Monday, December 14, 2009

Bemidji Christmas Bird Count Saturday

The 31st annual Christmas Bird Count will be conducted on Saturday, December 19th. The count is open to the public and all skill levels encouraged to attend for a full or half day of fun citizen science in action. Bemidji CBC participants will meet at 7:00 a.m. at Minnesota Nice Cafe in downtown Bemidji, located at 414 Beltrami Ave. NW. The circle will regroup at 12:30 at the Cabin Coffee House, located at 214 Third Street, for a midday review and lunch. A Tally Rally will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Brigid\'s Cross Irish Pub, located in downtown Bemidji at 317 Beltrami Ave. Bridgid\'s offers a fine selection of specialty brews and a dinner menu for those who wish to stay and celebrate with a well deserved pint and a good hot meal. (http://www.brigidsirishpub.com)

Bring a friend, invite a neighbor, or introduce a young person to the Christmas Bird Count!

You may register for the Bemidji CBC online at app.audubon.org/cbcapp/findCircles.jsp or by contacting the Bemidji CBC compiler, Kelly Larson at 218-694-6029.


Minnesota Reading Corps Application Opens

Gain experience by helping Minnesota's youngest readers! Minnesota Reading Corps (MRC) is an AmeriCorps program that is helping improve literacy skills among our youngest generation. Learn more at www.MinnesotaReadingCorps.org.

Why join? You can help prevent children from falling through the cracks, and gain professional experience at the same time. With MRC you will build career skills, real responsibility and network with professionals for one year. Also, full-time members receive free health care coverage, federal loan deferment, a biweekly stipend of at least $435 and an education award of $4,725. Part-time members receive a biweekly stipend of at least $235, student loan deferment and an Education Award of $2,363.

What will you do? There are two member positions available: Classroom Member (Pre-K age group) and Literacy Tutor (K-3 age group). All members will be trained to provide proven, data-driven literacy models to at-risk children. In addition, all members engage in their communities outside of their tutoring services.

Literacy Tutors work one-on-one with K-3 children who need help learning to read. The member will use prescribed literacy interventions and will conduct weekly progress monitoring to ensure the student is on track to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.

Classroom Members are embedded into a classroom of children ages 3 - 5 to develop children's early literacy skills in preparation for kindergarten. The member collaborates with the classroom teaching staff to enhance daily literacy opportunities and conduct literacy assessments to ensure children are on track to read by the end of 3rd grade.

We will place over 650 people around Minnesota, who will help ensure that over 18,000 children will become successful readers. Locations include Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding suburbs, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Duluth, Grand Rapids, Moorhead and many rural locations throughout Minnesota. Are you up for the challenge?

Online application is available on www.MinnesotaReadingCorps.org. Positions for the 2010-11 program year begin next August. Contact Kari with questions at kgjerde@theMLC.org or 218-999-9486.

Qualifications
Strong interest in education, specifically helping children develop early language and literacy skills

Experience working with children, preferably in an early childhood setting or as a literacy tutor

Dedication to community service

Computer skills, including the ability to navigate and use online database systems and e-mail

Speak, read, and write English fluently Responsible, organized, flexible, motivated, professional

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to make a commitment to complete 11 months of service (August '10 – June 30, 2011)

High school diploma or GED and must be at least 18-years-old U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien

Preferred: College coursework, college degree, or equivalent work experience