Issue on Snelling

By Eddie Henderson and Dominique Thompson Hancock Student Editors

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along Snelling Avenue. Thanks to a speed study done by Public Works, we know that while there were people out along Snelling, car speeds dropped slightly.

The Public Works has been very

helpful in traffic calming along Snelling Avenue; especially between Hancock and Hamline!

Both sides of campus hope to continue to find ways to make Snelling safer.

Rita Johnson

ry to cross Snelling Avenue and you will probably ask yourself these questions. “How can we calm down traffic?” “How can we make Snelling Avenue safe?” “Why aren’t there more stoplights?”

Some people think a bridge between Hancock School and Hamline University would be nice but it costs too much money. Stop signs may help but some drivers don’t pay attention to them. Stop lights give you a chance to walk across the street, but it seems we need more to make it safer.

As a result of neighborhood meetings last year, Saint Paul Pub-

lic Works added timers on the Pedestrian Crossing lights at Snelling and Hewitt. They also moved the Pedestrian Crosswalk signs in so they are now closer to Hubbard and Snelling. The crosswalk at Hubbard is the safest for single pedestrian crossing because there are fewer cars turning in from different roads than there are at a stoplight.

The mural at Hubbard (made by Hancock students) also serves as traffic calming because it signals to drivers that this is a neighborhood where people study, live, and work-not just drive! The plan is that the mural will change each year to keep drivers interested.

The Arts Alive celebration in May, which included the unveiling of the mural, took place

Hancock students walk in parade along Snelling during last spring’s Arts Alive.

Speak Out! Mai See Moua asks: What

does

College Begins

in

“Where the learning all begins-in kindergarten!” Darlene Ross, Hancock Teaching Assistant.

“It goes in order and you learn and go to college.” Eddie, Grade 5 Ka Lia “Boys and girls start learning skills they have to know in kindergarten and even later when they are in college.” Ms. Porter, Hancock 3rd Grade Teacher “Kindergarteners at Hancock are very lucky to be able to work with Hamline students, and to visit Hamline University.” Sara Cowen, Hancock Educational Assistant “Kids and students should tell truths and learn skills to be successful learners.” Doua Chee, 1st grader “You are new to everything.” Ka Lia, 6th grader “You work hard from kindergarten to college.”

Getenet, 6th grader

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mean to you?

“You learn more when you grow up to be in college.” Pang, 6th grader “Education begins when you are very young.

You need to set high goals.” Mary Verdeja, Hancock Secretary “You work your way up to college.”

Kong Shia, 6th grader

Kong Shia

“It means that each student develops the skills and habits to be a successful lifelong learner.” Rhonda Simonson, Kindergarten Teacher “You learn in each grade then you go to college.” Jesse, Grade 5 “When you get bigger your gonna go to college.”

Wagari, 5th grader “It means you grow and you go grade to grade until you get to college.”

Kao, Grade 6.

“It means that the opportunity of college is an option that any and every child can have. College is made more real for kindergarten through sixth graders by physically being on a campus and a part of that environment.” Shannon McParland, Mrs.. Simonson’s kindergarten class learning life lessons. Hancock Curriculum Coordinator and H/H Liaison.

Whitney Klein

“Every kid that goes to kindergarten is preparing to go to college.”

Kim Proefrock, Rainbow Readers

Kindergarten

Snelling Connection

Dear Hancock Husky

By William Kieser Hancock Student Editor Dear William, I have way too much extra time. How can I volunteer at Hancock?

Signed, Hamline Student

“Kids Voting” continued from front (we would lose it without the referendum passing). We would keep all-day kindergarten. We would keep our specialists: the nurse, social worker, assistant principal, and others. And, if the referendum passes, it may help Hancock lower class sizes.”

The referendum is a very important issue to Hancock, Hamline,

and the surrounding community.

Kids Voting at Hancock highlights the importance of voting, for each and every person.

Remember....

• You have a right and responsibility to vote.

• Your vote makes a difference.

• You need to register to vote.

Dear Hamline Student: We’d love to have you volunteer at Hancock! Hamline students can help kids succeed at a bunch of things just by volunteering.

Lynn Blumthal, Media Specialist at Hancock, is organizing the new volunteer program. See “HOSTS” article on page 3 for more details and contact information.

Hand in Hand is also looking for volunteers. Hand in Hand is a Hamline student organization that pairs a Hamline student with a Hancock student for 45 minutes per week to build their social skills by playing games and doing art projects. Contact Shannon McParland. (Contact info on p. 6) Hancock’s Parent Liaison, Nancy Gammel, says “you can chaperone field trips (contact the teacher), become a member of Site Council (contact the Principal, Marjorie Abrams), or do a fund-raiser for Hancock (contact Site Council)”.

Again, call 651-293-8715 to volunteer!

Whitney Klein

Or, you could work at Hancock and GET PAID! Become an America Reads/America Counts tutor, and you can earn money tutoring Hancock students in reading or math if you are eligible for Federal Work Study. Contact Shannon McParland. (Contact info on p. 6)

Hamline University professors David Shultz (left) and David Hudson listen for answers about elections and voting from Hancock students at the Kids Voting kickoff.

Meet the Hancock Student Editors

Dominique Thompson

Issam Himmi

Mai See Moua

William Kieser Adrianne Adams

Jason Allen

Phoua Thao

Eddie Henderson

Snelling Connection Contacts:

Hancock/Hamline Collaboration

Editor: Whitney Klein, Collaboration Assistant, Hamline University student wklein02@hamline.edu 651-523-4082

Our mission is to build and strengthen our collaborative community through shared learning, relationships and cultural diversity.

Hamline Liaison: David Hudson, Hamline University English Dept. dhudson@hamline.edu 651-523-2893 Hancock Liaison: Shannon McParland, Hancock/Hamline University Collaborative Magnet School shannon.mcparland@spps.org 651-292-3499 Hancock Student Advisor: Glynis Grostephan, Hancock/Hamline University Collaborative Magnet School glynis.grostephan@spps.org 651-293-8715

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Snelling Connection