Newsletter for November 25, 2008
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade."
Chinese Proverb
HELP Center Announcements
SPHC Staffing Patterns for November
Susan Warfield, SPHC Director: Susan will be on vacation from Monday, November 17th until Tuesday, December 9th. Susan will return to the SPHC the afternoon of Wednesday, December 10th.
Jerri Clark-Wagner, Direct Service Program Coordinator: Jerri has returned from her leave and will be following a phase in schedule through the end of the semester. Jerri's hours will be Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. She will be on vacation the week of Thanksgiving (November 24-26).
Melanie Opay, Social Work Graduate Teaching Assistant: Melanie’s hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Chanee Rudolph, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant: Chanee’s regular hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 5 pm and Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm.
Adopt-A-Family Update
Dear Students,
The deadline for the Adopt a Family applications has passed and we have a total of 35 students applying for the program this year. This is quite a bit more than we have received in the past but with the new web site"adoption" system through the Parent Program we are hopeful that all or most students will be adopted. However, there are no guarantees until each family is posted and selected off the web site. Once the web site is up and running we will get updates each week on which students have been adopted and will notify students in groups as they are adopted.
I chose to post every application we received, rather than trying to thin the pool according to greatest need. Everyone could use the help, so who gets chosen depends purely on donor choice at this point. Any student who participated with the program last year will be listed in a separate section of the adoption list on the web site, indicating that while still in need, these students received before whereas other students have not. This allows those students to apply again, but my guess is donors may want to first choose families who have never had this opportunity before they select students who may have been on the site and received gifts last year.
Please watch your emails carefully in the weeks ahead, as we will notify students each week once the donors start selecting people. If you are selected we will then send you details about the gift pick up process. Do not be discouraged if you do not hear anything right away. The web site is not even up yet and then the Parent Program has to get the word out and donors have to get in there and start adopting. We are head of schedule this year. Last year we covered 28 families so having a few more should not hurt anyone's chances, and I am still hopeful that everyone could be adopted. My only concern is the state of the economy....but that could make people more interested in giving as well...you never know!!! Just stay hopeful and know that we will be in touch!
Good luck to you all!!!!
Susan
Save the Dates:
Tentative Date for Student Parent Visibility Day
April 21, 2009
More information to come.
PASS Group (Parenting as Students Support Group)
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!!). See below for upcoming group topics.
November 26, 2008: No group today due to expected low attendance around the Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the short break!
December 3 , 2008: We will take time during group this week to check in and reflect on the semester and year. We will also be signing up for next week's massages. Lunch will be provided, as always, and will be ordered in from a place TBD.
December 10 , 2008: This will be our last group of the semester and two therapists from Epic BodyWorks Massage Center will be here to provide 15 minute chair massages. Join us for some fun and relaxation before finals start!
Note: Please know that the SPHC staff does not want student parents to skip class in order to attend the weekly group meetings. Academics are considered student parents' priority at the U. If there is a specific topic you are interested in and you are unable to attend group, please inform a staff member and we will be happy to provide information to you after the group meets.
If you have suggestions for a specific topic or program, contact Jerri Wagner
or Melanie Opay at sphc@umn.edu.
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 web site under the “Links” tab. Complete applications can be returned to Susan Warfield, via email attachment sent to her direct email address: warfi002@umn.edu.
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 web site to learn more: www.tc.umn.edu/~umspa/
Upcoming Holiday Events
Hmong New Year
Saint Paul RiverCentre
Friday -Sunday, November 28-30, 2008 from 8 a.m. -11 p.m.
