Newsletter for January 22, 2008
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"A single question can be more influential than a thousand statements."
Bo Bennett
HELP Center Announcements
Computer Use: Reminders
We are no longer going to use the SPHC generic login name for the computers in the center. Instead students need to log on with their individual X500 username (including@UMN.EDU) and password. If you are unable to log in with your X500 username, there are instructions posted at the computer to activate your account.
Remember, the desktops on these computers will be emptied EACH night, so do not save documents on the desktop. Use a flash drive or save your work on your email. Also, it is important that you log off when you are finished using a computer. All computers are set up to print when you log in.
New SPHC Staff Meeting Policy
During staff meetings there will be a sign posted at the front desk. We ask that students do not interrupt us during this meeting. The meetings are usually held in Susan's office, 20 Appleby Hall. Please ONLY knock on the door if there is an emergency, otherwise please wait until we are done if you have questions or concerns. Thank you!
Save the Date: Spring Career Fair
Monday February 25, 2008
10:00AM to 4:00PM
Minneapolis Convention Center
Don't miss the biggest career fair in Minnesota, specifically for U of M students!
Save the Dates: Wednesdays 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
The Student Parent HELP Center meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 in Room 24, Appleby Hall. The group provides the opportunity to connect with other student parents, discuss the challenges and joys surrounding academic studies and parenthood and share a FREE lunch with your fellow SPHC friends. The direction of the group will be determined in large part by your needs and ideas. Your willingness to share experiences and personal challenges will undoubtedly help others, so we hope you will join us as often as you can. Feel free to come for all or part of the group and remember that you are not obligated to come every week. Simply come as often as your schedule allows. (Your little ones are welcome).
Upcoming group topics include:
February 13, 2008: Financial Aid Questions for Parents/FAFSA 08-09 Prep with Deb Wilkin
February 27, 2008: Q&A/Open Forum on Child Development: Is my child meeting his/her milestones?
If you have suggestions for a specific topic or program, contact Jerri Wagner or Katie Schoeppner at sphc@umn.edu.
Please remember that the center is closed during group on Wednesdays from 12-2 for all other computer use and studying spaces. Please come back in around 2 PM and we will re-open the doors. If you are going to join us for lunch, please stay at least 1/2 hour and join in the group in order to respect the food budget of the HELP Center.
We Need You…
The Student Parent Association (SPA) is a University student group specifically designed to address the issues facing student parents on campus. As the new academic year gets underway, SPA is looking to enroll new members and officers. Membership and officer application forms are available on their website under the “Links” tab. Complete applications can be returned to Susan Warfield, via email attachment sent to her direct email address. We will also have applications available at the HELP Center and you can attend a meeting and sign up then as well. Meetings are held each Friday from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM in the Student Parent HELP Center. This type of engagement looks wonderful on a resume and goes a long way toward increasing the visibility of student parents at the U of MN. Please visit their website to learn more: www.tc.umn.edu/~umspa/
Grants Update
Any student who received a fall 2007 child care grant from either the PSCCG or the CCAMPIS Grant program and *has not lost their eligibility status* has first priority processing status for that same grant for spring 2008. These students have been mailed the correct spring child grant application.
Those students who did *NOT *get a fall 2007 child care grant from either source but were screened and found to meet eligibility requirements last term, were waitlisted throughout summer and fall of 2007 for whichever of the two grants they were eligible for at that time.
The only spaces expected to open up in either grant are those created when students:
a) hit max units on their Pell and/or MN State Grant (i.e. run out of this type of aid)
b) graduate
c) otherwise leave the U and are un-enrolled.
We can never predict how many of these slots will open up at the end of each term until grades are in and registration is completed, but typically all of these circumstances combined may not open up more than a few slots on either grant.
As soon as we determine how many students from fall 2007 will be "rolling off" the eligibility list for spring term on both the PSCCG and the CCAMPIS Grants, we will begin mailing that same number of grant applications to those students listed on each grant waitlist, according to the date they were added to the list, until all the open slots have been filled.
For instance: If we have two fall 2007 CCAMPIS Grant recipients leave the CCAMPIS Grant roles, we will go to the two waitlisted students on the CCAMPIS waitlist who have been on the list the longest, call and email them about their ability to apply, and then mail them the correct application packet. The process is the same for each grant.
