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ACO Membership Categories
ACO is an Association of friends who desire to co-create.
The ACO Association International has established the following classifications of members:
American Conference Organizers
Agents-Consultants-Organizers Authors-Speakers-Vendors
Ambassador of Goodwill- Practitioner in the Health & Wellness, Body-Mind-Spirit Advancement
Authors Club Organization
Educators Research Association
Voting Member- Agent, Consultant, Organizer, Educator, Researcher
Ombudsman- Associations, Organizations, Institutions,
Any individual who agrees to support and advance the mission of the ACO A.I. professional spiritual science trade association
ACTIVE VOTES- Active in Good Standing pays $25.00 Administrative Admission Fee. Reinstatement based on annual dues of $24.00 for supporter of the Arts Level. Link listed in directory.
Web Presence Membership Separate.
Members are entitled to vote on all matters that are presented to the Association, provided that
they are current in their dues and other obligations to the Association.
Student Affiliate Member
A student who agrees to support and advance the mission of the ACO A.I.
Student Affiliate Members are not entitled to vote on matters that are presented to the Association.
Retired Member Ambassador of Goodwill Supporting Health Advocate for the greater good of humanity and/or Ombudsman.
A Retired Member is a person who has retired from the practice of ACO ombudsman with a minimum of two years of service and was a Member of ACO A.I. of retirement. Retired Members are entitled to vote on all matters that are presented to the Association, if they are current in their dues and other obligations to the Association.
The Association may recognize certain Retired Members who have served the Association and/or profession with distinction with the honorary title of Distinguished Emeritus. The Board will accept nominations from members and will select the recipients for the Distinguished Emeritus title.
Retired Members honored with the title of Distinguished Emeritus maintain all the rights of International Ombudsman Association Bylaws. Retired Members but are not required to pay dues to the Association.
Certified Member
Application for Certification: Certification also requires completing the Application Form in full, and submitting it for review by the Board of Certification, with all requisite supporting documentation and payment of a non-refundable certification application administrative fee, and a signed copy of the Certification Agreement Form, in which the applicant agrees to comply with Board of Certification policies and procedures.
There is no training, educational, or work experience requirements needed to register for and sit for the certification examination. An individual who has passed the examination, but who does not meet the other eligibility requirements for certification, may not claim to hold certification status. Any individual who uses the certification designation before having been awarded certification by the Board of Certification may be ineligible for certification in the future. Must support our Code of Ethics. ACO Universal Life Board of Directors must approve certification.
Committees & Task Forces
The goals and objectives of the ACO Association International are achieved largely through the work of committees. Members volunteer their expertise, time, and talent to ACO Association International these committees and are the driving force behind ACO priorities of the ACO professional community. Committee members meet regularly via conference call to determine how these needs can be met through program development or service delivery. Periodic reports are made to the Board and the membership detailing each respective committee's activities.
All ACO committees depend on the creative talents and resources of member participants. We welcome and encourage your participation. To learn more or join a committee, please contact the chairperson of your committee of interest listed below and on the menu to the right. You can send an email to ACO A.I. Headquarter, who will forward your message; ACO Association I.A. members can use the member directory to contact leadership directly.
Communications Committee
Conference Committee
Ethics and Professional Standards Task Force
Finance Committee
Global Marketing Task Force
International Outreach Committee
ACO Journal Editorial Board
Membership Categories Task Force
Membership Committee
Mentoring Committee
Nominations and Governance Committee
Professional Development Committee/PDC
Research and Assessment Committee
Strategic Alliance & Partnership Task Force
Volunteer Coordination Committee


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Tracey Baran was born in 1975 in Bath, a small rural town in western New York State. In 1993, when she arrived in New York City to attend the School of Visual Arts, she began to define and record the story of her life in pictures of herself, her family, and friends, and the rustic landscape of her childhood. Possessing an unusual blend of candor and empathy, her photographs intermingle spontaneously-recorded moments with posed and directed depictions that resonate with intense feeling, a painterly sensibility and her consummate skill as a color printer.
Tracey Baran's first one-person exhibition took place in 1998 at the Liebman Magnan Gallery in New York. She had six additional solo shows, including a 2002 exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago, and participated in more than thirty group shows at galleries and museums throughout the world, including, among others, the Guggenheim Museum (New York and Bilbao), the Folkwang Museum, Essen; P.S. 1/MoMA, New York; The Milwaukee Art Museum; and the Pusan Metropolitan Art Museum, Korea.
She was the recipient of several grants and awards including the Henry Buhl Foundation Grant (first prize) in 2002, the Aaron Siskind Foundation Individual Photographer's Fellowship in 2005, and the Santa Fe Center for Photography Juror's Choice Grant in 2006. Her work is included in the collections of the Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY; the Milwaukee Art Museum; the Miami Art Museum, and other institutions. www.tonkonow.com | www.mocp.org.

subset: commoncrawl


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This summer internship program offers women undergraduate students opportunities to apply for internships with Loomis Sayles, Eaton Vance, State Street Global Advisors, and Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Board (Mass PRIM). CFA Institute and CFA Society Boston are piloting this program as part of a wider effort to recruit gender diverse talent into the asset management industry.
"I am grateful to have a career in the investment profession. As a portfolio manager, it's very satisfying to get to know my clients and understand their goals and dreams. At the same time, I can blend my love of research and analytics and create solutions to meet each client's specific needs. People entrust me to help secure their futures, and the skill-set acquired preparing for the CFA charter gives me the depth and knowledge to best serve my clients. I may not be able to control the markets, but I can control how I relate to others and the knowledge I apply to make educated and thoughtful decisions that will positively impact people for the rest of their lives. That's powerful."
Patricia M. Schneider, CFA
Senior Portfolio Manager, Middleton & Company, Inc.


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- Living
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- Bedroom
- Outdoor
- Office
- Storage
- Lighting
- Accessories & Complements
Outdoor lamp made of a single rotational moulded piece in white or coloured polyethylene, with lacquered metal support.
Certification: IP 65
REMINDER: It is important to note that the Foscarini Suspension Lamp are not supplied with a ceiling rose. These fittings are very versatile and can be installed in a number of different applications so it is therefore up to you and/or your electrician to determine how the lights will be hung.
|Product Type
|Suspension Lamp
|Jozeph Forakis
|Year of Design
|Country of Origin
|Diam 23 x 130h cm cable 240h cm
You can send us a message to request more information about this product. Just fill in the form below.
How long until you receive your Online Order?
Depending on your location, delivery will be within five (5) to ten (10) business days for items that are "In stock". Delivery to remote areas may take longer but our aim is to deliver your order as quickly as possible.
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Delivery Services - White Glove Service
White Glove Service is the term we use for our premium delivery service. You may contact us to book the Space White Glove Delivery Service for any deliveries within 100km from the Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane CBD.
From Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane this service will cost between,
The Space White Glove Service includes delivery by our experienced warehouse team who will deliver, unpack, assemble (if required) your purchase and dispose of the packaging materials.
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If an exact time or call is required prior to delivery, we recommend contacting us to organise White Glove Service.
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Baby Squid, Chorizo, Black Pudding, Anchovy and Poached Egg Salad - Serves 4
A frisée lettuce needs careful attention before use. Wash it, then immerse, leafy head down, in a bowl of water. Refrigerate for 24 hours, which crisps it up wonderfully. Drain well, then put in a cloth or salad spinner to remove excess water. Keep in the fridge until required.A tip from
In the summer, I sometimes use this recipe for the course at my academy or for eating at home on the patio. It's perfect for lunch with a nice glass of medium and fruity white wine. When the chorizo is cooking, the delicious smell filters out to the garden and stimulates appetites!
1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/Fan 160ºC/Gas 4.
2. Heat a heavy frying pan until very hot, then add the slices of chorizo. Fry gently until golden, then remove with a slotted spoon to a suitable container, leaving the chorizo oil in the pan. Set aside.
3. Add the squid to the chorizo oil in the pan, together with the garlic and lemon juice, and fry gently for 3–4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and add to the chorizo.
4. In the same pan fry the pancetta lardons until nicely coloured. Remove with a slotted spoon and add to the squid and chorizo.
5. Bring a saucepan of water to the boil, and plunge in the black pudding. Blanch for 10 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and put into an ovenproof dish. Leave the water boiling. Season the black pudding, and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.When cool enough to handle, cut into big chunks.
6. In the meantime, add the vinegar to the boiling water, crack the eggs then slide them in. Poach for 4 minutes, then remove, using a slotted spoon. Trim the whites if wished.
7. To assemble, cut the required amount of frisée (refrigerate the remainder) and put in a large bowl. Add the chorizo, squid, pancetta lardons, black pudding and three quarters of the anchovyade, and stir gently to combine.
8. Divide the salad between four plates, and top each portion with a poached egg. Add 1 teaspoon or so of water to the remaining mayonnaise to thin it and drizzle over the top of the eggs. Serve immediately.
This recipe is taken from Jean-Christophe's 'Everyday Novelli' book.


