The JoCo Corner
Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa’s
“Official” News Source
February 2016
Who’s in the
Building?
Tanner Wymer was a student in the EMT Academy at the Kirkwood
Regional Center at The University of Iowa. In the fall semester he
and 10 other EMT students, as well as 13 Pharmacy Tech students
sat in Room 200 Monday-Friday for 16 weeks. We had an awesome
time learning during our Medical Terminology and Exploration of
Medical Careers. We went on a few field trips and all came together
each morning from 7:30-9am to learn. With so many school districts
represented every morning in my classroom we became one unified
class. Let’s be honest, sometimes learning medical terminology isn’t the
most exciting thing, but with a classroom of fun, energetic and outgoing
high school students we had some great times.
Workplace Learning
Connection
(319) 887-3970
Grant Wood AEA
(319) 626-1100
Iowa College Access
Network (ICAN)
(887) 272-4692
University of Iowa
(319) 467-1190
Kirkwood Regional
Center Staff
(319) 358-3100
Since Tanner’s tragic accidental death on January 3rd, our class has showed much strength and unity.
Many of Tanner’s classmates from all the school districts came to a candlelight vigil, visitation and
funeral. When this spring semester started, our Pharmacy Tech students were at the other end of
the hall from our EMT room. We came together the first day of class to talk and are now working on
a plaque in Tanner’s honor to present to his family, as well as wristband for the students to wear in
remembrance of him.
Tanner was an amazing student and athlete. He wrote about pursuing a career in medicine, and possibly
becoming an anesthesiologist. He had the drive and passion to complete this task. The smile he would
give in class was infectious to those around him and I’m certain he would make an excellent physician
someday and help a multitude of people. I’m lucky to have so many wonderful young and inspiring
individuals in my classroom who are eager to learn. This unfortunate and tragic loss of life has left an
impact on all the students, friends, family and loved ones that Tanner’s life touched. One of the hardest
things to learn when entering into the medical profession is dealing with death and loss, especially the
young who are strong and full of life. Tragedy can leave your heart and mind wondering and hurting.
That’s why it’s important to stick together in times of turmoil.
I was able to meet Tanner’s parents at the visitation and pay my respects to him and leave an EMT patch
with them. He will always be an honorary EMT in my eyes. After meeting his parents and grandparents
I could see where Tanner got his passion and joy of life and compassion for others. Over the past
few weeks I’ve found myself looking for Tanner to show up to class, but have had to remind myself
he probably has the best seat of all
watching over all of those students
in Room 200. All the lives that those
young people will touch in the future,
and how passionate they all are about
learning and making a difference
reminds me every day to never take
life for granted. Every day is a gift to be
used wisely.
Lindsey Boerjan
Kirkwood EMT Instructor
February 2016
Free FAFSA Assistance Available Through ICAN
College-bound students can receive free help preparing their Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) right here in the Johnson County Regional
Center at the University of Iowa. Located in the regional center, the Coralville
ICAN office offers free assistance with the FAFSA form and other areas of college,
career, and financial aid planning.
Anyone needing help with FAFSA completion can contact Ryan Ronan, the
ICAN student success advisor located in the main office, at 319-423-7701,
rronan@icansucceed.org, or just stop by and make an appointment while you’re
in the building.
There are a few things you’ll need to do to get ready: Setup your FSA ID
username and password. You can visit www.ICANsucceed.org/fsaid to watch a
video and learn about the process. You also need to gather your tax and income
information from 2015. Visit www.ICANsucceed.org/whattobring to get a list of
all the items you need to complete the FAFSA.
Last, get together with Ryan and setup a time to get your FAFSA completed, go
over your financial plan for college, and even talk budgeting and career planning
for the future. You can accomplish a lot in a short visit with Ryan so stop by and
say hi today.
The Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
2301 E Oakdale Blvd, Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 358-3100
February 2016
Meet WLC’s Newest Employees
Work. Learn. Connect.
Cheryl Valenta—Linn County
Susan Gallo—Johnson County
Kimberly Klocke—Cedar & Washington County
Linn County Regional Center
1770 Boyson Road
Cheryl
is WLC’s Event Coordinator, working on multi-school, off-campus
Hiawatha, IA Valenta
52233
319-398-1040
events such as the STEM Institute for Young Scientists at the University of Iowa and
Kirkwood Regional Center
the
Literacy Fairs held in the Spring. Cheryl is also working as a Business
at theFinancial
University of Iowa
2301
Oakdale
Boulevard
Liaison
in Linn County, partnering with companies in the Agriscience and Natural
Coralville, IA 52241
319-887-3970 pathway.
