Wine Tasting Event in the News

Elizabeth Alex, anchor woman for NBC Action News KSHB-TV and Olathe Rotary Club member, has posted a story about our upcoming fundraising event, The Days of Wine and Rotary, on the TV’s website.

Find the whole post here:

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Wine-with-the-Rotary-Club-Toasting-Those-in-Need/ZDbGLVbU3UGSxDaUId3VOQ.cspx

AVID

What is AVID?

• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nationally-recognized, research-based program aligned with The College Board and implemented to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college access and success.  These students are from groups that are generally under-represented in university programs and are students who are capable of and committed to completing a high school college-prep curriculum.  The students are typically the first in their families to attend college.
• Students are recommended by their teachers to participate and complete an application and interview process.  Parent involvement and commitment to the program are also an integral component of AVID participation.
• AVID curriculum is delivered during a one hour elective class that supports students as they tackle the most rigorous classes.
  • AVID curriculum includes learning strategies – WICR – that focus on writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading – in addition to time management, note taking, information/exposure to post-secondary applications, financial aid, etc.
  • Another component of the AVID elective class is tutorial.  Two days a week, tutors work with the AVID students during the elective class in small study groups.  The study groups explore/investigate topics/concepts currently being studied in the students’ Advanced Placement and College-prep classes.
  • AVID also utilizes Socratic Seminar and Philosophical Chairs’ strategies

How long has AVID been implemented in Olathe Schools?

• Olathe began AVID during the 2006-07 school year at five sites.
• In 2007-08, Olathe added three additional AVID sites

Which Olathe schools have AVID programs?

• Olathe has launched AVID programs in the following schools:
  • Olathe East, North, Northwest, and South High Schools
    • Grades 10, 11, 12
• Indian Trail, Oregon Trail, Pioneer Trail, and Santa Fe Trail Junior Highs
  • Grades 8 and 9

Graduate Statistics

In May, 2008, eleven seniors from Olathe North were the first Olathe AVID graduates.  Of the eleven, all were headed to higher education and over 75% had been awarded scholarships.  One AVID graduate was recognized as a Gates Millennium Scholar – a national scholarship that will underwrite his higher education expenses through doctoral level.

In May, 2009, a total of 43 AVID seniors will graduate from Olathe high schools.  Scholarship information is incomplete at this time; however, one AVID senior has been recognized as a Dell Scholar representing $20,000 to be awarded over six years.

Olathe East – 12 grads/12 to post-high

Olathe North – 11 grads/11 to post-high

Olathe Northwest – 12 grads/12 to post-high

Olathe South – 7 grads/7 to post-high

Heart to Heart International

In 1992, Dr. Gary Morsch(and volunteers from his local Rotary Club)ignited Kansas City’s community spirit around a medical airlift to aid hurting people in Russia.
After asking government officials for support, the volunteer group learned that the State Department would supply a C-5 Galaxy cargo plane. The “Heart to Heart Airlift” gained national momentum as pharmaceutical companies donated much-needed medicines and helped fill the plane. In May 1992, the aircraft landed in Moscow and the 75 tons of relief supplies were distributed in Moscow and surrounding areas. At the time, it was the largest volunteer project in U.S. history.

Deb’s House and Elizabeth’s Kids

If the world was fair, none of the children living in Deb’s House would be there. Deb Murphy-Scheumann opened the house in 2000 for babies waiting on paperwork to be completed, that would lead them to adoptive homes in the Kansas City Area.
But when the government of Romania closed international adoption in 2003, the children were left with no place to go.

The Olathe Rotary Club

The Olathe Rotary Club is one of 32,000 local chapters which are located in 200 countries. Rotary International is the first service club, and at 102, best described by its motto: Service Above Self. We govern by asking ourselves 4 questions:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Rotary is a global network of business and professional leaders who volunteer their time and talents in service to philanthropic projects locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Since its inception, Rotary has proudly stepped forward to encourage initiatives that transcend politics and promote the common good.

The Days of Wine & Rotary coming soon….

We are happy to announce that we are launching our new website.  Big thanks to the members of the Olathe Rotary Club, specifically Bob Wilhem and Joe Beveridge.  Additionally, the guy’s at Builder Designs were nice enough to donate their time and design efforts to getting this worthy project off the ground.  Be on the lookout for more updates as we continue to build the “buzz” about The Days of Wine and Rotary!