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Board games
I have made several non-digital games including table top RPG, dice game, physical sports game and other types of board games. Regardless of computer functions, I can focus more on the play aesthetics. It feels great to share my paper games with my friends and have fun together. What's more, I realized how to use paper prototypes as tools to communicate with my teammates and to playtest before implementing features. It's quick, cheap and fun!
I would love to share what I learned with you. :)
I would love to share what I learned with you. :)


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You're the Boss Blog: Why American Giant Re-Designed Its Web Site
The metrics indicate the company made the right call. (Plus, the company has sold out all of its product.)
The metrics indicate the company made the right call. (Plus, the company has sold out all of its product.)
Recently, Run On!, a specialty running store based in Dallas, announced that its sixth store has officially opened in Southlake. This location is the first of a six-store expansion, brought on by the recent acquisition of the company to Denver-based Ru…
How data analysis spoiled one of the world's largest song contests.
In a world where marketing is literally as easy as a click of a mouse, business owners are employing countless tactics to engage the world around them. But are they using paid and free marketing tools in the best way possible?
Since 1948 Alaska Litho has been primarily a print shop, that is, until Jenny Fremlin joined the team. Fremlin has a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication as well as a masters and a doctorate in media psychology.
As the Web gets larger, search becomes the only meaningful way of navigating it. This makes it imperative for corporate marketing teams to focus on search engine optimization .
Optimize Worldwide offers Online marketing including search engine optimization, website design, logo and graphic design, social media marketing, and domain and website hosting.
If you look in the right places, you can earn more as a freelancer than you would at a regular day job.
Facebook has dominated the conversation in the tech world this week , but especially because of its unveiling of Graph Search. We've been waiting for years for Facebook to get into search? and take on Google,? and we
Have you ever wondered how to start a blog and how to gain followers?


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I have never given much thought to going to any of the Renaissance events in our area. That has all changed now. I witnessed a small-scale jousting event and hand to hand combat–exhibition style at the Mercer Island Summer Celebration. The costumes are magnificent and the action is amazing.
I spotted these knights from a distance–they are so colorful. Oddly they remind me of the "Cylons" from Battle Star Galactica, who might be called knights of the future.
This young knight applauds a youngster who just hit him with an arrow. The kids were allowed to shoot arrows at the knights. Most arrows fell to the ground within two feet of the shooter. With a little help from an adult some of them could even manage to hit the knights.
This is really what drew me to the event–the horses. I grew up with horses and owned four of them by the time I was a senior in high school. I rode in western games–events like barrel racing and pole bending–it was so much fun. I sadly had to sell my horses after I got married. I still have a four stall stable and 20 acres–but no horse.
The costumes were fabulous–very real and heavy. This gentlemen had one of the more ornate and heavy of body armor.
The gal pictured here was the only woman jouster. She was quite capable and rode hard against her opponent.
Wake me up when its time to ride. These horses are so used to this life they are very calm.
This knight told me that his armor weighed 95 lbs. It was a hot day out and I imagine it made these guys hot not to mention the added weight on the horse–and all that other paraphernalia.
This is my favorite horse. His is so lively and eager to go. He was bred for battle and know how to use his hooves to take out the enemy. (Note: These knights rode with these long reins. I rode with reins that were just a loop around the neck of the horse–generally used for cow cutting. I would not have to lean back so far to pull my horse up.) Amazing there is not bit in this horse's mouth–it can be seen right under the horses jaw–wonder if the bridal broke–maybe that explains his posture on the horse.
Here goes the lady knight into battle. Now the shield is not light, nor is that long staff they carry as a jousting stick (or whatever it is called). And then to have to cross over the horse at a full gallop and try to hit just the shield of the opponent is not as easy as it looks. She is a brave woman.
My heart went out to this horse and the rider. The horse is balking. He does not want to go into battle. As many times as he tried it, the horse balked. Time to retire him and let him get away from it.
Hand to hand combat-starting our on the friendly side–notice no head-gear.
Score. I really liked this horse as well–one of my horses was small and black and spunky, just like this one.
He turns right around and charges again.
The knight in the red was one of the most colorful there. He was a formidable foe, however he was the kindest knight–completely undoing his opponent then offering his/her sword back to try to take him again. I like this guy.
These two knights rode hard against one another–it was really fun to see them joust. You can see them taking aim at each other.
Seriously attacking the red knight.
Aw–bit in mouth ready to charge. Love this horse.
You can see the horse balking in the background.
Between battles.OK–I do love this horse. So showy.
I hadn't planned on taking many pictures this day. I took only my 50mm with me. I was not in the right location to get the best shots either. Now I know what goes on at those Medieval Festivals and am definitely going to catch more of them. Exciting and beautiful and then there are the HORSES.
Thanks for stopping by.


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Sweet Talk Radio: My Hallelujah
Sweet Talk Radio is Kathrin Shorr and Tim Burlingame, a husband-and-wife duo whose debut recording, "My Hallelujah," features finely-crafted folk-pop songs with poignant moods and memorable lyrics. The CD is a sonically rich recording of songs about love and loss, … Continue reading
Jack Tempchin: Songs
Acclaimed Southern California singer-songwriter Jack Tempchin's latest recording, "Songs," could have been called "Little Movies." Tempchin, who wrote many hits made famous by the Eagles, presents a collection of scenarios and situations where the characters often seem to be on … Continue reading
Tinted Windows: Tinted Windows
Tinted Windows is a most unusual and unusually good new pop-rock band. With founding members from famous bands — Hanson's Taylor Hanson on lead vocals, Fountain of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger on bass/vocals, The Smashing Pumpkin's James Iha on guitar/vocals, and … Continue reading


text: Thank you for your purchase! Please keep in touch about any future performances of the work, as well as any feedback on the score and music. If you already have a performance date, please fill out the form below. I want to promote you! Also, because I receive royalties for any performance (including those at colleges and universities), I would also like a copy of the program to submit to ASCAP. Royalties are paid by performance venues and presenters, not performers.


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It is important for parents to realise that the need for grass-roots political pressure is an on-going one, as the issue of education funding is primarily one to be debated between taxpayers and their elected Parliamentary representatives.
The responsibility for continually exercising political influence must be accepted by school communities and by individual parents, and not just left to non-government school administrators and Church agencies, or CSPWA and the two national parent organisations. Letters, petitions and meetings with Members of Parliament are all useful strategies.
Some historical perspective...
CSPWA (formerly Parents and Friends' Federation of WA) was the first Federation of non-government school parent groups in Australia and the first to obtain any public recurrent funding for non-Government school children anywhere in Australia.
In 1965 the Brand Liberal Government in Western Australia took the historic step of being the first Government in Australia to make per-capita recurrent (operating) payments to children in non-government schools. Secondary school students in WA initially received £10 per child per year from 1965, and similar payments were extended to non-government primary school children in WA in 1967.
From 1971, again commencing in WA, Catholic Education Commissions and (later, in 1975) School Boards were established in all States to provide a more professional approach to the problems of administration, accountability and distribution of funds.
Archbishop Hickey encouraged affiliation with and support of the Parents and Friends' Federation of Western Australia Inc. In his 'Introduction to the Federation Handbook', Archbishop Hickey says, "It is my hope that the Federation will remain strongly supported by parents around the State, so that its ongoing contribution to education standards and just levels of Government funding is guaranteed."
STRUGGLE & ACHIEVEMENT: a history of the Parents & Friends' Federation of Western Australia Inc. (1954-2004), compiled by Dr. Hal G P Colebatch, MA LLB, PhD, was launched at the June 2007 Annual Dinner and is available for purchase from the Federation office.


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Are you a good date?
I'm a single minister, which puts me in the unique and sometimes awkward position of going on dates as a pastor. But even without my unique situation, dating is tricky, period. There are all sorts of unspoken rules and techniques to be a good date. And the truth is, reaching millennials is a lot like dating. A young person walking through the doors of your church is trying to evaluate the question "is this place for me?"
And just like a date, there are all sorts of actions we can take that, while well-meaning, can make a person feel uncomfortable. On the flip side, if you handle things well, you can make someone feel comfortable and at ease in your presence and be wanting a second date. So here are a few things I've learned about dating that translate 100% to reaching millennials in your church:
Lesson #1: Don't jump the gun.
At the core, dating is getting to know someone and seeing if the two of you are a match. We put a lot of pressure around it, but that's the goal. Church has a similar goal. We're looking for people and they are looking for a community. So is this a person who finds a match in our community? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. And that's fine.
But sometimes people get too excited too quickly. I have friends who have dated people who start talking weddings or kids within a couple dates! Nothing quite sends off red flags like someone who comes on too strong.
And churches are guilty of this exact thing. I hear stories constantly from young adults who visit congregations, only to be pounced on by older church members. One friend has a story where a woman at a church reached over and stuck a large red VISITOR sticker on her chest… without asking. During the service, they had her stand and introduce herself.
This was the equivalent of her first date. Not only was her personal space invaded, but she was put into a situation where she felt uncomfortable. She never went on date #2.
A good date happens when someone knows how to pace things. Don't rush, don't invade. Let people explore a connection to see if it works for them. Be kind, be inviting, be charming—but don't jump the gun.
Lesson #2: Prep, prep, prep.
When I first starting dating in my 20's, I was absolutely terrified of women. I would get attached before a first date, say things too personal too soon, talk too much… the list goes on. I once even tried to kiss someone for the first time while we were both buckled in my car. She politely avoided the attempt.
It was just cringeworthy.
What I realized is that I needed to learn and practice how to be a better date.
If you look at the churches most successful at reaching people in their 20's and 30's, they aren't forcing things. The experience for the person attending is that things just flow. The experience from parking to sitting down is pleasant and straightforward. It feels like it just happens naturally.
But I guarantee you that none of that experience just "happened." It was planned, practiced, intentional, and executed. None of that makes it any less authentic. It just means that some leader somewhere thought highly enough of their parishioners to put in the extra work. Good intentions aren't enough. If you want someone to have a positive first impression, you'll need to prep to make it flow!
Lesson #3: Focus on you - not the empty chair next to you.
When I first started dating, I lamented my singleness to my mother. She gave me a piece of advice I've never forgotten. "Don't worry about finding the woman of your dreams. Become the man of her dreams." Super cliche, I know. But there's some truth here. If you're wasting energy worrying about who is missing, that's energy you could have spent on making yourself better.
It applies to church as well. You can't worry about who isn't there. You only have responsibility for being the best version of yourself you can be. If you help create a healthy space and community, those empty seats will take care of themselves. It might be that there's a lot of work in front of you. It might be discouraging. But one day of work becomes two and seven days becomes a week and eventually, you'll be the church of someone's dreams.
It's just the tip of the iceberg, and dating may not be the best analogy for the church, but these ideas work in both worlds. Don't jump the gun. Prep. Focus on you, not the empty seat. Every church in this country can reach millennials. But not unless you focus on their experience of your community.
A good church is like a good date. So how are you doing?


