|
|
| Youth Services Martin Luther King Education Center E-Newsletter | Jan. 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
| What's new at the MLK Ed. Center? |
The MLK Education Center is back and in full swing with the beginning of 2011. After a two week holiday break we welcomed back many returning students, and we also welcomed upwards of six new students. Our group of students has set the bar high for the remainder of the school year, and student's earned an ice cream social for having a week of overall excellent behavior! Their goal now will be to maintain a safe, respectful, and responsible environment to earn greater awards!
 | | Student Poetry |
In the morning class, students have been working on Hip-Hop Poetry. Studying notable poetry, while comparing it to the modern hip-hop. This lesson has been an interesting one for many. Each student has been working on creating their own poetry journal, while using techniques like onomatopoeia and alliteration. Students
have used their sense of rhythm, repetition, and rhyme to create their own personalized raps.
Students have been connecting with each other and making great use of the MLK space, during their breaks from class. Student's strategically playing cards, playing the interactive games on the Wii, and the never-ending battle between students and staff alike to determine a ping-pong champion. We have big plans for 2011 at the MLK, stay tuned for more of our exciting escapades. |
|
 |
|
MLK Numbers |
*2,300+ hours worked for BLM in the last two quarters by our Hort Crews
*400 people served by the Culinary Arts Program, at the Willamette Leadership Academy
*11 average number of weekly caterings
*12 families will receive donated firewood, delivered by our students
 |
|
|
|
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
On January 17th, the Martin Luther King Education Center students and staff will delivered firewood, donated by Hodgson's Tree Service, tosix Lane County Youth Services Department clients in need. The students did not have school this day, but they signed up to come in and participate in this day of giving. Our sincere thanks to Hodgson's Tree Service for the firewood donation. This was a very sweet event for youth and staff to be a part of. Please watch Kezi's coverage of this Day of Service.
"Martin Luther King Jr. Day gives MLK staff and students the opportunity to give individuals and families in our community the gift of warmth during tough economic times." - Matthew Sterner (Program Supervisor)
In the classroom, we have been studying Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work throughout the week. In particular, students have studied Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and have discussed the influences on King's speech, the oratorical devices that King uses in delivering his speech, and how this speech is similar to/different from other literary forms. |
| Student of the Month; Lukoda Brooks | |
 | | Lukoda Brooks |
Congratulations, Lukoda Brooks! Lukoda has been awarded the MLK Education Center Student of the Month for January 2011. Lukoda is a friendly, outgoing person who is also consistently motivated to complete all of his class work. Lukoda maintains fantastic attendance and is always engaged in class activities. He is willing to take risks, displays leadership skills, has a wonderful sense of humor, is willing to laugh at himself, and always has a positive personality! We enjoy Lukoda and look forward to watching his continued success!
Congrats Lukoda! |
| Student Perspective; Lukoda Brooks |
"Since the beginning of November, when I switched from going to Creswell High School to MLK, I have been attending school every day. When I went to Creswell High School, I ditched a lot of school and for some reason I decided to make a change. Now that I'm at MLK I don't back talk to teachers, as I did at Creswell High School. I just sit and listen and do what I'm supposed to do. I used to be considered one of the worst kids ever to go to Creswell High School and now I'm winning awards every week for showing up and working hard. The transfer from Creswell High School to MLK was a great change for me.
I have had so many great opportunities, since I started to attend MLK. One example is they have provided me with a job. Now that I have a job, I can support myself instead of my grandparents having to pay for it. I think MLK has put me in a better environment to learn. There aren't as many teachers and students, so I get more help with my work. I plan to make the most out of what MLK is offering to me and to use these opportunities." |
| Lane Workforce Partnership; Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program |
 | | Scott Fortmiller |
WIA is in full force this month. We have one student who is starting his GED testing, through LCC GED classes, and we wish him the best of luck. We have possible internships starting up for our students at placements pertaining to tree service work, photography, and health care.
In particular, WIA would like to highlight Scott Fortmiller. Scott is working in the Department of Youth Services Culinary Arts Program. His first day consisted of a catering event for 450 people, and Scott kicked into overdrive!!! We watched Scott gracefully move from station to station; cutting meat, serving food, answering questions, and decorating beautiful salads for the event. He really enjoyed himself and seems to have a niche for this type of work.
Good job, Scott! |
| Technology Program: New Adventures! | |
 The Technology Program starts back up on Tuesday January 18th, 2011, lead by staff member Jesse Herren. Students are excited to begin learning the fundamentals of Multimeda: Podcasting, Basic Video Production, Digital Journalism, Web Page Design.
Connecting technology with real world application is an overarching goal and a driving force behind the experience. The program is currently full but a waiting list has been started. The students are just as excited as the staff to start a new chapter in Technology! |
| Culinary Arts: Busy, Busy, Busy! |
 The catering department was very busy this month with our largest catering to date. We catered to 400 guests at Willamette Leadership Academy,and simultaneously catered two other events. It was fantastic to see everyone working together as a team.