All programs of the SPHC are available to undergraduates only.
Opportunities to Share
Student Parent Success Stories
We would like to continue featuring announcements of student and family successes as regular newsletter items. If you will be graduating at the end of fall term, are welcoming a new child, purchasing a home, getting married or experiencing any related event that you would like to have us post in the newsletter, please send the details to the SPHC email address, spch@umn.edu. We would be proud and honored to share in celebrating these wonderful life transitions with you and your families.
Photo Gallery
Sharing photos of our children and families is a great way to get to know each other. If you have a photo of your child(ren) or family and would like to see it featured in one of our upcoming newsletters, send it as an e-mail attachment to sphc@umn.edu.
Student Parent Information and Resources
University of Minnesota Business Reference Library
www.busref.lib.umn.edu
Use this web site to access many tool for researching employers! Find company annual reports, newspaper articles and much more. Lexis Nexis and Hoovers are particularly useful databases on this web site to research organizations for job interviews and career fairs.
The Free Market
www.twincitiesfreemarket.org
The Free Market is a listing service for residents who want to give or get free reusable goods for the home, garage and garden. It is part of an effort to reduce the amount of reusable goods being thrown away.
2-1-1, First Call for Help
Looking for information on childcare, food, housing, transportation or senior services? This Minnesota database lists more than 10,000 organizations and 40,000 services throughout the state. Just dial 2-1-1 (or 651-291-0211). It's free, confidential and available 24/7.Trained information specialists can connect you to more than 40,000 community resources. Multi-lingual lines available Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm.
You can also download a copy of the 2-1-1 application and database directly to your computer. Then you will be able to search for resources at any time without needing an Internet connection.
Parent Warmline 612-813-6336
The Parent Warmline is a free consultation service for parents provided by Children’s Hospital. If you have questions or concerns about behavioral or developmental issues such as toilet training, discipline, sleep patterns, temper tantrums, fears, etc., call this free hotline (612-813-6336) and leave your name, telephone number and a brief description of your concern. Within 24 hours a professionally trained volunteer will call you back to offer practical advice, encouragement or community resource referrals. Please note that the Parent Warmline is a non-crisis, non-medical service. This service is free to parents who live in the Twin Cities metro area.
Postpartum Support International
The mission of this organization is: “To promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide”. If you or a family member or partner is struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety call their warmline at 1-800-944-4PPD for emotional support and resource referral. For more detailed information visit the Postpartum Support International website www.postpartum.net.
University of Minnesota Extension Service
The University of Minnesota Extension Service offers a host of resources for Minnesota parents. Please bookmark the following website for access to answers and advice regarding a number of common parenting questions. http://www.extension.umn.edu
Energy Assistance
Whether we like it or not the cold is upon us! Many Minnesotans will see significant increases in their energy bills, sometimes beyond the ability of some to pay. The Energy Assistance Program provides grants for individuals in need. Please visit the following link for more information: http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?id=-
Mom Talk!
Looking for a place to learn from other moms, share resources, recipes and experiences? Visit www.momtalk.com. This is a great online forum with information on health and wellness, upcoming events, pregnancy and just about anything related to being a mom in the Twin Cities.
Community Events and Activities
Understanding Your Child's IEP: Practical Tips
PACER Center is offering “Understanding Your Child’s IEP: Practical Tips.” This free workshop will help parents of children with disabilities learn the next steps in understanding their child’s IEP.
Thursday, January 31st 6:30pm - 9:00pm
O.H. Anderson Elementary School, 666 Warner Ave S., Mahtomedi, MN
Cost: Free (Advance registration is requested)
To register, call PACER at 952-838-9000 or visit www.PACER.org
Mozart and Bartok
Genius and ingenuity transcend time. Mozart used winds in his piano quintet at a time when winds were seldom used in intimate chamber music. Bartók composed his Divertimento for small orchestra without winds at a time when large, symphonic orchestras dominated the musical landscape. The program concludes with Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21, one of the master's most beloved and sublime works.