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Product measurements were taken using size 11.5, width D - Medium. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
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text: Share: Comments Print April 15, 2014 at 4:00 AM The "Full 80" prep boys soccer blog — Week 4 Posted by Matt Massey This is the fourth installment The "Full 80" prep boys soccer blog for the spring of 2014. Here's a look at Issaquah's rise from mediocrity in KingCo 4A under new coach, marquee matches and rankings. Issaquah makes a move upward in KingCo 4A They were muddled in the middle. That was the story of the Issaquah High School boys soccer team a year ago. Turn the page to 2014, and the Eagles are anything but a middling team, at least, so far. Under the direction of first-year varsity coach Kyle Tatro, Issaquah is trending upward in the KingCo 4A Conference standings. The Eagles are leading the conference at 5-0-0 and are off to an unbeaten 7-0-1 start overall. "I think our season primarily has a lot to do with team chemistry," said Tatro, who took over when Tom Bunnell resigned in the offseason. "This is a good group of boys to come into and we have a good junior class and the senior class is good, tight-knit group. "We work hard on defense and we've been fortunate to be on the right side of the score line in a couple of games." Issaquah has already matched last season's conference total in half season in 2014. The Eagles were 5-5-0 and tied for fourth with 15 points in conference play and finished 9-7-1 overall in 2013 after falling to Roosevelt in a loser-out KingCo 4A tournament match. Four starters – Ryan Higgins, Josh Zhou, Ben Corman and Jack Figg – are back from last season. But mainly there's been improvement and an upgrade in production, which has the Eagles soaring with a 15-3 goals advantage in 2014. Tatro's touch has added the right blend so far. "It's been a great transition for me to head coach, and being able to help out on the technical aspects of players' games at training," said Tatro, who spent six seasons as an assistant coach with the Issaquah program and was a standout defender at Newport. "I've stepped in and put my twist on formations and things, has been a joy. Working with these players has been great. "They are smart and hard-working players and that's makes it easier." The hot starts of senior midfielders Higgins (5 goals, 1 assist) and Alex Kane and junior midfielder Conner Hughes (4 assists) has been key. The 6-foot-2 Higgins has signed to play at Seattle Pacific University next fall. "Ryan Higgins is a very smart, physical, very technically gifted player and he's having a great year for us," Tatro said. A tougher defensive mindset has led to five shutouts in eight outings as Corman and Figg help anchor the back line along with new starting goalkeeper Saif Kerawala, a 6-3 junior. Kerawala has been part of five shutouts for the Eagles. "A lot of players have, not surprised me, but shown better than I thought they would," Tatro said of the turnaround this season. "I knew they were talented players and that the whole squad was capable of achieving what they have so far. "They are making smart plays and hustle plays on both sides of the ball. This is a special team, and I've told them that from the beginning." Tatro, a 2004 graduate of Newport, knows what it takes to win a state title as he helped the Knights to a 3A state crown as a junior in 2003. He recognizes it's a growth process. "Right now, we're a really strong defensive team and our score line has been kind of low," Tatro said. "We have a lot of 1-0 and 2-1 games, so certainly we can get better on the offensive side of the game. "We are looking to get a little bit better as the road goes along. Hopefully, we can get into the state playoffs and then anything can happen there. That's what we're aiming for." Lions still roaring despite loss of two key players Mark Szabo could be lamenting and asking "what-if" in regards to two players not with the Lakeside boys soccer team in 2014. Sophomore defender Quentin Chi decided to play for the Sounders Academy and senior forward Seyi Adekoya, a UCLA commit, is serving as a team manager after the Bruins advised against Adekoya playing for his high-school team. Instead, Szabo, the Lions' head coach, is very happy about who he does have on his team and their development. "It's nice for the boys to build up some confidence in themselves," said Szabo, whose team is off to a 7-1-0 start overall and a No. 6 ranking among Class 3A schools. "It's a promising start, but it's obviously very early in the season." The Lions have a strong hold on the Metro League Mountain Division with a 5-0-0 record and 15 points. Bishop Blanchet sits second in the Mountain a 3-3-1 with 10 points. In all eight matches, Lakeside has outscored foes 22-1 with seven shutouts. In Metro matches, the Lions have a 19-0 goals advantage and five shutout wins. A big key is the Lions returning three defenders – seniors Arthur McCray and Trevor Peterson and junior Matt Dayton – and junior goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley from last year's 14-4-0 squad. Six starters return all together. "We have a solid defense and Wallis is a quality goalkeeper," Szabo said. "We have guys in front of him that play well together. It's nice to have a good number of players back who have worked together before. It's a good foundation. "Overall, we have some kids who can fill in the gaps, too." Lapsley registered a 0.77 goals-against average and nine shutouts as a sophomore. Offensively, Lakeside doesn't lack punch. Senior midfielder Gaby Joseph leads the way with 12 points on five goals and two assists. Next in line on the attack are sophomore forward Sharif Kombo (4 goals, 2 assists), freshman midfielder Paul Rothrock (3 goals, 3 assists) and sophomore midfielder Evan Johnson (2 goals, 3 assists). The Lions are the two-time defending Metro League tournament champions and appear to be a strong contender again. "We work hard from the front to the back as a team," Szabo said. "We do some good things as a team. It's nice to have guys with experience at certain levels [like Metro championship matches]. Each year, we also get a great group of kids coming in." Szabo is hoping the Lions can get to state and move past the first round after two consecutive first-round bowouts in 2012 and 2013. "As far as experience goes, you know we've not done so well, even though we've won two Metro titles in a row, we've not really achieved what we wanted to at state either," Szabo said. "We need to push beyond that and get to the next level, so we can start achieving something a little bit bigger. That's what we are striving for this year. We want to hard and keep things simple. "We are going to assess ourselves on what we think we should do or what we think we should do, and see where that takes it." The Lions lone loss this season was a 1-0 decision to Shorecrest at home on March 22. So far, the Mountain Division of Metro is theirs to lose. Then, there will be another mountain to climb at state and a hopeful ascent toward the school's first state title in boys soccer. The Lions have finished second at state three times, finishing as the runner-up in 1989 in 4A (then AAA), 2000 in 3A and 2006 in 3A. Skyline boys soccer has banner week The Skyline High School boys soccer team won a pair of 1-0 matches last week against state-qualifying teams from 2013. The Spartans beat Roosevelt 1-0 on April 7 and Inglemoor 1-0 on April 9 in KingCo 4A action. The wins put the Spartans at 4-0-1 and in second in the conference race and 7-0-3 overall. Alex Appel recorded both shutouts in goal and Armeen Badri scored in the 53rd minute against Roosevelt and assisted on Nihar Baxi's score against Inglemoor in the 12th minute. ScoreCzar.org gives its unique twist on rankings Here's the link to the latest 2014 ranking for boys soccer by ww.scoreczar.org: http://www.scoreczar.org/find-your-team/high-school/soccer/wa Marquee matches upcoming Monday, April 14 KingCo 4A: Inglemoor at Issaquah; Ballard at Redmond; Bothell at Skyline, all 7:30 p.m. KingCo 3A/2A: Interlake at Liberty (Issaquah), Juanita at Mount Si; Mercer Island at Lake Washington, all 7:30 p.m. 3A Metro League: Bainbridge at Eastside Catholic, 3:30 p.m. SPSL 3A: Bonney Lake at Lakes, 7 p.m. Cascade Conference: Sultan at Archbishop Murphy, 6 p.m. 1A Nisqually League: Bellevue Christian at Cedar Park Christian (Bothell), 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 SPSL 4A South: Federal Way at Graham-Kapowsin, 4 p.m.; Puyallup at Emerald Ridge, Curtis at Rogers (Puyallup) at Sparks Stadium, both 7:30 p.m. SPSL 4A North: Auburn Riverside at Mount Rainier; Auburn at Tahoma, both 7:30 p.m. WesCo 4A: Jackson at Arlington, 7 p.m.; Lake Stevens at Mariner; Snohomish at Lynnwood, both 7:30 p.m. Seamount League: Hazen at Tyee, 5 p.m. WesCo 3A: Glacier Peak at Marysville-Pilchuck; Shorecrest at Oak Harbor; Marysville Getchell at Shorewood; Mountlake Terrace at Stanwood, all 7:30 p.m. SPSL 2A: White River at Franklin Pierce, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 KingCo 4A: Garfield at Issaquah; Bothell at Redmond; Roosevelt at Woodinville, all 7:30 p.m. KingCo 3A/2A: Bellevue at Lake Washington; Mount Si at Interlake; Liberty (Issaquah) at Juanita; Sammamish at Mercer Island, all 7:30 p.m. 3A Metro League: Seattle Prep at Bainbridge, 7 p.m. SPSL 3A: Peninsula at Bonney Lake; Enumclaw at Decatur at Federal Way Stadium, both 7 p.m. Cascade Conference: Lakewood at Archbishop Murphy, 6 p.m.; South Whidbey at King's, 7 p.m. Emerald City League: Seattle Academy at Bush, 3:30 p.m. 1A Nisqually League: Seattle Christian at Bellevue Christian at Newport Hills Field, 4 p.m.; Charles Wright at Cedar Park Christian (Bothell), 5:15 p.m. Thursday, April 17 WesCo 4A: Kamiak at Snohomish, 7:30 p.m. Seamount League: Highline at Kennedy Catholic, 6 p.m. Friday, April 18 SPSL 4A North: Tahoma at Jefferson, 5:30 p.m.; Kentwood at Auburn Riverside, 7:30 p.m. SPSL South: Federal Way at Beamer at Federal Way Stadium, 7:30 p.m. WesCo 4A: Edmonds-Woodway at Arlington, 7 p.m.; Lynnwood at Lake Stevens; Mariner at Mount Vernon, both 7:30 p.m. KingCo 3A/2A: Sammamish at Bellevue, 7:30 p.m. Seamount League: Foster at Lindbergh; Renton at Tyee, both 7:30 p.m. WesCo 3A: Glacier Peak at Marysville Getchell, 7 p.m.; Shorewood at Everett; Stanwood at Meadowdale; Oak Harbor at Mountlake Terrace; Marysville-Pilchuck at Shorecrest, all 7:30 p.m. SPSL 2A: Fife at Sumner, 7 p.m. Emerald City League: Overlake at Seattle Academy at Starfire Sports Complex, 5 p.m. Nisqually League: Cedar Park Christian (Bothell) at Seattle Christian at Valley Ridge Park, 3:30 p.m. Nonleague: Bonney Lake at Stadium, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, April 19 Nonleague: Chief Sealth at Roosevelt, Noon National rankings picture The second spring boys soccer rankings from National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) came out on Tuesday, April 8. The next set of rankings is due Tuesday, April 22. Three teams from Washington state were ranked in the top 20 were in the second set of rankings for the spring of 2014. Class 4A Camas checks in at No. 9, Skyview of Vancouver at No. 10 and Skyline at No. 20. http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/3054/Spring/men/National/Poll2 The NSCAA regional poll was filled with all Washington teams, from No. 1 through No. 10. Here's the second Region V poll for spring of 2014 (also pasted below) on Tuesday, April 8: http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/3053/Spring/men/RegionV/Poll2 2014 SEATTLE TIMES STATE BOYS SOCCER RANKINGS Here are The Seattle Times rankings for Class 4A, 3A and 2A for Week 4 of the 2014 season (this year's record in parentheses): Week 4 rankings – 4A, 3A, 2A Class 4A 1, Camas (6-0-2) 2, Skyview (Vancouver) (7-0-1) 3, Kentwood (6-0-2) 4, Union (Vancouver) (7-1-0) 5, Skyline (7-0-3) 6, Issaquah (7-0-1) 7, Ferris (Spokane) (8-0-0) 8, Davis (Yakima) (7-0-1) 9, Jefferson (6-1-1) 10, Federal Way (5-2-1) On the bubble: Inglemoor (6-3-0), Snohomish (7-1-0), Ballard (6-2-0), Central Valley (Spokane) (6-1-0), Puyallup (6-1-1), Kentridge (3-2-3), Rogers (Puyallup) (5-0-3), Kamiak (6-3-0), Mariner (4-1-2), Pasco (6-4-0), Beamer (3-2-2), Lake Stevens (5-2-2), Gig Harbor (7-1-0), Eisenhower (Yakima) (4-3-1), Curtis (4-1-3). Class 3A 1, Bonney Lake (6-1-0) 2, Glacier Peak (6-0-1) 3, Sunnyside (8-0-0) 4, Kennewick (9-1-0) 5, Liberty (Issaquah) (7-0-2) 6, Lakeside (7-1-0) 7, Hanford (7-1-0) 8, Mount Spokane (5-1-0) 9, Mount Si (6-1-2) 10, Shelton (5-1-0) On the bubble: Mercer Island (4-2-3) , Shorecrest (6-2-0), Shorewood (4-2-2), Oak Harbor (4-2-1), Stanwood (4-3-1), Interlake (6-3-0), Hazen (4-2-2), Kennedy Catholic (5-1-2), Tyee (2-1-3), Lakes (5-0-0), Auburn Mountainview (2-1-1), Nathan Hale (5-1-3), Ingraham (5-2-4), Chief Sealth (5-2-1), Bainbridge (5-1-0). Class 2A 1, Cheney (7-1-1) 2, Archbishop Murphy (7-0-1) 3, Sedro-Woolley (7-0-1) 4, Bellingham (5-0-4) 5, North Kitsap (7-0-0) 6, Fife (6-0-0) 7, Capital (8-0-0) 8, Hockinson (6-1-0) 9, Ellensburg (5-1-0) 10, Aberdeen (6-2-0) On the bubble: Pullman (7-2-0), Ridgefield (3-2-1), Cedarcrest (5-3-0), Squalicum (6-0-2), Anacortes (6-1-1), Kingston (7-1-0), Sequim (5-2-0), Franklin Pierce (2-3-1), Lake Washington (4-4-1), Foster (5-1-1) Othello (7-1-0). 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Category Archives: Safety
"I Am a Homeless Youth. I Am the Future."
Runaway and homeless youth are not bad kids; they're just kids in bad situations. It's important to remember this, because one of the great obstacles to stability these young people have to overcome is the stereotype that they are willfully homeless, or that their homelessness is simply a consequence of poor decision making. But we all know nothing is ever that simple. Consider the following:
- Approximately 1.7 million young people call the streets home every year.
- Children under 18 account for 34% of the homeless population in the United States.
- Every year, approximately 5,000 homeless young people will die because of assault, illness, or suicide while trying to survive.
- About 80% of homeless youth (aged 12-21) use drugs or alcohol as a means to self-medicate to deal with the traumatic experiences and abuse they face.
- Over 50% of young people in shelters and on the streets report that their parents told them to leave or knew they were leaving and didn't care.
- Of youth who run away, 41% have been abandoned by their parents for at least 24 hours and 43% have been beaten by a caretaker
Young people become homeless for a variety of reasons, but the most common is family dysfunction. This can be anything from abuse to addiction to mental illness, all resulting in parental neglect, which forces some youth to fend for themselves – and in extreme cases to provide and care for their own parents and younger siblings. Imagine if you had to become the head of your household tomorrow; how long do you think you could sustain? Even families with little to no dysfunction are vulnerable to sudden homelessness, because they may be at the whims of the country's economic climate – joblessness affects people from all walks of life, and families move into shelters by the hundreds every day, unable to find affordable housing.
Another reason youth sometimes leave their homes is sexual abuse. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 21-40% of homeless youth have been sexually abused prior to running away. And the victimization doesn't necessarily stop there; many young people on the streets are too young for traditional employment and must resort to trading sex for money, food, clothing, or a place to stay. Similarly, some youth who "age out" of the Foster Care system are dumped into society with no economic or emotional supports, and often look to misdemeanor crimes to survive – either to temporarily get money, or to be put in jail where they will at least have a bed and a meal. Many homeless youth are then never able to transition into the workforce, let alone finish their high school diplomas, when the only earning potential they see for themselves is within the underground economy. This is part of the cycle that turns homeless youth into chronically homeless adults.
Below is a sample from a survey done by the National Network for Youth in 2013, which asked thousands of homeless young people nationwide to characterize the homeless youth experience based on their stories by offering insights that could complete the sentence, "I am a homeless youth. I…"
