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AmeriCorps Connection is a quarterly newsletter for CISCT AmeriCorps members and staff.
Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends and family!
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Wrapping Up, Moving On, Getting Things Done!
"The end is never the end. It's always the beginning of something."
-Kate Lord Brown, The Perfume Garden
With those wise words in mind - CONGRATULATIONS MEMBERS!!
June 29 marks the final day of your 2017-18 service year that started way back in September...
The end of a service year is a milestone, an occasion, an event worthy of celebration. It's both an ending and a beginning. It's an achievement. It's a time of transition, for reflection, for thinking about plans and next steps.
Thank you, members, for your service this year! And for those of you returning, we look forward to another exciting year in September.
You got things done!
This issue of AmeriCorps Connection includes a parting message from Jessi, a wrap-up of activities over the last few months, and several short articles related to moving on after your AmeriCorps term. We hope we are able to send you off with positive vibes and a modicum of advice for planning the next steps in your journey of life, and service.
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In this issue:
AmeriCorps Members Completing Service
End-of-Service Recognition Event
What You Should Know About Exit Requirements
Service Learning Project Spotlights
What's Next After Completing Your Service?
Accessing Your Education Award
AmeriCorps Alums and Employers of National Service Job Board
CISCT Employment Opportunities
Summer Employment Opportunities
We'd like to hear from you! Please email your comments and suggestions for the newsletter to [email protected].
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Letter from the Director:
Hi AmeriCorps members,
You did it!! How does it feel?
I wanted to congratulate you on the completion of your term of service. Getting to know each of you and seeing you shine this year has been an absolute pleasure. This is a very bittersweet moment for us all.
Together, you have accomplished so much. Here are a few data points team highlighting your outstanding service to the agency:
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Number of students receiving 1:1 mentoring and tutoring services
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1,181
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Number of students served at Elementary level
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509
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Number of students served at Middle level
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587
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Number of CIS students participating in service learning projects
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306
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Number of hours served by AmeriCorps members this year
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78,534.62
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*pending finalized June timesheets
I hope you are all very proud of what you have achieved during our short time together and we wish you the very best in your future endeavors.
Jessi Engelke
Director of AmeriCorps Services
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AmeriCorps Members Completing Service:
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Akler, Ali - Dobie MS, Austin ISD
Barber, Evan - Fulmore MS, Austin ISD
Barton, Olivia - Widen EL, Austin ISD
Beckmann, Mae - Webb MS, Austin ISD
Carrales, Leslie - Paredes MS, Austin ISD
Cavazos, Sal - Barrington EL, Austin ISD
Conerly, Rebecca - Manor MS, Manor ISD
Cook, Chelsea - Simon MS, Hays CISD
Corona, Patricia - Oak Meadows EL, Manor ISD
Cozzini, Gen - Decker MS, Manor ISD
Dupre, Windy - Blackshear EL, Austin ISD
Duranti Martinez, Andrea - Webb MS, Austin ISD
Escobedo, Bernadette - Cook EL, Austin ISD
Floyd, Avery - Ann Richards MS, Austin ISD
Gonzalez, Alexis - McCormick MS, Hays CISD
Goodner, Marcus - Kealing MS, Austin ISD
Gutierrez, Vianey - Burnet MS, Austin ISD
Hardman, Katherine - Paredes MS, Austin ISD
Herron, Deja - Camino Real EL, Hays CISD
Jackson, Cassandra - Hemphill EL, Hays CISD
Jaco, Diana - Chapa MS, Hays CISD
Kaltenheuser, Kat - IDEA MS, IDEA Charter Schools
Ketterer, Smith - Barbara Jordan EL, Austin ISD
Lee, Nahla - Bertha Sadler-Means MS, Austin ISD
McClain, Raymond - Bedichek MS, Austin ISD
Moctezuma, Alondra - Dawson EL, Austin ISD
Nicolini, Juliana - Decker EL, Austin ISD
Obregon, Natalie - Burnet MS, Austin ISD
Ochoa, Rebecca - Wallace MS, Hays CISD
Parkhurst, Laurel - Cook EL, Austin ISD
Pulsifer, Jennifer - Dailey MS, Del Valle ISD
Quinonez, Tori - Perez EL, Austin ISD
Reedy, Baron - Allison EL, Austin ISD
Robertson, Kelyn - Langford EL, Austin ISD
Soto, Autumn - Camino Real EL, Hays CISD
Taggersell, Sean - Hart EL, Austin ISD
Vickerstaff, Mariah - Tom Green EL, Hays CISD
Williams, Julia - Overton EL, Austin ISD
Workhoven, Desmond - Bedichek MS, Austin ISD
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2017-18 AmeriCorps members at PSO in September
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April 21 Day of Service - Central Office:
Several members and volunteers gathered at Central to make cat and dog toys to donate to the Austin Animal Shelter.