The Hmong New Year is celebrating its 32nd year in Minnesota! You'll want to be a part of the festivities at this year's Hmong New Year. There will be entertainment, including singers and dancers, and a beauty contest. There will be wonderful shopping, including a variety of unique clothing, entertainment items and delicious ethnic foods. Tickets: $5 in advance or $6 at the door.
http://www.rivercentre.org/events/event.asp?event_id=826
Grand Meander at Grand Avenue in St. Paul
Saturday, December 6, 2008
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ring in the holiday season with your entire family on one of the most beautiful Avenues in the Twin Cities: Grand Avenue. Experience great shopping, fine art, carolers, food, trolley rides, hay rides, and more! This event is FREE and open to the public. The web site has a complete schedule of events.
http://grandave.com/eventDetails.php?eventID=33
MN Orchestra Free Family Concert: Swinging Nutcracker
Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 2:00pm and 4:00pm
Recommended for all ages.
Minnesota Dance Theatre and a Duke Ellington style jazz ensemble joins the Minnesota Orchestra to present original music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, paired with Ellington’s jazz transcriptions. Dancers in both styles add a fascinating visual element. This Minnesota Orchestra family concert is FREE, thanks to generous support from Target. Sign up for our Email Club and select "Family Concerts" for information on Target Free Family Concerts and and other family events.
http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/season/event_detail.cfm?id_event=8090084
Chanudazzle
Sabes Jewish Community Center
Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 11:30 am
Annual family event with carnival games, arts and crafts, face painting, wandering magicians, raffles, food, and holiday gift boutique. Sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of Minneapolis.
http://twincities.planitjewish.com/jp/events?page=1&location=home&ID=280672
Celebrations around the World
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Sunday, December 14, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free!
Art Activity: Make a Dreidel
During Hanukkah, a popular game to play involves a dreidel, a spinning top with Hebrew letters on it. Today, make your own dreidel and learn how to play the game. Plus, visit Gallery 362 to see a dreidel in the MIA’s collection.
Art Activity: Gift Bag and Tag Decorating
Gift giving is a part of all kinds of celebrations—birthdays, holidays, and more. In this studio, add your own design flare to a gift bag and tag that you can use with a gift to a friend.
Art Activity: Celebration Studio
How do you celebrate a special occasion? Draw a picture that tells a story about your favorite celebration.
Gallery Hunt: Festivity Frolic
Go on an exciting journey through the galleries to find incredible artworks created for special occasions and important life events. Then get a great prize!
Dance Workshop: Holidays in Motion
Dance your way around the globe! Join lively dance workshops taught by instructor Christopher Yaeger. You’ll learn festival-inspired dance moves from a variety of the world’s cultures.
Storytelling: Stories of Celebration
Danielle Daniel will weave fabulous tales that feature festivities from around the world. Musical accompaniment by Alphonse Bolden, Sr.
Music: Caroling
Enjoy snowy jingles and holiday favorites as The Caroling Company decks the halls with songs of jolly.
Holiday Tours in the Period Rooms
Take a tour of the lavishly decorated period rooms. Costumed guides will help you discover surprising seasonal traditions from centuries ago.
Ask Me Guide: The Seven Festivals and Art of Judaica
Talk with a museum guide about Israeli artist David Sharir’s colorful print series, The Seven Festivals. Plus, see intriguing objects from the museum’s collection of Judaica.