…am no different from other youth. I simply don't have a safe place to live.
…may come from a poor family, or my family may have money.
…may come from a city. But I may also come from a rural town, suburb, Indian reservation, border colony, or foreign country.
…may have traveled miles from home, but I may also have traveled just a few blocks.
…sometimes act tough because that is a skill I developed to survive without a safe place to live. But, I know to behave differently if you give me positive attention.
…may have left on my own because it was safer for me to get out. But I also may have been kicked out of home because my family didn't understand or accept me.
…may get caught up in the wrong crowd for self-protection. But I am not violent or a gang member. I'm just hanging on the street because I don't have another place to go.
…usually just have too much stress and competing priorities to operate at the same pace as my peers with safe places to live. I am not dumb or unmotivated.
… need to take care of getting a safe place to live and a source of food and clean clothes before I can focus on finding a job or completing school.
… want to work to support myself. But I probably need some help building work skills and help finding a job, just like any other young person looking for a first job.
… want to wear clean clothes and take regular showers. If I look grungy, it's because I don't have regular access to these basic things.
…may use alcohol or drugs or have a mental illness. But if I do, it doesn't mean that I don't want to get help.
…can still take care of my own child and be a good parent but may need some help in learning how since I may not have had a good role model in my own childhood.
…may be reluctant to ask for help right away because I may not trust you. So please ask me first if I need help. And be patient while my trust in you strengthens.
…have dreams and goals. I can succeed in life despite the hardships I have faced.
…am not disposable. I am a human being. Be happy I am alive. I am the future.
Many of the things mentioned above are why organizations like Youth Outreach exist. We work to protect those who can't always protect themselves, despite being incredibly resilient and strong. We have two programs to help youth who don't have anywhere to stay, whether they've been kicked out, run away, or their family has become homeless. Safe Shelter is available to kids ages 11-17, and provides short term shelter with families in the community who've volunteered to be host homes. The Transitional Living Program (or TLP) is designed for youth ages 18-21 who need help getting started and learning to live independently. YO has two apartments located in Newberg and McMinnville where youth can stay while they look for a job and save some money. We also have programs that work to prevent youth from running away in the first place. Youth Outreach has a Drop-In center that is open until 9 pm on weeknights, where teens can find a safe and positive environment, with everything from peer support groups to Christmas parties. Youth can spend their time getting help with homework, learning about things like dating abuse, working with us to find a job, or just hanging out and playing pool as a way to stay out of the rain.
If you encounter someone who is in need of assistance, or ever find yourself in a tough spot, give a us a call. Anytime. Day or night. 1.866.538.8023. We can help!
The Truth About Meth
Although it's not one of the most used drugs out there among teenagers, more and more teens have been experimenting with meth the past few years. In a recent nationwide survey, 1 in 33 teens said they have tried meth. The average age they first tried it was 12 years old. Even for those who haven't tried it, the majority of teens said they think they could easily get it, and they would probably try it if they did. About 1 in 6 said they had a friend or family member who has used meth.
So, what is meth?
Methamphetamine is also known as speed, chalk, Tina, ice, glass, and many other names… it can be swallowed, smoked, snorted or injected. It's a stimulant drug, so it boosts your mood, increases your feelings of well-being, increases your energy, and makes you more alert. It can be a white powder, or in crystal form. It's completely man-made. It's often made in big, illegal superlabs that make it in huge quantities… or sometimes, people just make it at home using stuff from the store, like kitty litter and batteries. Yeah, the chemicals and garbage in kitty litter and batteries go into people's bodies. Gross. Because of all the toxic chemicals used, every 1 pound of meth made also produces 6 pounds of waste. Explosions are VERY likely to happen at meth labs.
Sometimes, doctors do prescribe meth for patients with ADHD, but in VERY LOW doses. And it's very rare that they would prescribe it, because of how dangerous it is.
Meth causes chemical and molecular changes in the brain, causing problems with movement and thinking. Some of these changes remain long after meth use has stopped.
Here are the effects of meth use…
- Feeling very awake and active
- Fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat
- Higher blood pressure
- Higher body temperature
- Possible heart attack/stroke
- Increased risk of HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis
- Anxiety and confusion
- Problems sleeping
- Mood swings
- Violent behavior
- Psychosis (hearing, seeing, or feeling things that aren't there)
- Skin sores caused by scratching
- Severe weight loss
- Severe dental problems, known as "meth mouth"
- Problems with thinking, emotion, and memory
Like all other drugs, meth is extremely addicting. The first time you try it, you have an amazing high… so whenever you use it, you want to reach that same high. But your body becomes tolerant to it, so you can't. In order to reach that same high, you need more, and then the next time you need more, and then the next time you need even more, filling your body with more and more garbage each time… dangerous garbage that could kill you.
If you have use meth, even if you've only tried it once or twice, you need to get help and stop immediately. If you have a friend who uses it, you need to tell somebody and get them help immediately. Tell your teacher, school counselor, parents, coach, or another trusted adult. Or you can call 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-662-HELP if you aren't sure what to do. Meth is serious stuff, and it's extremely dangerous. Just look at these people who used meth… you don't want to end up like them.
Youth Homelessness
Let me tell you some statistics so you understand the severity of youth homelessness in America.
- approximately 50,000 young people in the U.S. sleep on the streets for 6 months or more
- estimated 550,000 unaccompanied youth are homeless longer than one week
- 39% of the entire homeless population is under 18
- 1 in 7 young people will run away from home
- the average age a teen becomes homeless is 14 years
- teens 12-17 are more likely to become homeless than adults
- 50% of youth who are homeless said their parents either told them to leave, or knew that they were leaving and didn't care
When we talk about homeless youth, we're talking about young people age 24 and under, although most of them are about 14-17. A lot of kids become homeless when their families become homeless, but most of them are either kicked out or run away.
Youth run away or are homeless for several reasons. Sometimes it has something to with their involvement in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems. Many homeless kids were foster kids, but they aged out and were discharged with no housing or income support. Sometimes they are being physically, sexually, and/or emotionally abused at home and they eventually decide to leave. Sometimes there is some kind of severe family conflict going on, whether their parents are addicts, or abuse each other in front of the kids, or something else that's unhealthy. Sometimes these youth are neglected or even abandoned by their parents.
Obviously, unaccompanied homeless youth are much more likely to get mixed up in bad things than other kids. Their experiences are also different than those of homeless kids who live with their families. Although those kids still have some tremendous issues and things to deal with, at least they have family by their side; unaccompanied youth are all on their own.
These kids, on their own and on the streets, are vulnerable to a range of awful, negative experiences, including exploitation and victimization. Because of their age and circumstances, they aren't usually able to (legally) make enough money to meet their basic needs; so many, many homeless youth trade sex for money, clothing, and food. They also steal, and are much more likely to engage in criminal behavior and get involved in the juvenile justice system. They're also often severely depressed, understandably so, and they drink and do drugs to mask the pain.
Homeless youth also have a hard time getting an education, because of the school system's legal guardianship requirements, residency requirements, and requirements for proper records. Not to mention, sometimes kids just don't have transportation to school. A lack of education certainly makes it harder for these kids to get on their feet and take care of themselves.
Isn't it sickening when you think about it? Did you realize how many kids are homeless in our country, and not only how many are homeless, but how many are homeless BY THEMSELVES? Can you believe some of the circumstances these kids are in? Can you believe that a parent would kick their child out of their home, knowing that they have nowhere safe to go? Isn't it awful imagining what they go through out there?
We cannot continue to allow this to happen to youth in our country. This is happening to far too many kids, and it shouldn't be happening at all. We need more programs with emergency shelters available to young people. We need a health care plan designed specifically for homeless youth so their needs can be taken care of. We need programs that will help these youth regain stability, and especially programs with staff who are trained to break through their walls of fear and cynicism. We need to help these young people get an education, and help them find jobs so they can support themselves and gain skills they need to be successful. We need to educate our community so everyone is aware of what's going on. We need to coach parents to be GOOD parents and take care of the needs of their children, rather than throwing them out on the streets and abandoning them. We need to take care of the children in our country.
Here at Youth Outreach in Newberg, Oregon, we offer a variety of services to runaway and homeless youth in Yamhill County.
- We have a Safe Shelter program, in which we offer emergency shelter for youth ages 11-17 who run away, are kicked out, are homeless, or maybe just need some time away from their parents. We have a 24 hour hotline the youth can call in case they need shelter after hours. We pick them up wherever they are, and take them to stay with a family in our community, where they'll have a warm bed and food to eat.
- For youth ages 18-21, we have a Transitional Living Program for those who are homeless or kicked out. We set them up in an apartment for up to a year and a half (at no cost to them), and we help them find a job, save money, go to college if they'd like, and accomplish whatever other goals they have so they can be successful.
- We have a Street Outreach program that allows us to reach youth in our community. Every day, we send a team of three staff/volunteers out to tell youth about our services. We go downtown, to parks, and other places where youth often hang out. We carry a backpack full of food, toiletries, socks, and anything else a homeless youth may need.
- We recently started a Jobs Program. We have a Job Development Specialist who is available to help teens who need help finding a job, creating a resume, or practicing interview skills. She has monthly "Jobs Workshops" where she goes over different aspects of what it takes to get a job.
- In downtown Newberg, we have a Teen Drop-In Center that is designed to keep teens off the streets and in a safe, positive environment with adults who care. We have board games, video games, pool, fooseball, and other activities. We plan fun parties and events. We give the youth snack everyday after school, and have food bags available for homeless youth who come in. We have Study Hall twice a week, and offer free tutoring. We also offer peer support groups and prevention classes every month, and discuss things like safe dating, teen drinking, how to quit smoking, etc. Our drop-in center is open until 9 pm, giving teens a safe place to hang out even after dark.
The goal is to completely end youth homelessness by 2020. It'll take a lot of work, but we need to get these kids out of danger and give them a better life.
Prescription Drugs Are DANGEROUS
You're hanging out with your friends at your house, and your parents are gone. You're bored. You guys wanna do something kinda different and fun, a little rebellious. You can't get any alcohol because you aren't 21, and you don't know anyone who is that would buy you some. Weed is pretty hard to get a hold of if you don't know any dealers. But, you could always go through your parents medicine cabinet… There's definitely something in there that can get you high.
That's how easy it is, and that's why so many teens take prescription drugs.
Prescription drug abuse is when someone takes a medication that was prescribed for someone else and/or uses it for something other than what the doctor intended it for. So, like taking pills that are supposed to be for your mom, or taking Adderall to help you get through a late night study session.
After marijuana and alcohol, prescription drugs are the most commonly abused substances by Americans 14 and older. Teens get it from friends and relatives, and most of the time they steal it.
A lot of people use prescription drugs to get high because they believe them to be safer than street drugs. They figure that if doctors give them to people, they must not be bad and do any harm. But the reality is that they are VERY DANGEROUS if taken in the wrong way. When doctors prescribe medicine, they consider all kinds of things like how healthy the person is, their height and weight, how old they are, how much they should take, how often they should take it, what other health issues the person may have, and all kinds of things. You can't just take a random amount of some random medicine and expect that to be okay for your body.
So what exactly are the effects of taking prescription drugs?
- Sleepyness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Difficulty breathing
- Paranoia
- High body temperature
- Fast heartbeat
- Slurred speech
- Shallow breathing
- Disorientation
- Lack of coordination
- Seizures
- Changes in your mood, perceptions, and behavior
- Death
People also take prescription drugs to commit suicide. So, it's pretty scary that if you take it to get high, you could accidentally take too much and it could kill you.
There are different types of prescription drugs that teens take for different reasons. Opiois, like Vicodin and Oxycontin, are painkillers. Depressants, like Valium and Xanax, are used to help you sleep or relieve anxiety. Stimulants, like Adderall or Ritalin, help people with ADHD focus. Or, you could take any of these to feel high. People even take too much cough and cold medicine to get high.
Think about it. Taking these drugs is so, so scary. You really don't know what it could do to you… it's so easy to overdose with these. Also, it's illegal. Do you really want to throw your future away and get in trouble with the law? Just for a "high" feeling that won't even last that long? Is it really worth it?
These drugs are also super addicting. People don't think they're as addicting as street drugs, but they are.
If you're taking prescription drugs, you need to stop. You might even need to get help. If you or a friend have a problem with prescription drug abuse, tell a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, coach, or counselor. You can also called 1-800-662-HELP or 1-888-4-AL-ANON, and they'll tell you what steps to take to get over your addiction. Take action and make a change before it's too late.