This dog was happy to demonstrate the joy that these toys can bring a furry friend.
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April 28 Day of Service - Cook Elementary:
Cook Elementary School Program Manager Anna Godwin, 11 CIS AmeriCorps members, and Keep Austin Beautiful partnered together
for a school mural project. Members spray painted various creatures-starfishes, whales, dolphins, and other figures to beautify the portable building for the students of the school. Members had a great time constructing the mural with a great work of art as a result of their hard work and artistic talents.
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April 28 Day of Service - Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park:
A group of our fabulous AmeriCorps members gathered together to c
lean up Walter E. Long
Metropolitan Park on 28 April 2018. We had a ton of
fun watching the rowing event happen on the lake while we picked up trash along the trail. Not too hot, not too cold, the weather was just perfect for members to Get Things Done!
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End-of-Service Recognition Event:
The annual AmeriCorps end-of-service recognition event was held Friday, June 15 at SiteATX in South Austin. All full- and half-time AmeriCorps members, site supervisors, and some Central staff were invited for an afternoon of fun, food, and recognition. We sincerely thank SiteATX for their generosity and Cabo Bob's for donating a fabulous lunch!
There was a presentation of certifications and the famous Paper Plate awards. The grand finale was a musical performance from "The Greatest Showman" by members Kat Kaltenheuser and Marcus Goodner. Sensational!
AmeriCorps members and CIS staff at end-of-service recognition event
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ABBY Award:
The ABBY Award is presen
ted annually to a CISCT AmeriCorps member who
promotes esprit de corps, demonstrates strong cultural competency, and implemented a strong, impactful service learning project. Mostly importantly, the member demonstrated the true spirit of service.
The five nominees for the 2017-18 award were:
- Alexis Gonzalez
- Cassandra Jackson
- Alondra Moctezuma
- Rebecca Ochoa
- Victoria Quinonez
The 2017-2018 ABBY award winner was
Cassandra Jackson.
The nominees and winner were announced at the AmeriCorps end of service recognition event on June 15. Congratulations Cassandra, and award nominees!
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ABBY Award winner Cassandra Jackson
Hemphill Elementary, Hays CISD |
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| ABBY award nominees Alondra Moctezuma, Victoria Quinonez, and Rebecca Ochoa with Jessi Engelke. Nominee Alexis Gonzalez was not available for the photo. |
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What You Should Know About Exit Requirements:
To finish service successfully, all FT and HT AmeriCorps members must attend an exit session on Friday, June 29 - even if you need a service extension into July. The sessions will take approximately 30 minutes each.
Before the sessions you must complete several required tasks:
- End-of-term feedback questionnaire
- My AmeriCorps exit form
- End-of-term performance evaluation
- Final student roster
- Pre/post student surveys
On the day of the session, you will complete your final time sheet and final performance review. You will also receive a letter describing how you can access your education award and where to look for more information about how to use it.
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Service Learning Project Spotlights:
Tom Green Elementary
Hays CISD
This being my second year serving with AmeriCorps in CIS, I knew that I wanted to facilitate a service learning project that would really resonate with my students. This year I had an assortment of fifteen 4th and 5th grades helping me bring our vision to life.
One of our campus goals is to grow a strong reader population-"Readers Today, Leaders Tomorrow." Majority of my kiddos were 5th graders and they decided that they wanted to help the Pre K students with reading, so "Reading Buddies" was born.