http://www.artsmia.org/index.php?section_id=197
The Minneapolis Holidazzle Parade
Nicolett Mall, Downtown Minneapolis
Thursday-Sunday nights
November 28-December 21 at 6:30 pm
Since 1992, Holidazzle has been the centerpiece of all Twin Cities holiday celebrations, and for many families, it's a tradition to brave the cold and see the parade at least one night a year. The parade features hundreds of giant storybook characters, along with floats, marching bands, and choirs-- all lit up (which is why it's referred to as the Parade of Lights). It lasts about a half an hour and runs down Nicollet Mall, the large outdoor pedestrian mall that runs through the center of downtown. Vendors along the route serve hot drinks, but if the cold isn't your thing, never fear-- downtown Minneapolis is connected by an abundant indoor skyway system, and onlookers gather in the skyway to watch the parade. FREE
http://www.holidazzle.com/
Macy's 46th Annual Holiday Display
A Day in the Life of an Elf
Macy's SantaLand, Macy's eighth-floor auditorium
Daily from Tuesday, November 11 until Wednesday, December 31
Macy's in downtown Minneapolis continues their almost half-century-old Christmas tradition with the 46th Annual Animated Holiday Show at Macy's SantaLand. This year's theme is "A Day in the Life of an Elf" and tells the story of Santa's elves at the North Pole preparing for Christmas. What does a day in the life of an elf involve? Getting Santa's mail and making toys, of course, and then there's teaching the reindeer how to fly, and they have to fit in time to go to school too. FREE
Rice Park powered by Xcel Energy
Downtown Saint Paul
Daily from Saturday, November 29, 2008 until Thursday, January 1, 2009
Rice Park powered by Xcel Energy will capture the spirit of the holiday season with a tree as tall and bright as the iconic Rockefeller Center tree in New York City. The gigantic tree in Rice Park will be lit 24 hours a day, seven days a week with 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights. The park will sparkle with millions of twinkling lights, classic Nutcracker and angel statues, and other holiday décor. Adjacent to the park, Wells Fargo WinterSkate – downtown Saint Paul’s free, outdoor, artificially-chilled ice skating rink – creates a fun, winter experience for visitors of all ages. Skate rental is just $2 per person. Receive free skate rental for you and your family by showing your Wells Fargo check card or credit card. Rice Park is adjacent to Landmark Plaza in downtown Saint Paul at the corner of West 5th and Market Streets. FREE
Grand Opening Celebration: Saturday, November 29, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: skating exhibitions, entertainment, tree-lighting ceremony, and more!
http://www.capitalcitypartnership.com/events/ricepark_07.shtml
Anschel and the Missing Chanukah Gelt
Sabes Jewish Community Center
December 4 - 21, 2008
In the fantastic world of young Anshel Kratshke, things are not what they appear to be. Tormented by his father’s disappearance, Anschel toils as a tailor’s assistant to help his mother support them. With little to show for their hard work, during Chanukah they make the most of the blessings they are able to share with friends and family. When Anschel is given a mysterious key by an acquaintance of his missing father, he and his friends Yasha and Magda set off on an exciting odyssey that takes them in search of a secret Shephardi treasure... Through danger and mayhem, Anschel must make the choice between his own desperate need, doing what is right, and survival.
Appropriate for all ages! Children 4 and under are free!
https://www.sabesjcc.org/catalog.asp?PCA=141
Kwanzaa Celebration
Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN
Saturday, December27,2008 from noon to 4 p.m.
This year's annual family celebration takes place on the second day of Kwanzaa and focuses on the principle, Kujichagulia, a Swahili word meaning self-determination. In a special History HiJinx art activity from noon to 4 p.m., visitors will learn about the legend of the Sankofa bird from master storyteller Beverly Cottman and create a own golden Sankofa Bird medallion. A 2 p.m. dance performance by the Tiyumba Dance Company, led by Fatawu Sayibu, uses traditional dances and a "talking drum" to tell the stories of Sayibu's native Ghanaian culture, country and people. Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and college students, and $5 for children ages 6-17. Free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.
http://events.mnhs.org/calendar/Results.cfm?EventID=3394&bhcp=1
St. Paul Winter Carnival
January 22- February 1, 2009
If we’re all going to freeze, we might as well have fun doing it—that’s essentially the rationale for St. Paul’s annual Winter Carnival. And all the usual highlights are back, including ice sculptures, coronations with Klondike Kate and the Vulcan Krewe, the torchlight parade, the Frozen 5K race, and—many people’s favorite—free ice-skating outside Landmark Center.