"We served approximately 400 meals without a hitch. The pressure was intense; people were scrambling to keep up with the pace of the lines and large appetites. The salad, meat, veggies, and potatoes were flying out of the kitchen. The dishes were washed, the kitchen was cleaned, and we were off. The teamwork and cooperation was amazing - we ran like a well oiled machine. Many thanks to all who contributed to the process.
Great work team,
Roland Hoskins (Interim Director of DYS)"
 | | 2010 Asian Celebration |
We are looking forward to this year's Asian Celebration! MLK Culinary Arts students will participate in the Lane County Asian Celebration for the 3rd year in a row, on February 19th and 20th. Students will lead cooking demonstrations with Marvy Schuman, assist her with other demonstrations, and help in the Philippine American Association booth.
Last but not least, we would also like to welcome two new staff members to our kitchen, Phil Chesbro and Patricia Lynn! These two new cooks are a wonderful addition to our team! Feel free to come down and meet them, get some delicious food, hang with the kids, and say hello!
|
| Introducing Jesse Herren; MLK Teacher | |
We want you to get to know the staff at MLK Ed. Center better, so for the next several months, we will continue to highlight teachers, advisors, and assistants, along with some interesting facts about each of them.
Introducing Jesse Herren, MLK Ed.Center Teacher
Nickname: Mr. Fabulous
 | | Jesse Herren |
Q: What is your favorite color?
A: Green
Q: Where were you born?
A: Vallejo, California
Q: If you could have lunch with any person living or dead who would that person be and why?
A: My Grandma, she was very cool.
Q: Who was a great influence or mentor to your while you were growing up?
A: My Grandfather and Mother.
Q: Why did you enter this field of work?
A: I enjoy developing real relationships with those that need it most.
Q: What is your favorite part about working with MLK?
A: The inspired and passionate people that I work with.
Q: What is something about you nobody would know?
A: I like American Idol. |
| Horticulture Program: Turnpikes and Trails |
City Crews have been busy working on a completion of a major system of turnpikes (raised trail bed) for the City of Eugene. Hundreds of yards of posts and gravel have been set in place, on the Ridgeline Trail (Fox Hollow Trailhead). These new additions help to make a more sustainable trail system and greatly enhances the hiking experience. The students and supervisors have worked hard on this to rave reviews from City of Eugene, personnel, and community members!
Forest Crews are working on the off highway vechicle trails for the BLM. The youth have been busy laying geo-tek over hundreds of feet of trail. Geo-tek is an expandable plastic cell system designed to improve trail stability and reduce erosion. The cells are filled with a mixture of soil and rock and seem to be working very well! This system should greatly reduce trail maintenance needs. The current work site has been under snow for two weeks now, but the youth take it in stride and the rangers are more than happy with the work.
Forest Crew also got some major kudos from the Dorena Genetic Research Center. Youth workers helped maintain their extensive greenhouse system and got a great tour of the facility from manager Jim Williams!
"I want to thank your entire crew for all of the work that they accomplished in the short amount of time they were here. They were able to weed about 3,000 potted plants, scrape moss and debris off of 7 large greenhouse floors, weedeat and mulch blackberry in several large areas of the nursery, sweep debris off of weed barrier around greenhouses, remove rebar and old irrigation pipe, and grub sod from around greenhouses all in about 23 hours of work and at or above my expectations. Impressive. Their ability to accomplish that amount of work in that amount of time is a direct reflection on the leadership and professionalism of the crews. I hope to be able to work with your crews again." Jim Williams (Nursery Crew Lead) |
|
Highlights |
- We would like to congratulate Gladis Hernandez on a successful transition to Riverfront High School! Gladis did a great job, at MLK, while actively engaing in our Technology Program!! Nice work, Gladis!
- We are looking forward to several upcoming field trips and events. A trip to the snow is in the works for later this month. Snow shoeing, sledding, and experiencing the great outdoors awaits us.
- We have started a recycling project and will be visiting several local centers over the next few weeks. Bring Recycling, Next Step, and Goodwill are among the local businesses we plan on touring to further our understanding of the four R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink.
- Lastly, on February 15th students and staff will be participating in the 2011 Career Fair at the Lane County Events Center. In the past, hands on activities and job networking highlighted the experience. The upcoming month offers new adventures and we are all looking forward to them.
 | | Ping-Pong Competition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Save 20% |
Save 20% on your next catering order of $50 or more with the MLK Jr. Education Center Culinary Arts Program.
Print this coupon and present it in person to redeem value. Limit one per person. Offer not valid with other discounts or prior purchases. | | Offer Expires: October 25, 2010. |
|
|
To place a catering order, call (541) 682-2423, or e-mail 