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Hello from Singapore where "The Haze" is really palpable. In neighboring Indonesia they are slashing and burning and Singapore is shrouded in a haze which has a significant effect on the general well-being. When we arrived our host advised us to stay indoors. We did of course go out to the Esplanade which is nearby for the Community Sing which this time, as last, is a feature of our residency here. This time it took place in the wonderful concert hall where we will sing this evening.
62 choral singers came and worked on "Draw on Sweet Night", "Ego sum panis vivis" and "Deep River" with us, led by Fred. They were a very motivated and prepared group and we enjoyed the brief time we had with them.


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DCPS RBHS Academic Links & Login Information
BOY | MOY | EOY Assessments
Log-in credentials to your laptop:
Username: Student ID #
Password: Date of Birth (mmddyy)
Log-in credentials to DCPS Canvas LMS (Learning Management System):
Username: Student ID #
Password: Date of Birth (mmddyy)
Log-in credentials to DCPS MS 365:
Username: Student email@example.com
Password: Date of Birth (mmddyy)
Log-in credentials to Aspen:
Username: Student firstname.lastname@example.com
Password: Your personal password
Students Ready for Exploration?
Go to this page on DCPS Canvas and enroll in the course if you have not already.
Instructions for starting the One-to-World Passport travel are posted there.
Teachers Ready for EDTech Exploration?
Go to the Canvas Edtechenergy page for edtech instructional and assessment strategies and resources.
Ron Brown High School Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
RBHS recognizes how valuable the appropriate use of technology is to improving teaching and learning in the 21st century. Accordingly, RBHS has made a significant commitment to integrating technological advances into the school program to enhance Young Kings' learning experiences. RBHS provides access to the digital assets hosted on the district and school's file servers, district-approved applications, and Internet services from every computer connected to the RBHS network. Understanding and following the RBHS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) allows us to maintain a respectful, effective, responsible, accountable, civil, moral, and safe teaching and learning environment.
Click here to view the RBHS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
**"The Seven C's of Learning" by Will Richardson, District Administration, found at this link.