http://www.winter-carnival.com/
Hot Tip
Scholarships
College Prowler Essay Competition: College Prowler is prowling around for the best student essays in the nation. The essay can be on any topic and could be an essay you wrote for a class, another scholarship, the school paper, an admissions essay, etc. Just make sure the essay is 1,000 words or less. Applicant must be a current high school or undergraduate college student. Applicant must submit an essay that is their original work. Only one entry per person, per calendar year is allowed. Multiple entries may disqualify you from winning the scholarship. Submit the best essay you've written as a student and you could win $2,000 along with 10 free College Prowler guidebooks ($169.50 value)!
http://collegeprowler.com/scholarship/ Monthly Deadlines: November 30, 2008; December 31, 2008; January 31, 2009; February 28, 2009
BlackStudents.com FALL 2008 Scholarship Essay Contest: To be eligible for the scholarship award, one or both of your parents must be African-American. The award is not open to students who live in Africa. You must live in the United States, and attend or plan to attend a school in the United States. Applicants must do two things: 1) If you haven't already, you must subscribe to BlackStudents.com - It's 100% free, and we will email you weekly opportunities designed for African-American students, 2) After you subscribe with BlackStudents.com, write a 500 word essay on whether or not you feel that Black students face racism issues while in college. A $500.00 scholarship will be awarded for the best essay.
http://blackstudents.blacknews.com/scholarship.html Deadline: December 31, 2008
Hispanic Scholarship Fund General College Scholarships are designed to assist students of Hispanic heritage obtain a college degree. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551 (not expired), have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have plans to enroll FULL-TIME in a degree seeking program at a two or four year U.S. accredited institution in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands or Guam during the 2009-2010 academic year, must apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and be pursuing their first undergraduate or graduate degree. Award amounts generally range from $1,000 to $5,000.
http://www.hsf.net/Scholarships.aspx?id=460 Deadline: February 18, 2009
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest: The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest is open to college/university and 12th grade students. To be eligible for this contest, you must write an essay of no fewer than 800 and no more than 1,600 words in length, double-spaced, on a topic related to Ayn Rand's novel, Atlas Shrugged. Essays are judged on both style and content. The winning essay must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of the book Atlas Shrugged. Awards range from $50.00-$10,000.00.
http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServ Deadline: September 17, 2009
Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota resident students who are of one-fourth or more Indian ancestry and demonstrate financial need for an award. Scholarships are available to eligible Indian undergraduate students enrolled at least ¾ time and graduate students enrolled at least half time. The award amount is based on need up to $4,000 per year for undergraduate students and up to $6,000 for graduate students.
http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/gPg.cfm?pageID=149
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.
Career Services
Career Fair!
Monday, February 9, 2009
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center
Come to the biggest student career fair in Minnesota! More than 250 organizations will be there recruiting for hundreds of jobs and internships. The Job and Internship Fair is free and open to all U of M undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni. This event was created just for you! Visit http://www.cclc.umn.edu/umjobfair/index.html for more information.
Check out this website for other upcoming Career Events: http://www.career.umn.edu/campusevents.htm
On-Campus Career Centers
College of Education and Human Development Exploratory, Transition, and Career Services
Our mission to prepare and support undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education and Human Development to make well thought out and informed decisions about their present and future academic, experiential learning, and occupational choices. http://cehd.umn.edu/ETCS/
College of Liberal Arts Career and Community Learning Center
CCLC connects U of M students to community involvement and service-learning opportunities and exchanges to other U.S. campuses. CCLC also offers resources and services to help undergraduate College of Liberal Arts students choose a major, get an internship or volunteer opportunity, choose a career, find a job, apply to graduate/professional school, and prepare for the world of work.
http://www.cclc.umn.edu/
CLA career services http://careerservices.class.umn.edu/
We provide comprehensive career development assistance to undergraduate and graduate students through individual appointments, workshops, courses, as well as through online and print resources. http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/
Career Search Preparation Tools
Online Career Workshops
Do you need help writing a resume or cover letter, effectively job searching and networking, or practicing your interview skills, but don’t have time to attend a workshop? Check out these online career workshops, which are a great way to gather basic career information at a time that is convenient to you!
http://cehd.umn.edu/ETCS/career/workshops.html
Practice Interviews Online With InterviewStream!
