Janet Mauer, Cherry Cramer , Julene Swenson and myself attended the Childhood Obesity Summit held at the Minnesota State Capital Aug 27.
Senator Al Franken spoke along with Minnesota Policy Makers Sen. Terri Banoff, Rep. Kim Norton and Rep. Bob Dettmer.
Senator Franken opened the session with his comments on how he believes that we should get families back to basics in the aspect of eating together and learning to cook at home with proper nutrition. He talked about some of the programs that his daughter is working on in D.C. after school. She is a teacher and a chef.
The other panelists talked about physical education and school lunch programs and the work that they have done in Minnesota to fight obesity. Rachel Callanan spoke from the American Heart association with an emphasis on the importance of improving school lunches and eliminating alternative foods in school including non healthy fund raisers.
Deb LaBounty demonstrated the importance of a healthy school lunch.
Cara McNulty spoke on the programs that have been implemented through the department of health in the past year and the progress that they have made.
For me personally this was a little disappointing looking from the Family and Consumer Sciences window as nutrition education was mentioned several times but our programs were never discussed or brought up. The focus was on Physical Education and School Lunch Programs.
The Minnesota coalition did not discuss the work that Family and Consumer Sciences educators do and did not pick up on Senator Frankins interest in education through the schools.
Senator Frankin had to leave and the floor was not opened for discussion and questions. Cherry stayed and spoke to the local politicians. I followed the senators handlers and caught them waiting outside the rest room while the senator was getting ready for the state fair. I talked to Katherine Blauvelt and told her about AAFCS and the work the FACS educators do. She gave me her card and asked me three times to e-mail her and said that the senator is very interested in keeping programs like ours alive. Katherine's contact information: Katherine_Blauvelt@franken.senate.gov
I would encourage each of you to write a note to each of the people on this panel about FACS as they have a vested interest in nutrition. Please state information about what FACS educators do and why it is important to continue the funding for our programs. If you are lobbying you can not mention MAFCS.
Lastly please remember that our national organization has an initiative called "Taking it to the Streets" and the focus this year is on obesity prevention and combat. If you do anything in your work or classroom that is related please take pictures and share this information with me. I am on the national committee and we would like to document the hard work and effort that you do in your profession.
Remember this issue is about your jobs and your passion. Please take it seriously and help us to fight for FACS.
Very sincerely, Jane Hall Hinrichsen,
AAFCS "Taking it to the Streets"
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Below is copy from the Washington Post about Family and Consumer Sciences
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/01/AR2010060101861.html
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Dead line for national conference registration extended
Dear AAFCS Leaders,
There are only six weeks left until the exciting AAFCS 101st Annual Conference & Expo in Cleveland! We are really looking forward to seeing many of you next month to celebrate a “New Century for FCS” and the new AAFCS brand. If you have not yet registered, you’ll be happy to know we’re extending the Advance registration deadline from May 15 to June 1. Don’t let this conference pass you by!
Please share the following information with your members, colleagues, and friends:
* Registration: Early-Bird registration has passed, but there is still time to register at the Advance registration rate (extended until June 1, 2010!). Professional/Emeritus members pay $465, nonmembers pay $559, and students pay $140. From June 2 through June 11, the online system will be open for registration at the on-site rate. Registrations at the on-site rate will also be accepted by phone or fax until June 11, but no mail-ins postmarked after June 1 will be processed prior to the conference.
* Meal Function Tickets: The deadline to buy meal function tickets is being extended to June 11 for purchases made online, by fax, or by phone and to June 1 for purchases made by mail (must be postmarked by June 1).
* Hotels: Reserve your hotel room quickly if you have not already done so. The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel is full, but the Marriott Cleveland Downtown still has rooms available. To make a reservation, please visit www.aafcs.org/meetings/10/hotels.html. If you are interested in sharing a hotel room or carpooling with another attendee, we have set up a special site called “Conference Connection” in the Community Portal http://webportal.aafcs.org:8080/default.aspx. On the discussion board, you can list what you are looking for (i.e., roommate, ride, networking, etc.) and hopefully find another attendee who can help you.
* Pacesetter Dinner - Saturday evening: At this semi-formal ticketed event (must purchase ticket in advance), there will be live music, an elegant dinner, and recognition of Distinguished Service Awardees, Leaders, New Achievers, and 50-year members. This is a great time to cap off the conference with colleagues and newly made friends.
* Excursions: The Ohio Local Arrangements Committee has put together a super selection of educational excursions on Wednesday, June 23. Reservations are requested by May 15. For those of you who have afternoon meetings on Wednesday, “Lolley the Trolley” is available in the morning. Visit www.aafcs.org/res/10_AC/tour_reg_2010.doc for more information.
* Bring your walking shoes. If you are staying at the Marriott, you will have a block or two to walk for events at the Renaissance each day. We advise you to wear comfortable shoes.
With this publicity notice, we are providing you with an updated one-page flyer and fact sheet and half-page speaker article. All promotional items can be found on one page in the Annual Conference section of the website at www.aafcs.org/meetings/10/ACtools.html. These items can be used in your newsletter, on your website, or in other communications.