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Donate items
Thank you for your interest in making a non-cash contribution to The Gideons International. Our partnership with iDonate Foundation makes it easy for you to support our work of sharing the Gospel in ways other than cash gifts.
Numerous items indicated below can be accepted; however, items with limited marketability cannot be accepted, such as timeshares, burial plots, Bibles, and used household goods (e.g., appliances, furniture, clothing, bedding, home health supplies, etc.). iDonate liquidates your donated items on our behalf and provides the proceeds to The Gideons International. Thus, your charitable gift-in-kind receipt will come from iDonate Foundation, but be assured that your contribution directly benefits the Gideon ministry.


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What My Child Is Reading – November 27, 2010
Two themes were dominating our reading this week. First of all, we read quite a few books about history of Thanksgiving – see them in this post. Secondly, we also read a few books about houses, since we are kind of following reading curriculum from Houghton Mifflin and now we are in Houses theme for the first grade. Essentially I just use suggested reading list and pick books that are available in our library from Teacher Read Alouds and for "Above level" sections. Above level books are usually too easy for Smarty, but the content is spot on, so she ends up reading those books many times to herself.
Smarty's favorite book of the week was yet again What Do People Do All Day? – we own it, and she seems to select it every three months or so and pours over selected stories from this book. Right now her favorite is about bread making. Smarty always likes books that explains how things work or what people do in a playful manner – unfortunately, she doesn't connect to Magic School Bus series in the same way, at least not yet.
We haven't read A House for Hermit Crab before even though we seem to be picking up one book by Eric Carle every time we go to the library (Smarty has her favorites that she likes to read many times). My favorite part in this book was a lesson on manners. I drew Smarty's attention to how the Hermit Crab had something nice to say to each of the creatures he met in his travels and how nice he was eventually giving his house to a smaller crab. It's a nice story to read while sitting in a warm house in front of a fireplace.
A House Is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman is another classic that we already read several times before. The poem is somewhat long (especially if there is "why" and "what if" on every page), but I think it's great on many levels including advanced vocabulary, classification and creative thinking. Every time we read it Smarty has different ideas and different questions about the book, and I really appreciate the books that can grow like this with the reader. I think all three books I reviewed so far belong to this category.
Annie's Good Move is part of Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant. We tried them before, but somehow Smarty couldn't quite connect to the story. Maybe it's because she is not a big fan of big dogs, and Henry clearly looks like an older child than she is. She seems to enjoy the fact that this story includes Henry's cousin Annie, so we might try some of the books in the series that talk about Annie's adventures.


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One bowl, one victory for FAU
NEW ORLEANS - Howard Schnellenberger's goal of bringing Florida Atlantic to national prominence is complete. Now it's time to set a new goal for his still very young football program.
No one could have imagined the heights Schnellenberger has reached in the eight years of FAU's football existence. The Owls (8-5) just moved up from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2005, and now they can call themselves bowl game champions after they defeated Memphis (7-6) in the New Orleans Bowl, 44-27.


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I haven't really been doing much apart from working on the model for the Crankahead competition. The model is coming along nicely and the mechanism within the figure is set. I just need to work on everything else now. I have a prototype stage in which I can start adding things to check how everything works. The email I received states that over 30 people have entered the competition so I think it's going to be quite interesting to see what comes out of it. Professional automata makers are also entering so I don't think I'll win, but it'll be nice to have a model placed next to theirs (so to speak).
I received the material for the pulley belts.
I was initially concerned about the black rubber and how it would hold together if I superglued the ends but the bond is really strong with regular superglue. I put considerable pressure on it trying to pull it apart and it would not break. I wonder how much grip it has though. The green belt has a rough surface which would give it more grip but superglue would not work. From a facebook group in which Keith Newstead talks about it, he says it is melted, so I would need to try and use a heat source. I will try this when I get back to my workshop.
Not a lot else happening. I have been experimenting with a scissor lift set-up, just using Popsicle sticks for the moment. It works well but I need to think about how to transmit the movement to it.
There is also not a lot happening with my tin can model. I got as far as cutting out a chicken but no further in working out the movement.
On a happy note, I sold my pumpkin headed automata on eBay. It sold for £22 which is double what I thought it would go for so I am pleased with that. I hope the person who bought it is happy with it and that it arrives safely.