What is InterviewStream?
A webcam based virtual mock interviewing tool.
Why use InterviewStream?
Because when it comes to interviewing – practice and preparation are key!
You can choose your questions and immediately view your answers online.
It’s convenient, easy to use, and free for U of M students!
How do I start?
Click on the link: http://campus.interviewstream.com/login/?schoolid=323
Create an account, set up your webcam, pick your questions, and start interviewing.
Don’t have a web cam? Students served by our office can check one out from the St. Paul Campus Career Center in 198 McNeal Hall.
What if I want feedback on my interview video from a career adviser?
We’re happy to help! Feedback sessions are appointment based, to set up a time with a career adviser call 612-624-2170
Wetfeet Career Resource
Wetfeet contains advice and information on careers in business and industry and is a free resource for University of Minnesota students and staff. This website allows you to read articles, learn about specific industries and companies, or download “insider guides.” This is a great resource to get a fresh perspective and new ideas on careers.
Employment databases and search engines
University of Minnesota
GoldPASS — University of Minnesota Internship/Job Database
Students are able to post and store their profile and up to five different résumés in GoldPASS’s database. A student can choose to make that information available to employers, who are able to search the database for candidates.
Student Employment at the University
Opportunities for working while attending the University are plentiful and diverse. In fact, there are usually more job vacancies than applicants.
Minnesota
LandIt!
Students — View job and internship postings from hundreds of employers in Minnesota, research employers, and search postings by your field of interest.
ISEEK.ORG
Minnesota's gateway to career, education, employment and business information
Minnesota Teacher Recruitment Center was designed for Minnesota school districts to fill open teaching positions and to assist teacher candidates locate current teaching vacancies in Minnesota.
Minnesota Council of Non-Profits
Search for job openings in non-profit and governmental agencies throughout Minnesota.
Minnesota Job Network—website comprised of multiple employment sites focusing exclusively on local communities in Minnesota
Minnesota Jobs—independent career website serving Minnesota job seekers
Minnesota Works – job search website operated by DEED and our Minnesota Work Force Centers
National
Academic Employment Network — If you are looking for a teaching job or other academic position, a successful national employment search is but a click away!
Job Source searches through millions of jobs from thousands of Web sites including Monster, Careerbuilder, Hotjobs, Net-temps, Dice, and Craigslist. Find jobs from all job sites, newspapers, associations, and company career pages at one site.
Resources for Career Clothing
*The SPHC has a limited number of adult interview and career clothing available. Please speak with one of the staff if you are in need or check out one of these resources.
Ready for Success
Sponsored by Episcopal Community Services
2 locations:
1831 E Minnehaha
St. Paul, MN
651-731-6400
425 Oak Grove
Minneapolis, MN
612-872-1509
Martha’s Closet
500 Cedar St
St. Paul, MN
651-224-4728
Elbethel Baptist Church
3953 4th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-825-6469
Community Resources
Fare For All
Big savings every month on fresh, high quality, nutritious groceries – that’s what Fare For All is all about! As food prices continue to rise, more Minnesotans are experiencing significant difficulties affording basic expenses each month. Fare For All is open to anyone who wants to save money on their groceries. Participants have the opportunity to save 40-50% off their monthly food budgets and access fresh fruits and veggies, frozen meats of all kinds, and a variety of non-perishable staple items.
For more information visit www.fareforall.org or call 763-450-3880 or 1-800-582-4291 (outside Metro area).
MinnesotaHelp.info
MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help. It is especially rich in resource information for seniors and their caregivers; people with disabilities and their caregivers; parents and families; and low income people. http://www.minnesotahelp.org/public/
211, First Call for Help
Looking for information on childcare, food, housing, transportation or senior services? The Minnesota 2-1-1 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 are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. You can also download a copy of the 2-1-1 application and database (http://www.ctkodm.com/gtcuw/211_app/ ) directly to your computer. By doing this, you will be able to search for resources at any time without needing an Internet connection.