We went into 3 different Pre K classrooms (2 monolingual and 1 Bilingual) where the big buddies and little buddies were paired up and read for 20 minute sessions. We were able to complete a month of Reading Buddy time, which is amazing considering we were also competing with STAAR review.
Not only did Pre K teachers request to have this same program back for next year but 4th and 5th grade teachers were able to see a difference in their students' reading confidence. After one of the reading sessions I asked one of my students, "How do you feel about what you just accomplished?" I will never forget his answer, "I feel like the coolest dude ever, I taught that kid a word he didn't know. I think I'm going to try reading to my sister tonight, she's little and doesn't know words yet but I can teach her like I taught that kid."
Some of my kids would describe the emotions they were feeling after a reading session and I would tell them, "That's pride; you guys are feeling proud of yourselves, as you should be!"
I am forever grateful for my students and the amazing job they did with this project.
Reading Buddies at Tom Green Elementary School, Hays CISD
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Dailey Middle School
Del Valle ISD
We started a school & community garden to provide a resource for fresh food to members of the community, teach students how to plant and maintain fresh produce, and increase engagement of the school community. We received many outside resources. The Green Corn Project came out to help us start the garden and provided gardening tools and plants for the garden. Leal's Tire Service provided tires to serve as a barrier for the garden.
The 6
th grade science teachers donated gardening tools and seedlings that were planted in the garden. Teachers and staff also provided their services to help install and maintain the garden. This garden was established by renewing 6 garden beds which had been used in the past.
To do this, we had to loosen the soil, pull out weeds, and mix the dirt with compost. Then we planted fruits and vegetables in the beds. A barrier was placed around the garden as decoration and a barrier to keep students from walking on it. Students were able to taste the produce that they grew.
It is our plan to continue to use the garden as a resource throughout the school year and during the summer programs. It was just so cool to see the students, staff, and community members excitement for the project and get their feedback about the garden.
Community Gardens at Dailey Middle School, Del Valle ISD
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What's Next After Completing Your Service?
So what do you do now that you've finished your AmeriCorps service term? Here is some information that may aid in your transition.
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Accessing Your Education Award:
You are eligible to receive the value of up to two full-time education awards in your lifetime. You can serve in AmeriCorps*State programs up to four times in your lifetime . (READ - that means that you can serve 4 half-time terms and still receive the two full-time education awards). Learn more here:
Your education award will be available to you 3-4 weeks after you receive your completion letter from Jessi via email. You can use your education award to pay for tuition and other qualified educational expenses as well as to repay qualified (federally-backed) student loans. You can access the award in full or in part until the total amount is used, or until the award expires. The award expires 7 years from the date it is earned.
To manage your education award funds, log into
the
My AmeriCorps Portal
(https:my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do)
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You can use the portal to perform the following actions:
- Check your award balance and value
- Request payments to educational institution and loan holder
- Update contact information
Also, see the website below for additional information on accessing and using your education award:
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AmeriCorps Alums and Employers of National Service Job Board:
Did you know that AmeriCorps alums are significantly more likely to get a job because of their affiliation with AmeriCorps and their local Alums chapter?
Truly, though, you spent a year making America safer, smarter, and healthier. AmeriCorps Alums is dedicated to connecting you to the people, ideas, and resources you need - and deserve - to support you after service. Tips on using the education award, professional development opportunities, networking events, job boards, career advice, and special alums discounts are available.
Click here
to register and join the AmeriCorps Alums and read more about the benefits, awards, and discounts offered.
There is also a growing list of Employers of National Service available to you here:
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CISCT Employment Opportu
nities:
CIS of Central Texas maintains a job board
listing available positions. Many
positions open up over the summer.
Here is a link to the job board:
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Summer Employment Opportunities:
Here are some job sites for Austin summer employment:
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Shout Outs:
I want to send a HUGE shout out to
Rebecca Ochoa
for her awesome year at Wallace. She has created amazing bonds with her students and they are so sad to say goodbye to her. She comes to work ready to help students and doesn't ever complain. Rebecca - you are appreciated more than you know! Thank you for being you. :)
Stephanie Hooton,
Program Manager
Wallace Middle School, Hays CISD
Shout out to Nahla Lee for giving 2 years of her life to the YWLA CIS Program, she has been instrumental in maintaining consistent support for the school and her students. She will be SO missed by her office teammates, her students, and the school. We love you Nahla!
