Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/131602
Hi, my name is Brandi Dearcorn Thank you for electing me as the new SWEA President. I live in Powel l, Wyoming, and attend the University of Wyoming through the Outreach Program. I am pursuing my f irst Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Child hood. I have three wonderful children who attend school in Powel l: an 8th grader who wil l b e attending high school next year a 5th grader who wil l b e attending midd le school, and , my daughter who wil l b e in the 3rd grade. I hold education very dear to my heart. Without a good education, where would our young people b e? For me education is one of the most important things we can give our young people. For this coming year I plan to share my passion for education with al l of you. Here is one of my favorite quotes I would like to share with you al l: "Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important" - Bil l Gates Outreach to Teach Going into this school year, the University of Wyoming Chapter of the SWEA decided that it would be beneficial to focus on literacy awareness. To do so, we chose to raise money for the University of Wyoming Literacy Research Center and Clinic with the help of a grant from the WEA and NEA. The goals of the Literacy Research Center and Clinic are to: Improve the quality of literacy learning, literacy instruction, and literacy leadership in the state through professional development for teachers. Improve literary education for pre-service teachers and graduate students; research on literacy education; and service as a statewide clinical resource. Focus on the needs of learners of all ages (birth through high school) and improvement of the instructional capacity of classroom teachers to meet these needs. To support this amazing cause, SWEA held the First Annual SWEA Bingo Night Fundraiser. University of Wyoming members banded together to collect donations and plan the event on May 4, 2013. Twenty-four items were auctioned off, including artwork made by students from the Early Care and Education Center, autographed sports memorabilia from the UW coaching staffs, and many items donated by local businesses. We had a successful turnout of over 50 more-thangenerous people who enjoyed some great food and bingo for a good cause. Overall, SWEA earned $1,509 to donate to the Literacy Center as well as a sense of accomplishment from a successful event. BY Kami Cooley SWEA State Vice President The Student Wyoming Education Association (SWEA), along with the WEA, would like to thank the Casper Sherwin Williams store for their very generous donation of outdoor paint for the SWEA Outreach to Teach project. The Casper Sherwin Williams store donated over $300 in paint and supplies for the rehabilitation of swing sets on the Willard Elementary playground. Although the initial Outreach to Teach project scheduled for April was cancelled due to poor road and weather conditions, the school still received the paint donation and will paint the equipment at a more opportune time. The weather did not hold SWEA back from contributing to the improvement of Willard Elementary, however. SWEA had received NEA grant money for its Outreach to Teach plan, and that money was put to good use. SWEA was able to help fulfill the school's wish to purchase some much-needed items to improve the overall, welcoming appearance of Willard Elementary. For Outreach to Teach project information, please contact WEA Communications Director and Student Coordinator Coleen Haines at chaines@nea.org. 20 SUMMER 2013 Summer 2013.indd 20 Thank You Casper Sherwin Williams Store | WEAnews 5/17/13 11:45 AM