Energy Assistance
Whether we like it or not the cold is coming! 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=-536881374&contentid=
Are you looking for specific information for your County?
If so, please check out the following links for metro Counties:
Parenting Information
Minnesota Parents Know
Trusted parenting information, resources, and activities to help your children grow, develop, and learn from birth through high school.
This website features special sections for newborns, children ages 1-2, children ages 3-5, grades K-8, and grades 9-12. Links to other parenting resources are also available.
http://www.parentsknow.state.mn.us/
Parent Zone
Welcome to the most comprehensive resource for Twin Cities parents. This site proves that the area has far more to offer families than the Mall of America! This over-flowing directory of local resources includes free things to do around town, great classes for kids, the most family-friendly of the 10,000 lakes, and more! Plus, the local events calendar features family fun on both sides of the river. It's Minnesota nice! http://twincities.parentzone.com/
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.
Dads Today!
Welcome, Dads! Here's a place just for you to get the answers you're looking for, make new friends and be a part of an active community. Visit http://www.dadstoday.com/. Have fun!
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
Learn to Swim
Learn to Swim focuses on providing safety and fun in and around the water. Participants learn a solid base of swimming skills and build upon them throughout the program. The classes are taught following American Red Cross Learn to Swim Guidelines.
Learn to Swim is a program through the University of Minnesota Recreational Sports and classes are offered at St. Paul and Minneapolis. Classes are offered for parents and children (6 months to 5 years old), children lessons (age 4 and older), and for adults.
Rates for University students is: $50 per participant.
For more information visit www.recsports.umn.edu, call 612-625-3794, or email lts@umn.edu
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.
Community Events and Activities
Family Friendly Activities in the Twin Cities!
State Capitol Art Treasures Hunt Saturday at Minnesota State Capitol
You and your children can travel through the Minnesota State Capitol building on this self-guided scavenger hunt to discover 12 beautiful and important decorations located within the historic site. If your children are successful in their pursuit, they’ll be awarded a gold state seal and become Junior Art Historians. Pick up your scavenger hunt booklet any time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and start searching! Treasure hunt is usually held each Saturday (check online for exceptions).
http://events.mnhs.org/calendar/Results.cfm?EventID= 2358&CFID=6585130&CFTOKEN=70166187
Free Third Sundays at the Minnesota Children’s Museum
Check out this great museum just for kids of all ages, free on the third Sunday of every month!
Saint Paul, MN 651-225-6034 http://www.mcm.org/
Free Thursdays at the Walker Art Center
Admission is free every Thursday at the Walker Art Center.
Minneapolis, MN 612-375-7622 http://www.walkerart.org/index.wac
Children’s Theatre Company Upcoming Performances
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
November 11, 2008 - January 3, 2009
An epic family adventure into a wondrous world...
The wondrous world of Narnia comes to life on the CTC stage when Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund embark upon their incredible adventure. Stepping through the wardrobe into the frozen land where the White Witch now reigns, they must find the courage and faith to join Aslan the Lion in a valiant battle to restore beauty and hope – and to earn their places as kings and queens of Narnia. Join the CTC for a spectacular musical adaptation of one of the great classic stories, filled with faith, hope and possibility.
Peter Pan
December 5 - January 3, 2009
Experience this classic adventure as it comes to life in a stunning and surprising way with live performers and brilliant shadow puppets from renowned Italian puppet master Fabrizio Montecchi. From the cozy comfort of a nursery bedtime to the fantastical allure of mermaid lagoons and pirate ships, the story of Peter and Wendy will take flight before your eyes. Peter Pan is a limited engagement of CTC's touring production.
http://www.childrenstheatre.org/2009/lww.html
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Ten Sundays each year the MIA hosts Family Days. These events feature music, art, dance performance and hands-on activities for kids. December’s event is “Celebrations around the World” and will feature exhibits on how holidays, birthdays, weddings, and other events are celebrated around the world! Participants are invited to exlore the MIA's period rooms with a costumed guide. Other events include music, performances, and art-making activities! This event is free and takes place on Sunday, December 14th between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. There is no pre-registration required-simply show up anytime between 11 and 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.