Resources
Serving schools, students, employers and
communities in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson,
Jones, Linn and Washington counties
Benton County Center
111 West 3rd St.
Vinton, IA 52349
866-424-5669
Cedar County Center
1410 Cedar Street
Tipton, IA 52772
855-467-3900
Iowa County Center
200 West Street
Williamsburg, IA 52361
866-424-5669
Jones County Regional Center
220 Welter Drive
Monticello, Iowa 52310
855-467-3800
Susan Gallo is the WLC Johnson County School Liaison,
partnering with administration, guidance, and teachers at the
Iowa City Community School District, Lone Tree Community,
Regina Catholic Education, and Solon Community to provide
quality, age-relevant programming to their students and teachers.
Washington County Regional Center
2192 Lexington Blvd.
Washington, Iowa 52353
855-467-3900
Kimberly Klocke is the WLC Cedar & Washington County Liaison, ensuring that
www.workplace-learning.org
students and educators in those counties receive quality career exploration
experiences through collaboration with local and Corridor-area businesses.
Kimberly will be developing business partners to be involved with creating the
future workforce in Cedar and Washington Counties.
2014 - 2015 Annual Report
If you work for a company that values preparing the next
generation and would like to connect with them, go to the
WLC website and complete a Volunteer Registration Form, or
contact a WLC representative—North or South office.
The Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
2301 E Oakdale Blvd, Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 358-3100
February 2016
College and Post-Secondary Prep Options
Hear Why 3 Area High School Students
Choose to Learn Through Academy Classes
Josiah Lydon and Davin Knapp are Juniors at CR Washington High School.
Seth Fuller is a Marion Home School Association student.
All three students are preparing themselves for their future by taking
advantage of traditional and non-traditional educational experiences.
Seth, Josiah, and Davin are taking ACE Academy classes at the Kirkwood’s Linn
Regional Center. ACE stands for Architecture, Construction and Engineering
and is part of the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) program for area high school
students. Josiah and Davin have taken several AP classes, and Seth is enrolled
in an AP class next semester. When we asked them what factors played into the
decision-making for taking an Academy class, Seth replied, “I’d rather be taught
by an actual engineer for an engineering class than a non-trained engineer!”
Davin echoed Seth’s perspective. “Architecture is really interesting and I’m
getting more out of this class than I’ve gotten out of some of my other classes.”
Davin explained that he took a PLTW class at his high school, which whetted
his appetite to learn more about the field of Engineering. All 3 of the students
commented that the ACE Academy offered them a different experience than a
typical high school setting and they were excited to try it out.
Josiah Lydon
and Davin Knapp
Seth’s post-high school goals include going to Iowa State University to get a
degree in Architecture. Josiah is interested in pursuing a career in Filmmaking,
and Davin wants to get a Masters in Engineering.
We asked about fitting Academy classes into his schedule, Seth responded, “It’s
a 10-minute drive, so it’s not particularly a problem.” Josiah and Davin are in a
more traditional school environment, but scheduling was not a challenge. Josiah
said, “My counselor helped me make the Academy classes work in my schedule.
But, I had to defer some of my electives to another time.”
Seth Fuller
The Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
2301 E Oakdale Blvd, Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 358-3100
February 2016
Some might think that high school students are not thinking about careers. Seth said,
“I admit that I hadn’t been thinking about careers until last summer when I worked as a
referee at a paint ball park. That got me thinking about what I wanted to do in my future!
I think my Academy experience is definitely worth it.” Davin added, “I think that these
Academy classes are more important than AP but they’re not as encouraged as much as
they should be.” Josiah agrees, “Teachers should push students more into these choices,
it helps narrow down all of the options after school for those who don’t really know what
they want.”
Seth has some advice for his fellow teens, “You should definitely take Academy classes
before you get to college because they are free! You don’t want to waste money in college
on classes you decide you don’t like, and end up dropping!” Josiah couldn’t agree more!
“College costs a ton and you can waste thousands of dollars trying things out. Why not do
it when it’s free?”
You can find out more about the ACE Academy by going to www.explore-ace.org.
Opportunities include an Ace Mentor Program. For other high school career learning
opportunities, check out Kirkwood’s College Credit In High School page to see all of the
Academy programs.
Celebrating Young Women in STEM
Engaging Young Women through Hands-On Activities
Getting young women involved and interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and
Math careers is essential to our future. Celebrating their already existing interest is as
equally important.
Kasey Keeling, Kirkwood Regional Coordinator for Project Lead the Way, hosted an
event on December 15th at the Linn County Regional Center in Hiawatha to engage and
excite 7th–12th grade young women who have already show an interest in STEM fields
and careers.
The day involved break out sessions held by local area women involved in engineering
and technology that included learning more about careers as well as hands-on learning
where students interacted and created. The day also highlighted Project Lead the Way, an
engineering academy that is available to high school students.
Want to be involved? Go to www.workplace-learning.org
Be part of the ripple!
The Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
2301 E Oakdale Blvd, Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 358-3100