We also ask you to review the list of conference registrants and personally invite your colleagues to come. Be sure to let them know about the extended registration and meal function ticket deadlines.
I invite you to check out the Annual Conference Blog to share information and answer questions about the conference at http://aafcsconference.wordpress.com or to contact me at sturinikent@aol.com if you have any questions regarding the conference.
We thank you for your help in making this a successful event!
See you soon,
Sharon Turini-Kent
Annual Conference Planning Committee Chair
There are only six weeks left until the exciting AAFCS 101st Annual Conference & Expo in Cleveland! We are really looking forward to seeing many of you next month to celebrate a “New Century for FCS” and the new AAFCS brand. If you have not yet registered, you’ll be happy to know we’re extending the Advance registration deadline from May 15 to June 1. Don’t let this conference pass you by!
Please share the following information with your members, colleagues, and friends:
* Registration: Early-Bird registration has passed, but there is still time to register at the Advance registration rate (extended until June 1, 2010!). Professional/Emeritus members pay $465, nonmembers pay $559, and students pay $140. From June 2 through June 11, the online system will be open for registration at the on-site rate. Registrations at the on-site rate will also be accepted by phone or fax until June 11, but no mail-ins postmarked after June 1 will be processed prior to the conference.
* Meal Function Tickets: The deadline to buy meal function tickets is being extended to June 11 for purchases made online, by fax, or by phone and to June 1 for purchases made by mail (must be postmarked by June 1).
* Hotels: Reserve your hotel room quickly if you have not already done so. The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel is full, but the Marriott Cleveland Downtown still has rooms available. To make a reservation, please visit www.aafcs.org/meetings/10/hotels.html. If you are interested in sharing a hotel room or carpooling with another attendee, we have set up a special site called “Conference Connection” in the Community Portal http://webportal.aafcs.org:8080/default.aspx. On the discussion board, you can list what you are looking for (i.e., roommate, ride, networking, etc.) and hopefully find another attendee who can help you.
* Pacesetter Dinner - Saturday evening: At this semi-formal ticketed event (must purchase ticket in advance), there will be live music, an elegant dinner, and recognition of Distinguished Service Awardees, Leaders, New Achievers, and 50-year members. This is a great time to cap off the conference with colleagues and newly made friends.
* Excursions: The Ohio Local Arrangements Committee has put together a super selection of educational excursions on Wednesday, June 23. Reservations are requested by May 15. For those of you who have afternoon meetings on Wednesday, “Lolley the Trolley” is available in the morning. Visit www.aafcs.org/res/10_AC/tour_reg_2010.doc for more information.
* Bring your walking shoes. If you are staying at the Marriott, you will have a block or two to walk for events at the Renaissance each day. We advise you to wear comfortable shoes.
With this publicity notice, we are providing you with an updated one-page flyer and fact sheet and half-page speaker article. All promotional items can be found on one page in the Annual Conference section of the website at www.aafcs.org/meetings/10/ACtools.html. These items can be used in your newsletter, on your website, or in other communications.
We also ask you to review the list of conference registrants and personally invite your colleagues to come. Be sure to let them know about the extended registration and meal function ticket deadlines.
I invite you to check out the Annual Conference Blog to share information and answer questions about the conference at http://aafcsconference.wordpress.com or to contact me at sturinikent@aol.com if you have any questions regarding the conference.
We thank you for your help in making this a successful event!
See you soon,
Sharon Turini-Kent
Annual Conference Planning Committee Chair
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
AAFCS Conference in June
Attend the 2010 AAFCS conference in Cleveland, OH, this June.
More information on the conference is located on the AAFCS web site. The deadline for the early bird registration is fast approaching so get yours in now. There are some great excursions available to attend before the conference.
Be a part of it, it's a wonderful learning experience along with a great way to make connections across the country.
Support our Teacher of the Year, Marsha Chizek too!
More information on the conference is located on the AAFCS web site. The deadline for the early bird registration is fast approaching so get yours in now. There are some great excursions available to attend before the conference.
Be a part of it, it's a wonderful learning experience along with a great way to make connections across the country.
Support our Teacher of the Year, Marsha Chizek too!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Bills in Congress for FACS credit in high school
It has been said that we can make a difference with what we teach. Let's make a difference with letters to our senators and representatives supporting the bills for a FACS credit in high school. Please site evidence for your local representatives as to why FACS education is important in school.
Many FACS teachers feel like they are fight for their lives to keep their programs in their schools but together we can make a strong voice. Take the time to write a special story about the changes you've made in your students lives.
The following is a letter to a senator asking for support.
I am writing about the Senate Bill 3059 to require a Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly known as Home Economics) graduation credit in high schools.
This bill is not requiring a specific course and I believe that this is a wise choice, as it gives school districts the option to choose one of the many important areas that Family and Consumer Sciences focuses on in education. It is through my personal experience teaching at North High School, North St. Paul, and living in Cottage Grove that passing this bill would have a positive impact on many youths. I can attest to my statement many ways.