Science Museum of Minnesota
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 9:30 am-5:00 pm CLOSED MONDAY
Quick and Easy Recipes
Breakfast Pizza
Makes: 8 servings
Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 cup frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
4 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (optional)
Additional toppings as desired (ex. tomatoes, peppers, onions)
Directions:
1. Unroll crescent dough into one long rectangle. Press onto the bottom and 1/2 in. up the sides of a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Seal seams and perforations. Sprinkle with bacon, potatoes and cheddar cheese, and other toppings as desired.
2. In a bowl, beat eggs and milk. Pour over cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until eggs are completely set.
Enjoy this yummy & healthy treat!
Grants Update
The lists for both the CCAMPIS Grant and the Post Secondary Child Care Grant CCAMPIS Grant are closed, there is no other funding available at this time.
All programs of the SPHC are available to undergraduates only.
COOL WEB LINK:
PBS Kids
A safe place for kids to explore and play hundreds of fun educational games with their favorite PBS KIDS characters. There is also a link for parents on how different forms of media affect children's development.
Visit http://pbskids.org/
Featured Books
*Note* All of the books/CD’s listed below are available for check-out at the Student Parent Help Center
- How to Handle School Snafus by Carmella VanVleet
- How to Help Children Learn Through Play by Jean Marzollo and Janice Lloyd
- Dictionary of Developmental Disabilities, 2nd ed. by Pasquale J. Accardo and Barbara Y. Whitman
- Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden
- Stress and the Healthy Family by Dolores Curran
- Night-Night: Settle-Down Activities for Easy Bedtimes by Cynthia MacGregor
- Effective Study Skills: Maximizing Your Academic Potential, 2nd ed. by Judy M. Roberts
- Morning Glory Monday by Arlene Alda and Maryann Kovalski
- My Own Big Bed by Anna Grossnickle Hines
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, managing our child care grants 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 in the past. 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 at 612-626-6015. Intakes and basic questions about services offered should be directed to Jerri Clark Wagner (once she returns), Chanee Rudolf or our Graduate Social Work Intern. I am entering my 9th 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. Over the summer and beginning of fall term I have had a chance to step back into the direct service world while our Direct Service Coordinatior is on leave; and will be leading group and completing the largest share of the new student intakes for the 2008-2009 year. It has been fun to get a chance to meet and greet our new students and to hang out with our new and on-going students in group once again. Rest assured that whether acting as the stand in group facilitator, or working on grants and other administrative duties for the center, I am always right next door and will always be working hard to bring you the services and funding needed to assure that each and every SPHC student parent has what they need to succeed at the U!
Jerri 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!
Melanie Opay
Hi everyone! I am the new graduate social work intern this year. I am a first-year direct practice student in the Master’s of Social Work program and am very excited to be in the program, at the University of Minnesota, and working in the Student Parent HELP Center for the entire year. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Augsburg College and since then have been working in St. Paul as an MFIP job counselor. I’m thrilled to be working with student parents in a different capacity and look forward to getting to know you and your families throughout the school year!
Chanee Rudolph
Hello!! I am the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UGTA) here at the Student Parent HELP Center. This is my first year so like many of you I am learning a lot of new and exciting things. My job here is to assist you with anything you need as well as make you feel comfortable and welcomed, so please don't hesitate to ask me for anything if you have questions. I am in my third year here at the University and I am a family and social science major and developing a minor in Family Violence Prevention. So far, I have enjoyed myself more than any of you know and I am looking forward to many more to come!
Comments, questions or ideas about useful information for this newsletter can be directed to Melanie Opay at Sphc@umn.edu.