Initial Posting-August

THRIVE Director Notes

Posts on this Blog will be directed to help families see what is going on in our THRIVE Program.  Items discussed on the Blog have already happened.  This is meant for parents of current THRIVE students only.  All other information for the general public is to utilize the THRIVE Facebook page.  

First-Year Students:

University Foundations:

Students have learned to locate their grades on Blackboard as well as how to download files. Students have also learned to check on the website www.edmodo.com as well as Blackboard for assignments. We have discussed time management and the differences between High School and College. Mr. Brunhkorst and Mrs. Garnier have helped with technology working with Notability app as well as others. We have discussed the importance of checking email several times a day.

At the beginning of the week, a few of the students were showing signs of being homesick. But by Thursday students were smiling and felt more confident than earlier in the week.

Daily & Independent Living Skills:

The students learned about the UCM Health Center and learned how to fill out a form that they would've needed their first visit.  They also discussed personal safety.  The students also learned more about technology during the classes.

Technology Literacy:

The first week of Technology Literacy was a success. We all got to know each other a little better and learned how to take the unexpected in stride as I learned to operate the equipment in the CZ and in the THRIVE classroom. We practiced maneuvering around Blackboard, and the students learned how to access assignments and how to do discussion boards. We also learned how to send an email attachment as well as proper email etiquette for school and business email accounts. The students paid attention, worked hard, and used their homework time in class effectively. I know it's only the first week, but I already love this job and these kids! Here's to an even better second week.

Relationships 101:

Relationship 101- meets once a week. The first class we discussed Friendships, qualities of a good friend, behaviors that might end a friendship. Everyone interviewed someone else in the class that they had not previously conversed with. The students were given homework but the good news it is not due until next Friday!

Second-Year Students:

Transition Planning I:

In TPI class - The students are writing a letter to Dr. Manning on themselves.  The students are writing about goals, accomplishments, families, activities they enjoy doing and etc...  The students are using google docs, blackboard and computer/iPad apps to help with communicating with their professors and classes.

Internship I:

Internship - The students are slowly getting into their internships.  We have students working at the student recreation center, Elliot student union, Sodexo/Ellis Dining hall and at a veterinarian's office.  We want our students to work between 12 - 20 hours a week.  The students have to log their hours and write about what they did and learned that day during their internship.

PLATO:

(Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations) First and second-year students have completed language arts, mathematics and reading assessments this week. The assessments create prescriptions for each student to practice their current level and work toward increasing it.  Each student works at their own level.

THRIVE Activities:

This last weekend the students worked on a project with one of our mentors.  It involved a CD and foam board.  You'll have to talk to your student to see what they did.  If they were not here over the weekend, they would want to get with the mentors about making the item.

Counseling Times: 

I have got to know the students and covered any concerns they have at the present time. I let each student know where my office is and my door is always open if they need to talk. It has been a highly rewarding week.

Important upcoming dates:

Slow-Pitch Softball is due in early September -if your student hasn't talked to you, please suggest they get with staff or mentors.

Labor Day-September 3rd-No Classes.  This means no Sunday (September 2nd) Study Hall-There will be study hall on Monday night.

Family Weekend-September 14-16- Here is a link with more information.

Athletics to watch: Women's Volleyball, Cross-Country, and Mules Football start up later this month.

First Mules Football home game is Thursday, September 6th--GET THE RED OUT!

Homecoming Weekend is October 27th.  Put it on your calendars.