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During the 2009-2011 school years, TFS assisted Myenge A school with the provision of basic teaching and school supplies.
The Myenge A School provides free public education to students in a rural area just outside of the town of Nyamata.
When Tools For Schools first visited Myenge, there was a Grade 1 class with over 50 students seated 3 – 4 in a desk and the teacher had another 50 plus seated on the floor because their teacher was on maternity leave; there are no substitute teachers. The only teaching tools were a concrete black board and chalk. No books; no cupboard; nothing to store! No sports or play equipment.
Tools for Schools helped to provide basic teaching materials to Myenge, including benches, books, and cupboards. For the students, Tools for Schools provided student uniforms, learning materials including books, paper and pencils, as well as balls and skipping ropes.
What We've Achieved
- supply of basic teaching materials
- supply to tables, chairs, storage cupboards, teacher's desks and bulletin boards.
- provided skipping ropes and balls
- provided student uniforms


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Well, an update, again from FB and the same friend;
This is a fascinating look at what I believe may hold many clues for medical research. It just ties all the spectrum of similar illnesses and syndromes together in a manner I have never thought about. As you look the site over, ask yourself this question, "do I have Hashimotos?" . I found out two weeks ago that I do! Why? Only because prior to my surgical procedure the assistant asked me if I still had it. I was insistent that my chart was wrong because I was never told that. Well, the answer is within this page on FB; most of us are not told, therefor we can do nothing to change it.
Thyroid Pharmacist, Dr. Izabella Wentz on Facebook.
Thiamine and Thyroid Fatigue Common in Fibromyalgia
I am in a rush today but a Peer posted this on FB yesterday. I found it to be very informative and potentially useful for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. I don't have time to do further research on the role of thiamine and the three dysfunctions that have been found to correlate to our condition; the HPA, central nervous system and muscle function (and, rarely stomach muscle paresis). I encourage all of you to look into this area further, google thiamine and the specific actions that happen, like substance P, ect.
Too many doctors, bank, pharmacy, and more appointments today to give you all more assistance. I hope my toolkit of remaining Well is with me today, and, with all of you 🙂
Lucinda Tart, Fibromyalgia Peer Advocate/Life Skills Coach


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A Tech View on Consolidation
Consolidation of Associations and/or Multiple Listing Systems (MLS) at any level has its pros and cons. Consolidation can tip the scale in the way that it improves the business, the industry and most importantly, how it impacts all the stakeholders. This of course includes the consumer who is at the top of pyramid!


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Double room & 1 child free
- Up to 3 people
- 2 single beds or 1 double bed
Our rooms feature views of the city and are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, TV with international channels, hot/cold air-conditioning, wardrobe, safe deposit box, hairdryer, rainfall shower and amenities. This room can accommodate a cot. Ask for our children's kit. With this kit we collaborate with the program UNIDOS against poverty of the NGO Save the Children.
Get a 10% discount booking with us! Room only or Buffet Breakfast included. Offer valid when booking minimum advance 10 days.
Requesting your consent to use cookies on this site in order to better service you | Learn moreOK NOT RIGHT NOW


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Brian J. Berry, FAICP
Brian J.L. Berry has made fundamental contributions to urban and regional development theory, policies and practice. He is an influential political economist and planner. Brian's many contributions have been labeled pioneering and innovative, have been widely emulated, and have become required reading for generations of students. Inducted in 2006.


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Durham Recruiting has partnered with a large food logistics company who is currently going through a transition with new ownership. The key implications is heightened focus on leadership, employee training & development, safety and growth opportunities. Now is the perfect time to join their team as an Order Picker driving a Triple Pallet Jack where you will be paid exceptionally well, be challenged and grow upwards in the company.
You will be hard pressed to find any entry level opportunity that provides this level of income & benefits for you and your family.
The most successful people are self-starters, don't need to be chatty at work (lone wolf), likes to be busy, be physical and motivated to earn extra attainable incentive income. Starting Wage $19.50/HR and increases to $24/HR in three years AND you can earn an additional $300 - $400 (average earned by current staff) in weekly incentives.
Potential Income for this entry level role: $60,000 or more (base salary and average weekly incentives) and, you can work additional overtime to further supplement your income.
Why Choose Our Client:
- Highly respected new ownership – Transitioning changes over the next 6 months
- Consistent, long-term stable employment
- Overtime always available
- Great starting pay + paid bonuses earn $60K+ annually
- Excellent flexible benefits program & RRSP contributions
- No stopping on the way to work to pick up a Timmies, they have one onsite
- Unionized environment
- Comprehensive training for success
Room to grow – company prides themselves on promoting from within
- Onsite trainers available 24/7 to help support your development
- Huge involvement with charities in the community such as Feed the Need, Grandview and Sick Kids to name a few. Anyone can be involved if they desire
- "Food Truck Days" – onsite in the parking lot / Golf Tournaments
- Social Committee – always something going on for employees throughout the year
- Amazing break rooms, onsite food available, heavily discounted vending and pop machines
- Christmas party for the kids each year
In A Nutshell: You will be provided store order list and select product in coolers and freezers and assemble and selects cases from pick slots. The key is to be a steady eddy and work accurately, efficiently and safely to assembler orders onto plastic or wood pallets while operating a motorized pallet jack.Note: You will be fully trained and certified to operate the double and triple forklift pallet jacks.
To Be Successful you should Exhibit Most or All of the Following:
- Positive, can-do attitude lone wolf (but recognizes you are part of a team)
- Be able to work in cool or cold climates
- Thrive in a consistent paced environment
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds consistently (every minute) throughout your 8-hour shift
- Must be able to work every weekends and STAT holidays (not open Christmas Day)
- Must have High School Diploma or working towards it
- Must be Bondable – Background Checks are preformed
- Please note this company has a Zero Tolerance for Drugs and Alcohol
- Experience operating a Pallet jack (double and triple) is considered an asset but is not necessary as there is full training given if hired
We would like to thank all those that apply but only those chosen for a phone interview will be contacted. Please note that every resume that comes into Durham Recruiting is reviewed. Not the job for you? We strongly encourage everyone to check out our Job Board for our complete list of jobs that we update every Monday. Additionally we encourage all candidates to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay up-to-date on employment opportunities.
Thank you in advance for your time
Diane Kellow
Owner – Durham Recruiting


