Episode #523 - March 3rd & 24th, 2021
Education Counts highlights local and regional initiatives that are making a difference in Michiana. Learn where teenagers writers can get practice and feedback through the Get Inked Teen Writing Conference. Discover how Strong Beginnings helps parents and preschoolers be ready for the transition to kindergarten. The SPARC Project at the University of Notre Dame is helping build better communication skills and strengthen relationships in families with disabled children with siblings. See how Kindness to Prevent Blindness is helping children excel in the classroom.
Original Airdate: March 03, 2021

In This Episode


  • March 3rd & 24th, 2021 Photo Mark Cummings, Ph.D., Katie Bergman, Ph.D. More Information

    The SPARC Project

    March 3rd & 24th, 2021 Photo
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    In This Segment

    The SPARC Project at the University of Notre Dame is working to strengthen relationships and support communication in families with a child who is either intellectually or developmentally disabled. The other goal is to find the best ways to promote effective communication and conflict resolution.

    For additional information visit:

    Guests:

    1. Mark Cummings, Ph.D.Professor of PsychologyUniversity of Notre Dame
    2. Katie Bergman, Ph.D.Assistant Research Professor of PsychologyUniversity of Notre Dame

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  • March 3rd & 24th, 2021 Photo Katherine Higgs-Coulthard, Barbara Shoup, Annabelle Morton More Information

    In This Segment

    For writers to grow their skills, they need a place to learn and grow. But teenage writers don't usually have that place. To remedy this, Saint Mary's College hosts an annual teen writing conference called Get Inked. Young writers get the chance to present their work and receive feedback from published authors.

    Guests:

    1. Katherine Higgs-CoulthardAssistant Professor of EducationSaint Mary's College
    2. Barbara ShoupAuthor/Writer-in-ResidenceIndiana Writers Center
    3. Annabelle MortonAttendeeGet Inked

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  • March 3rd & 24th, 2021 Photo Chris Whitmire, Angie Enright, Tracy Spaulding, Nanette Pauly More Information

    Strong Beginnings Pilot Preschool

    March 3rd & 24th, 2021 Photo
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    Parents can have a hard time finding childcare since there aren't many childcare opportunities for children aged 3 that fit within what they can afford. The Strong Beginnings childcare program at Marcellus Elementary in Cassopolis aims to prepare 3-year-olds for their next step with early education, free of charge to the parents.

    For additional information visit:

    Guests:

    1. Chris WhitmireDirector of Early Childhood EducationLewis Cass Intermediate School District
    2. Angie EnrightLead Teacher, Strong BeginningsLewis Cass Intermediate School District
    3. Tracy SpauldingPrincipal, Marcellus ElementaryLewis Cass Intermediate School District
    4. Nanette PaulySuperintendentLewis Cass Intermediate School District

    Additional Resources:

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  • March 3rd & 24th, 2021 Photo Ashley Molyneaux, Hayley Boling, Sara Jackowiak, Leah Hardman, Leatra Scott More Information

    Kindness to Prevent Blindness

    March 3rd & 24th, 2021 Photo
    City: Elkhart, IN
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    In This Segment

    When it comes to a child's education, vision needs aren't usually seen as a factor that can affect the outcome. The Kindness to Prevent Blindness program, sees this problem and wants to ensure that students are seeing clearly enough to accomplish their academic goals. They know that vitality of vision in learning and want to do their part to make sure that learning can continue to be seemless and fun for students.

    Guests:

    1. Ashley MolyneauxExecutive DirectorElkhart Education Foundation
    2. Hayley BolingCEO, Boling Vision CenterElkhart Education Foundation
    3. Sara JackowiakPrincipalNorth Side Middle School
    4. Leah HardmanCommunity Relations CoordinatorElkhart Education Foundation
    5. Leatra ScottOphthalmic TechnicianKindness to Prevent Blindness

    Additional Resources:

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