There are three fantastic areas that stand out and will help students achieve understanding in everyday life to help them be productive citizens in society.
The first is foods and nutrition; as you know our first lady has made it her personal project to change the look of our families and help turn their eating habits back to healthy eating with proper portions and nutrition. When Family and Consumer Sciences began 101 years ago proper water conditions and healthy food preservation was the organizations main focus. Nutrition and Food has been one of the mainstays of our profession and FACS teachers are the correct group of people to help coach our youth back into personal proper food intake.
The second area that we stand alone, in the field of quality education, is teaching young people about parenting and child development. In a world where many children have been left as “latch key kids” raising them selves it is time that we further our opportunities to spread knowledge about quality child rearing for all people in society. What better way to reach the masses than through high school education.
The last area that FACS teachers are knowledgeable in is the area of Consumer Education. In a time where our credit system has gone “amuck”, our population is in desperate need of teaching young people how to budget and manage their spending. As our title states, FACS teachers specialize in consumerism and therefore would be the logical choice to teach students how to systematically manage their financial lives.
There are many other areas that FACS teachers have the opportunity to teach but these three areas stand out very obviously with-out much deep thought. As a teacher I see young people struggle from day to day and much of it stems from lack of family guidance, financial security and lack of proper daily food.
What better way do you have to help the lives of many and make a positive impact on these children than by talking amongst your colleagues and encouraging them to pass this bill.
Many FACS teachers feel like they are fight for their lives to keep their programs in their schools but together we can make a strong voice. Take the time to write a special story about the changes you've made in your students lives.
The following is a letter to a senator asking for support.
I am writing about the Senate Bill 3059 to require a Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly known as Home Economics) graduation credit in high schools.
This bill is not requiring a specific course and I believe that this is a wise choice, as it gives school districts the option to choose one of the many important areas that Family and Consumer Sciences focuses on in education. It is through my personal experience teaching at North High School, North St. Paul, and living in Cottage Grove that passing this bill would have a positive impact on many youths. I can attest to my statement many ways.
There are three fantastic areas that stand out and will help students achieve understanding in everyday life to help them be productive citizens in society.
The first is foods and nutrition; as you know our first lady has made it her personal project to change the look of our families and help turn their eating habits back to healthy eating with proper portions and nutrition. When Family and Consumer Sciences began 101 years ago proper water conditions and healthy food preservation was the organizations main focus. Nutrition and Food has been one of the mainstays of our profession and FACS teachers are the correct group of people to help coach our youth back into personal proper food intake.
The second area that we stand alone, in the field of quality education, is teaching young people about parenting and child development. In a world where many children have been left as “latch key kids” raising them selves it is time that we further our opportunities to spread knowledge about quality child rearing for all people in society. What better way to reach the masses than through high school education.
The last area that FACS teachers are knowledgeable in is the area of Consumer Education. In a time where our credit system has gone “amuck”, our population is in desperate need of teaching young people how to budget and manage their spending. As our title states, FACS teachers specialize in consumerism and therefore would be the logical choice to teach students how to systematically manage their financial lives.
There are many other areas that FACS teachers have the opportunity to teach but these three areas stand out very obviously with-out much deep thought. As a teacher I see young people struggle from day to day and much of it stems from lack of family guidance, financial security and lack of proper daily food.
What better way do you have to help the lives of many and make a positive impact on these children than by talking amongst your colleagues and encouraging them to pass this bill.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
North Students Interviewed by AP for Prom Sewing Story
It pays to be an AAFCS member. An e-mail was sent out for teachers that have students sewing prom dresses from the AAFCS headquarters. I responded and two of my students were interviewed. The story was distributed March 12, 13 and 14 and has been in 8-10 papers that I know of, it was great fun for my students.
below is a link to the Baltimore Sun. You may have to paste it to your computer header at the top of your computer.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/parenting/bal-diy-prom-0311,0,1415506.story
below is a link to the Baltimore Sun. You may have to paste it to your computer header at the top of your computer.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/parenting/bal-diy-prom-0311,0,1415506.story
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Consumer Skills Story
Kara Mullen Teachers Consumer Skills at North High School. As part of our curriculum we have adopted assembling a personal file for adult years that Max Peterson perfected with her Senior Strategies course at Centennial High School.
Last week at the end of the tri, students proudly took their file boxes home after school and as they did I announced to them "you're officially an adult."
Monday, March 8, 2010, Kara reported to me that one of her students had her purse "taken". She reported it to the police. Before she went to the station she went home grabbed her file box and had all of her documents needed to find her purse. The police officer said to the student, "Young lady, you tell your teacher everyone needs to have one of these file boxes. I'll get right on this because you have all of the information we need."
Last week at the end of the tri, students proudly took their file boxes home after school and as they did I announced to them "you're officially an adult."
Monday, March 8, 2010, Kara reported to me that one of her students had her purse "taken". She reported it to the police. Before she went to the station she went home grabbed her file box and had all of her documents needed to find her purse. The police officer said to the student, "Young lady, you tell your teacher everyone needs to have one of these file boxes. I'll get right on this because you have all of the information we need."
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