Teacher education students learn how to bring state standards to life in the classroom

Susan Thomasma, a curriculum specialist and teacher in Kentwood schools, talks to teacher education students about the importance of incorporating all subject matters.

Susan Thomasma, a curriculum specialist and teacher in the Kentwood school district, recently offered GRCC teacher education students great ideas on how they can bring the Common Core State Standards to life in their future classrooms.

Her presentation, “No More Boring Lessons,” gave these prospective teachers several examples of hands-on materials that they can use to help foster a better understanding of mathematical, reading and even science concepts. She emphasized how teachers can incorporate all subject areas so that students see the interconnectedness of their learning.

Retail Bakery class hosts tasting of international holiday treats

The Secchia Institute of Culinary Education’s Retail Bakery students are having an international holiday cookie/truffle/pastry social from 10 a.m. to noon December 4, 2012, at the Spectrum Theater Atrium. Enjoy international holiday music, spiced eggnog, hot coffee and hot chocolate while you taste international cookies, pastry and truffles. Take home a gift box of 25 assorted classic international holiday treats.

Tickets are on sale now for $10 at Art and Bev’s.

Donations to be collected at Holiday Breakfast for Student Food Pantry

The Holiday Breakfast is quickly approaching, and once again, we will collect food for our GRCC Student Food Pantry.

In this past year, 47 students have been approved to use the pantry and just this semester, we have given away 199 bags full of groceries.

As a community that has been blessed, we would love to help keep the food pantry full of food! Please consider bringing some food to the Holiday Breakfast for the hungry students and their families here at GRCC. There will be a special door prize/drawing for those who donate!

The pantry’s biggest needs are:

• canned fruit.
• peanut butter.
• jelly or jam.
• SpaghettiOs.
• soup (not tomato).
• crackers.
• pancake mix.
• Pop-Tarts.
• packaged dinners.
• pasta sides.
• meals-to-go.
• granola bars.
• fruit snacks.
• cereal.
• rice sides and beans.
• canned tuna.
• canned chicken.
• tomato sauce.
• canned vegetables (no corn).

GRCC In the News, 11-27-12

Actors’ Theatre production of ‘Next to Normal’ relies on small cast, strong lyrics

November, 26, 2012; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — It’s not normal for a musical to win the Pulitzer Prize. But then who would expect a routine response to a musical named “Next to Normal?”

 

West Side Learning Corner to relocate within Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC

The West Side Learning Corner is moving to meet the rising demand for its GED and ESL programs.  As of July 1, 2013, the program will be located within the Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC.

Waiting lists for services have increased significantly over the four years the West Side Learning Corner has served the community. Currently, it serves 400 students with an additional 350 on the waiting list.

Dave Selmon, director of adult education, anticipates continued growth as the program relocates into the neighborhood where many of its students live.

“We are taking GRCC to the students,” he said.  “We’ll not only have the ability to serve more students, but we’ll partner with faculty and staff already working at the M-TEC to connect with associate degree programs, workforce training, and job-training programs to be even more intentional about transitioning these students into programs and training that will lead to jobs.”

“Tassell M-TEC will be a great location for this Learning Corner,” said George Waite, director of the Tassell M-TEC.  “With the many partnerships established with employers, Learning Corner students will have the additional benefit of creating a career pathway that includes education, training and jobs.”

Judy Jankowski to explore dangers of anger in Psychology Speaker Series

An upcoming session of the 2012-2013 Psychology Speaker Series will explore an emotion we’ve all felt: anger.

In “Anger: Just One Letter Away From Danger!” Professor Judy Jankowski, who holds advanced degrees in psychology and additional certifications in holistic health and stress management, will introduce anger as a normal, usually healthy response and emotion. She will also show how anger can be dangerous and cause harm to both your physical and mental health when it gets out of control. In the free presentation — 1-2:30 p.m. December 3, 2012 —  Professor Jankowski will explore the anger response mechanism, anger-management styles and healthy ways for successful anger management.

The presentation will be held in room 168 of the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center.