Cost: Tickets $10 - $25, kids $5
Contact: 651-291-1144 or thespco.org
Thursday, January 24, 8:00pm @ Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Apple Valley
Thursday, January 31, 8:00pm @ Temple Israel, Minneapolis
Friday, February 1, 2008, 10:30 am and
8:00pm @ Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie
Saturday, February 2, 2008, 8:00pm @ Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ, Saint Paul
Sunday, February 3, 2008, 2:00pm @
Benson Great Hall, Bethel University
First Friday Family Night: Pinecone Birdfeeders
Make your own pinecone birdfeeder for your home!!
Friday, February 1st 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
860 Cliff Rd, Eagan
Cost: FREE
Contact: 952-891-7000 or Dakotacounty.us
Start the Music!
Announcing the Brass Family! Start the Music! is the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra's early childhood introduction to classical music, inspiring a life-long love of music!
Created especially for families with children ages 3-6, these 30-minute concerts filled with creative literary and visual experiences will ignite the imaginations of young listeners. In addition, children will enjoy hands-on activities which encourage creative expression, and instrument exploration.
Saturday, February 2nd 9:30am and 11:15 am
Shepherd of the Valley Church
12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Apple Valley
Cost: $8
If interested, contact: thespco.org
Live and Learn Dangerously!
Join us for “It’s a secret!” an activity event drawn from the
bestselling The Dangerous Book for Boys. You’ll learn the
secrets of coin tricks, the keys to cracking codes & more.
Saturday, February 2nd 10:00am
Barnes and Noble, 2080 Ford Parkway, St. Paul
Cost: FREE
Intended Age of Audience: Kids ages 8-12
Contact: 651-690-9443 or bn.com
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Ten Sundays each year the Art Institute hosts Family Days. These events feature music, art, dance performance and hands-on activities for kids. The next event, "Weathervanes and Whirligigs", is in January. There will be hands-on activities, live bluegrass music and access to the work of local artists. This event is free and takes place on Sunday, January 13th between 11 am and 5 pm. There is no pre-registration required-simply show up anytime between 11 & 5.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is located at 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404. Visit http://www.artsmia.org/ for more information.
The Bell Museum of Natural History
The Bell Museum of Natural History located right on our own U of M, East Bank campus offers two fun family events. Visit their website for more details: http://www.bellmuseum.org/calendar.html
Nature Play
A drop-in family program from 1-3 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Free with museum admission. For families with kids ages 4 and older.
Nature Tots
A program for toddlers and preschoolers with their parents, held the first Thursday of every month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Free with museum admission, but registration is required. Call 612-624-9050.
MN Science Museum
Did you know…families who receive any assistance in the form of WIC, MFIP, GA, MA, MN Care, SSI, FS, or Section 8 qualify for reduced admission rates at the MN Science Museum
. Just bring along current proof that you receive any of the assistance forms listed above, and you and your family can enjoy the Science Museum for the following prices:
Exhibits: $1.00
Exhibits + Omni Theater: $3.00
Please contact the museum with any further questions: (651) 221-9444, www.smm.org
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 9:30 am-5:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday 9:30 am-9:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am-5:00 pm CLOSED MONDAY
Hot Tip
Have you recently transferred to the University of MN? Have you ever had questions regarding whether or not you have completed your basic course requirements at a different institution? Are you curious what you need to do to transfer from the U?
If so, there is a new tool available to answer student questions. Students can use the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum to simplify the process of transferring to the University of MN. There is also helpful information regarding how to transfer from or withdraw from the U. Please check out this new tool to learn about specific procedures for transfer students.
Quick and Easy Recipes
Vegetarian Lasagna in the Crockpot (very popular menu item in SPHC Group!)
First sauté onions, black olives, tomatoes (or whatever veggies you like) in a pan with olive oil.
Meanwhile, mix a bag of shredded Parmesan cheese, 2 bags of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a container of ricotta cheese in a bowl.
Add the veggies that were sauteed in the pan to the mix of cheeses.
In the crockpot, add a layer of spaghetti sauce (such as a mix of garden veggie and three cheese Ragu); then a layer of lasagna noodles, then a layer of the mixture with the cheese and veggies. Repeat layering until you get to the top of the crockpot.
Cook on high in crockpot for 2 hours, but you could do it at a lower temperature on the crockpot for a longer time if you needed. Remember not to overcook or undercook it, though, because the noodles will either be too soggy or too crispy.
This recipe makes enough for 20-25 people, so when you have a smaller rockpot, you'll use less ingredients.
Enjoy!
