This memo will provides details of the training opportunities to be hosted by the Pygmalion Commission on Nontraditional Education. Because this is a lean year for both school and Pygmalion Commission funds, the Commission thought this would be a good time to highlight collaboration with other state agencies. The Departments of Health and Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services will have representatives at the meetings who will discuss how their agencies can give alternative programs a helping hand. (And, hopefully, they will tell us some ways education can assist them.) Bring questions to be discussed. The University of Arkansas School of Medicine will have information available about some excellent free workshops this summer for one to three days as part of their Health Sciences Program for K-12 Teachers and Students. Also, they will have some conferences on mental health problems so that educators might be able to recognize when students might need professional help. For ALEs that have not offered Service Learning where students can receive high school credit for their volunteer work, information will be provided. The YOU (Youth Opportunities Unlimited) program will be discussed and educators will be urged to help students apply for the five week stay on a college campus where they can receive tutoring in reading, math, and English and possibly earn high school credits as well as taking home money from their employment on campus.
While the agenda for the sessions will be somewhat the same, each site will have several different speakers and providers so some educators may choose to attend more than one training. Also, this training is informative for anyone connected to schools and all are welcome.
Registration is by calling, writing, faxing, or e-mailing: Ann Smith, 1515 South Main Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401, Phone (870) 932-3396, Fax (870) 972-8838, and
E-Mail annsmith@inet-direct.com
The Commission is low on funds and cannot furnish dinner. There will be a meal available for the cost of $6 or $7. Participants who wish to purchase the meal must indicate that intent when registering. Please bring cash and the correct change will be greatly appreciated. Hopefully, school districts will help defray the cost of travel and the meal..