Allison Quiñones
Program Manager
Bertha Sadler Means Young Women's Leadership Academy, Austin ISD
Shout out to Mariah Vickerstaff! She has been a great help with Teacher Appreciation Week and other tasks on campus. She has brought on positive energy and awesome creativity. Thank you so much!! Couldn't have done it without her!
Anna Rodriguez
Program Manager
Tom Green Elementary, Hays CISD
Shout out to Cassandra Jackson for being such an amazing AMC for the 3rd year! You are awesome at gathering the endless end of year paperwork, providing so many engaging services to students, and supporting campus staff this spring. Thank you!
Anna Martinez,
Program Manager
Hemphill Elementary, Hays CISD
Shout out to
Evan Barber
for staying connected to and engaged with his students during a busy end of the school year!
Max Casero,
Program Manager
Fulmore Middle School, Austin ISD
Shout out to Sean Taggersell at Hart Elementary for completing his 2nd year! He has been a huge asset to the Hart campus for the past couple of years, and is a consistent, patient and steady force in these students' lives. He goes above and beyond in his role, working with teachers and administrators to mediate with students, and is a model of professionalism at all times. We have seen huge strides in his students' progress since they began working with Mr. Sean. The team thanks him for his dedication, and he will be missed!
Lauren Iversen,
Program Manager
Bernice Hart Early College Prep Elementary, Austin ISD
Shout out to
Diana Jaco
at Chapa MS for staying positive and making it through these last few weeks of the school year! We're all running on fumes at this point, but she keeps me grounded and smiling with her charismatic personality! You rock!
Crystal Montoya,
Program Manager
Chapa Middle School, Hays CISD
Big shout out to
Alondra Moctezuma
for using her artistic skills to complete facilitation of two big projects at Rodriguez Elementary
. For her SLP, Alondra supported the Rodriguez school-wide goal of beautifying the school environment with positive Social Emotional Learning Messages painted on the CIS portable door. She involved the students in selecting positive quotes that resonated personally with each student. Quotes are
"Work Hard"
"
Dream Big" "Love Always" "Smile Often" "Respect One Another"
and "
Sing Out Loud."
She also co-facilitated, with the Program Manager, a mural-painting project by a group of 9 fourth and fifth CIS graders with the wish "Let Your Dreams Come True."
Carolyn Moreau,
Program Manager
Rodriguez Elementary School, Austin ISD
Oak Meadows Elementary School is sending well wishes to
Patricia Corona
as her service term comes to an end! Her warm presence, laughter and the deep sense of community she helped create in the CIS office will be long remembered by all!
Kristina Knowlton
Program Manager
Oak Meadows Elementary School, Manor ISD
I would like to shout out Jennifer Pulsifer for working so hard to support all of her students and the school throughout the remainder of the busy school year! She's made great connections with her students and has been a master scheduler during testing season to continuing seeing as many students as possible. :)
Jacqueline Robbins
Program Manager
Dailey Middle School, Austin ISD
A Big Allison shout out to
Baron Reedy
! We appreciate all his hard work this year! He has done a great job with his students this year. We appreciate how he values and enjoys each of his students. Our faculty recognizes his willingness to always go above and beyond to help out our Allison students!!
Beth Orton
Program Manager
Allison Elementary School, Austin ISD
Shout out to Desmond Workhoven at Bedichek MS. As a second year member, Desmond provided wisdom and stepped up in a leadership role with other members. Desmond has great ideas and is creative in his interventions with students.
Shout out to Raymond McClain at Bedichek MS. Raymond has built so many positive relationships with students and staff this school year. Raymond is such a positive person and that translates in his work with others. It's been a great school year!
Michelle Covington, LCSW
Program Manager
Bedichek Middle School, Austin ISD
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