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Update Info
Update Info.
To navigate on this page, simply click on the date list below.
Hello family and friends. Welcome to my updated webpage. It has been a while since I've decided to do some updatings. So, what is new? Well, I have finally got my own domain name through namezero that is why you see the ad at the bottom of the screen. If that bother you or you can't see some part of the page then you might want to go to '
' address instead. I have add 'Flash' animations into my webpage. I am learning more about the program. I have made this update info. page so that if you want to know what is going on with me lately, you can find out from here. I am trying to keep my webpage as simple as possible. Your comments are always welcome (email@example.com).
Ok, now lets get into family and friends biz. I hope that y'all had a very nice holiday season with your family and friends. I did have a great time with my family and friends. I want to thank 'Dad and Mom' and 'Theresa and Marty' for hosting me while I was on my vacation! My trip was terrific. Right now both families are in the process of moving into bigger and better places. Congrats! I want to also thank all of my family and friends for the cards ya'll sent to me. :)
After I came back from my vacation, I went to a fire response. I'm a Red Cross Volunteer for Disaster Services. It was an apartment. Most people lost all of their properties. I help them fill out forms so they can get emergency help and I've found out that most of them don't have any insurance! This makes me feel so sorry for them. Most of them will have to start everything over from nothing. My point of me telling you this here is that as a best friend I want you to consider buying Home Owner's or Renter's Insurance. If you haven't already done so. I, myself, have Renter's insurance. I know that it will cost money but it is for piece of mind. Have you ever sit down and thought about what it would be like if you have to start every things over from nothing?
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Another week has gone by. Since the last time I update my webpage I have been learning some more about Flash. I'm getting into the programing part. It's a confusing part. But I am getting hold of it. Trying to ;)
My friend at work finally got her organization approved. Her organization's name is "American Association of Single Parent". She has asked me to help her start up her website. She is now working on her web page.
This weekend I went to attend Red Cross trainings. I took Diversity, Damage Assessment, and Residential Fire classes. After class on Sunday, I was asked to help out another colleague service a family. It took me a while to get there because of the traffic and going to an unfamiliar area but it was nice to be able to help someone out. I can see that the family does appreciate the help. Atleast she and her children will have some place to stay tonight.
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This week I have learned to fold a mice and a cat (origami). Cat is very complex. I still have to have instructions with me. I have also been working on my plastic space shuttle with booster model. I've bought the model since the last Thanksgiving and I have been putting them one small parts at a time.
I would like to invite you to check my email mask page. It is a new feature that I've just learn about. Until next time, have a nice day.
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Wow, It has been exactly two months since I have a chance to update my info. Well, I have been extremely busy with my work. I thought work will be easy but it wasn't like what I had in mind. They keep changing and it is hard for the employees to keep up with. Some times I wonder if those who keep changing things at the head quarter ever have any idea or been in the employees situation!
Any way, let's update myself a little bit. First, I am now another year older. I want to thank you for the birthday cards. :) If you are wondering how old I am. Well, let just say that my auto insurance fee is dropped.. LOL
I finally got my Spacecraft Model finised. I'm very happy with that because it took me months to put them together. I can only do small portion at a time since I have to wait for glue to dry. I'm still very interesting in space stuff. I can't wait for the Spring to come so I can go out somewhere and look at the stars. I want to see deep space where you can see other galaxies, and billions of planets.
I'm still working with the Red Cross. This past weekend I got a call. I went there and found out that the house wasn't burn or anything. Just a few stuff that got caught on fire. So, I came home.
Well, folks, I just want to say that I'm sorry if I haven't get in touch with some of you lately. I hope you will understand me. I will try my best to find a free time and either email you or snail mail you. In the mean time, please take care of yourself and family. Please say Hi to every one for me. Tell them how much you love them. ;) Take care now! *wave*
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Hello again folks. It has been about a week now since I went to Ohio for my vacation. It was good. I got a chance to see my family and friends, stay at a new house, been to a new baseball stadium and do many things. It was fun but as you know...when you have a good time, it is always short.. too short! But I'm happy that atleast I got to see family and friends. :)
Today I have a chance to make changes to my web site. Start from the intro page, I have added a counter to keep a record of the traffic. As you might have already noticed on the main page that I have move my navigation to the right side instead of the left side. This will make it easier to select and scroll. Now, you don't have select a page and have to move your mouse across the screen to scroll down the page. ;) On some pages you might still have to move your mouse around. Beside that I have also added two more pictures, Casey and baby Grant. And I have put a guest book on so if any one would like to leave me a comment or something they can do that.
Well, I'm running out of speech here. So, before I close this update I want to tell everyone, families and friends, that I do love you guys. Until next time! :)
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It's Sunday night 11:35pm. It is so quiet and I'm listening to Jim Brickman's CDs. They make me feel relaxing. I've got a chance to talk to my best friend, Cheryl, from North Carolina over the phone last week and make me feel like I should write an update a little bit. My life here hasn't changed much. I've been working most of time. One more week and quarter will be over. My students will graduate from school and they are good students (hard to find around here.)
I'm not doing any updating to my webpage this time. I only touch up my mom's page. I add a midi onto her page. "Wi-man-din" is the name of the song. "Wi-man" in Thai means castle in the air or paradise and the word "din" means earth or ground. So, Wi-man-din is paradise on earth. I like the song and later on I've found out from my sister that it is my mom's favorite song and I happened to find this midi version off the net. So, it is on her page now. :)
Just a note to remind that the address "www.wittymedia.com" is no longer work because Namezero have changed its policy. But, if you are here at this point, I think you are ok! hahaha. However, if "http://wittymedia.tripod.com" is hard to remember or something, you can search for my website simply goto AOL, yahoo, MSN and search for "wittymedia" or "wittamon" and it will give you a link to my website!
Well, it is time for me to say "good day" again to you all! Like my friend, Cheryl, told me "Come back again ya'll hear me?" in Southern style.
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My condolences to the innocent people who have lost their lives in the WTC. Everytime I think about the firefighters and the policeman who have lost their lives try to help others make me feel sad and anger. They are the heros no question about that. I wish people could find other ways to communicate than taking innocent people's lives. I've seen the best of people from every where. I went to help Red Cross's blood drive last Thursday and hundreds of people waiting to donate blood! God bless them all!
This update I have change my navigation menu a little bit. This navigate button will save some screen space and help some people that have a low screen resolution. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
Before I end this again. I just want to say "I love you all and may goodness in this world bless you and your family happyness." 'til next time. :)
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About Creviston Valley Farm
Creviston Valley Farm is located in the Pacific Northwest, south of Seattle, in Longbranch, Washington. We are a restoration of an old cattle ranch, focusing on sustainability and community-supported agriculture. We believe that it is important to know where your foods come from, and especially how they are grown. We promote eating seasonally, good nutrition and education, coupled with a hands on farm experience. Together with Pierce County and local Gig Harbor businesses, we have established a food recycling program that aims to cut costs for those who participate. Allow us to share our experience and together rediscover the unspoken balance between nature and us.


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At an undisclosed location somewhere along the Leaf River in Wadena County, there lies buried beneath the ground a hidden, mysterious world; a vestige of the French fur traders who explored the wilds of Minnesota more than 200 years ago. It is Reaume's Trading Post, the charred remains of an outpost that served as a trading station between Native Americans and Europeans during the late 1700s, until it was abandoned and subsequently burnt to the ground, said Amelie Allard, an archeologist at the University of Minnesota.
Why the post was destroyed is one of the many questions Allard and her team of researchers from the U of M have been working to answer. Over the past two summers, U of M researchers have mapped and excavated portions of the site, working to find clues as to what happened there. Allard said the site is unique in that it has been remarkably well-preserved after centuries of being abandoned.
"We knew that some people with metal detectors had been to the site before, but other than that, everything was just kind of pristine," she said.
John Crandall of the Wadena County Historical Society (WCHS) said his organization is taking special care to ensure the post remains undisturbed by the general public.
"Only a handful of people know where we're actually digging," Crandall said. "We have not brought tours out there because ... it is on private property and this is one of the promises we made to the landowner."
Allard and the U of M team will return in June, but with a special trick up their sleeve that will allow them to both explore and protect Reaume's Trading Post at the same time. With funds from a grant provided by the Minnesota Historical Society, they will be equipped with underground maps from a firm called Archaeo-Physics, LLC, using ground penetrating radar to discover what lies beneath the soil without damaging whatever they may find, said Wadena County Historical Society Executive Director/Curator Rose Bakke.
"It's vital that we know what part Wadena County played in the fur trading, which led to more people coming to the Wadena County area," Bakke said.
Bakke said little documentation exists on the discovery of the Reaume's Trading Post archeology site, but experts were first alerted to the post in 1967.
The goals of this year's investigation of the site include determining where each of the destroyed palisade walls originally stood, as well as attempting to find any additional structures at Reaume's Trading Post, including Native American encampments, Allard said.
Bakke added that artifacts found this summer will be held by the U of M temporarily, but eventually returned to the WCHS for display.


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The 'G' Word: An Excerpt from My Book (And My Life)/
When my daughter, Maxine, was born, I knew religion would be a tricky topic. I thought about what I would say and wouldn't say. I decided I'd teach her that different people believed different things, and try to answer her questions honestly. I'd neither bash religion nor sing its praises. And, of course, I'd tell her about the wonders of science. Sounds pretty good, right? But somehow, all these general plans just didn't add up to a well-packed suitcase. Maxine was barely 5 years old when, driving home from preschool one day, she piped up from the backseat.
"Mommy," she said, "you know what? God made us!"
I felt like I'd been hit in the back of the head with a cartoon frying pan. You could actually hear the capital "G." My heart raced. I'm quite sure I began to sputter. Visions of Darwin and his evolving ape-man traipsed through my mind, followed closely by my childhood image of the big guy upstairs in his flowing white robes. I couldn't speak. And, in the awkward silence that followed, I was forced to admit the truth:
The word "God" scared the bejesus out of me.
In fact, the whole topic of religion suddenly terrified me. I didn't know where to start, or how to start, or what message I wanted to put across. The last thing I wanted to do was to confuse or mislead my kid. If I said the wrong thing, would she be teased or ostracized? And it wasn't just her classmates who believed in God. Many of her most beloved family members did, too. Anything I said to her now was very likely to end up in their ears later. Plus: Did I really want to start preaching my facts? My truth? In shooting down Maxine's newfound notion of creation, wouldn't I simply be doing just what religious people do when they raise their kids to believe they'll go to hell if they don't embrace one specific religion to the exclusion of all others? It was all indoctrination, was it not?
In the car, I swallowed hard and forced myself to speak.
"Well," I stalled, "Who is God?"
Now, I don't remember if Maxine actually said "duh," or whether she simply leveled a "duh" look at me through the rearview mirror. But I can tell you that, in a general sense, "duh" was the tone of the rest of our conversation.
"He's the one who made us," she said, her eyebrows knitted.
Have you ever had a 5-year-old be sarcastic with you? It's humbling.
"Okay... well, what is God doing now?" I asked, trying for casual.
Again with the nonverbal "duh."
"God is busy making people and babies," she answered.
This information could not have been delivered to me with more clarity — or more faith. My little girl who had never heard an utterance of the word "God" in our house (aside from decidedly ungodly uses of the word) now, at 5, had it all figured out thanks to a classmate who also happened to be her very first boyfriend. I was beaten by a cute preschool boy.
I let the subject drop, but my chest constricted all the way home. And it stayed like that for hours.
Why hadn't I been prepared for this? Why hadn't I thought this through? And what was I supposed to say now that she was getting her information from this boy at school?
Was I to sit Maxine down and break the news that her little friend was wrong, or was probably wrong, or might be wrong? Was I to let her go to school and spread THAT joyful news all around? And what words should I be using? Was I supposed to frame the Bible as a book of stories, a book of myths, or someone else's history? What exactly was I supposed to say about heaven? How would I adequately explain the differences of opinions swirling around her?
Heart palpitations, people. Heart palpitations.
At that moment, I gladly would have told Maxine everything she ever wanted to know about sex. We'd start with vaginal, move to oral, and see where the conversation went from there.
But this? This was unbearable. I didn't know where to start. I couldn't bring myself to say the word "God" without suffering a slight tightening of my throat. And yet I wanted to talk about it. It felt wrong to me that children from religious households should be lucky enough to be educated about this hugely important cultural phenomenon and that, because she was born into a nonreligious household, my child should be left in the dark.
Maxine was ready to have "The God Talk." And if I was going to be the mother I wanted to be, I was going to have to figure things out — and fast. Because at least one thing had been made clear already: If I didn't talk to my child about God, someone else would.
Someone cute.