COOL WEB LINKS:
Featured Books
*Note* All of the books/CD’s listed below are available for check-out at the Student Parent Help Center
- Leo the Magnificat by Ann M. Martin & Emily Arnold McCully
- Two Eyes, A Nose and a Mouth by Roberta Grobel Intrater
- Teeth Are Not For Biting by Elizabeth Verdick
- We Can Get Along by Lauren Murphy Payne
- Time-In When Time-Out Doesn't Work by Jean Illsley Clarke
- The Anxious Parents' Guide to Quality Childcare by Michelle Ehrich
- America's Complete Source Better Baby Food by Daina Kalnins and Joanne Saab
- Helping Kids DEAL with Conflict by Gerry Sheanh
- Secrets of the Baby Whisperer byTracy Hogg and Melinda Blau
- How to Handle School Snafus: A GO Parents! Guide by Carmella Van Vleet
Who’s Who at SPHC
Susan Warfield, MSW, LICSW
As the Director of the SPHC, I am responsible for overseeing all programs of the Student Parent HELP Center and supervising SPHC staff. This has meant that I have had to step back from having the degree of direct contact with students I have always enjoyed having. This has been a difficult but necessary step for me to take in order to meet the needs of our growing program. If you have an issue that absolutely cannot be addressed by another SPHC staff member, you may schedule an appointment with me. These appointments should be booked through the SPHC front desk. Intakes and basic questions about services offered should be directed to Jerri Wagner, Rebecca Hassett, Katie Schoeppner, or Zer Xiong. I am entering my 8th year with the HELP Center and during this journey have moved from on-line staff, to Coordinator and now Director. With this evolution has come an increase in responsibilities and duties. Please know that even though you may not see as much of me in the actual Center as you may have in the past, I continue to work each and every day to bring you the programming, funding and visibility on campus that student parents need to have a successful experience at the U of MN. We are experiencing a bit of a crisis on the private child care funding side and I really need to devote most of my attention this year to finding more child care assistance and emergency grant funding in order to keep up with demand. Have no fear; you will continue to hear my raucous laughter echoing through the SPHC!
Jerri Clark Wagner, MSW, LGSW
I am the Direct Service Program Coordinator for the Student Parent HELP Center. Originally from New York State, I graduated from Syracuse University in 2000 with an undergraduate degree in theatre, with minors in sociology and women’s studies. After undergrad, I was an AmeriCorps volunteer for one year in Chicago, teaching arts integration on the west side in a Chicago Public School. In June of 2003, I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. While in graduate school, I served as a therapist with Chicago’s Metropolitan YWCA, working with survivors of sexual assault and their families. From 2003-2006, I coordinated two statewide youth violence prevention programs for the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention in Chicago. Prior to relocating to Minneapolis, I spent March-June of 2006 traveling and learning abroad in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. I would love to talk about any of these varied experiences with you and really look forward to working with such an amazing and resilient population at the SPHC!
Rebecca Hassett
Hello! I am one of the new Graduate Social Work Interns this year. This is my first year in the MSW program and my first year at the U of M. I studied Political Science and Spanish at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. I am very excited to be working at the Student Parent HELP center; I think it is an amazing program with much to offer students. I will be helping Jerri out with group during fall semester and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!!
Katie Schoeppner
Hello student parents! I am so excited to meet all of you and get to know you over the course of the school year. I am in my first year of the Masters of Social Work program at the U of M and will be interning here for the entire school year. It has been five years since I graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in Psychology and Scandinavian Studies. Since graduating I have worked as a nanny in Sweden, as a program manager at an agency for adults with traumatic brain injuries, as a legal assistant at a small personal injury law firm and in the publisher’s office at the Duluth News Tribune in Duluth, MN. It is sure to be an eventful and exciting year!
Zer Xiong
I am the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UGTA) for the Student Parent HELP Center. This is my second year as the UGTA. Part of my responsibilities is to assist you in the Center so feel free to ask me for help. Like you, I am also a student parent. My son Alexander will be 2 on November 27th, 2007. In May 2008 I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Family Social Science, and Public Health from the Inter-College Program. It has been a pleasure and privilege getting to know all the student parents who use our center and I am looking forward to another great year!
Comments, questions or ideas about useful information for this newsletter can be directed to Rebecca Hassett at Sphc@umn.edu.