We at Empower hope this newsletter finds all of our friends and families warm. We are now experiencing consistent days of below zero weather, that can mean only one thing. Yes, we are halfway through the learning year. We have some great opportunities in the works for our learners the second half of the year, so stay tuned this and upcoming newsletters to stay informed.
This cold weather seems to have a positive impact on many of our learners, as we were happy to see an uptick in learning. Chemistry experiments have been a big hit, and three learners started their second semester of college classes this week. Congratulations to Jezzalyn, who, just yesterday, presented her FCCLA Star project and is advancing to the state competition. In addition to lots of independent work, we’ve had several visitors to Empower these past two weeks. Tami from CMJTS stopped by to get another learner going in the Youth Build Program. Youth Build members earn an hourly wage for time at school, credits earned, and the Youth Build projects they participate in. If your learner is interested in joining, Brad & Alyssa have applications ready to be completed. Jimmie Johnson, from the University of Minnesota Extension Service, was at Empower teaching the first of six cooking classes. Those who participated discussed nutrition specific to teens and physical activity. Jimmie then instructed on basic cutting techniques, which our learners practiced by making a fresh salsa - Yum! Jimmie will be back next week, so encourage your learner to sign up for the next cooking class. Anita from Lakes and Pines has been at Empower several times this year. She most recently helped one learner set up health insurance coverage, and another find housing. Anita can enroll learners and their families in any Lakes and Pines program - whether it be housing, utilities assistance, or help finding child care. Anita will be at Empower during conferences on Feb 20th, let us know if you would like to meet with her. Keep an eye on our Empower calendar of events as we have some things happening in February. Jan 17/20 No School Jan 30 Snowshoeing at School Forest Feb 5-7 Empower Closed - Staff attend state MAAP Conference Feb 17 No School - Presidents/Chiefs Day Feb 20 Construct Tomorrow Field Trip for Learners Feb 20 Conferences 4-8pm Feb 25 Family Movie Night 4-8pm
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Greetings To Our Empower Learner Supporters, 3 January 2020
Welcome to 2020!! May this newsletter find you at peace, and may the upcoming year challenge you enough to make you feel alive, yet not push you beyond your abilities. I know some of you are saying, “Hey wait didn’t we just read a newsletter from Empower” and others are saying, “it seems like forever since the last newsletter, while we are sure a third group is out there saying, “You mean there have been other newsletters.” First, we would like to thank all of the families that attended the annual Empower Christmas Tea. This year did not disappoint. There were plenty of laughs, good conversation, excellent food, and fun games. We always look forward to this chance to meet and have a good time with the extended Empower family. Congratulations to Team Cedar for winning the Reindeer Games. Many of the learners took part in preparing the food and decorations. The whole week before, Empower was filled with the smells of Christmas baking. We proudly give a big shout out to our Empower learners taking college courses. Tatiana and Tyler each passed three courses Fall semester. It takes a lot of work and focus to accomplish this, and these two did what it took to succeed. We look forward to their equal success in the Spring semester. It will not be easy, but they have proven they are up to the challenge. Empower MAAP STARS received funding for a community service project to provide snow shoveling service to the elderly in the local area. The funds allowed us to purchase shovels, ice scrapers, gloves, jackets, and overshoes for the learners. The learners will coordinate with the senior dining center to get the word out. If you know of someone elderly and in need of help clearing snow, don’t hesitate to let us know. We are into Block 3 of the Empower academic year. Many of our learners have set ambitious goals for this block. We could also use the help of some of our Empower families here. If you received a request to meet with Alyssa or Brad to discuss your learner’s Block 3 goals, please contact them and schedule a time. Coming Events: Remember all events are updated on our website. Jan 6 Look at the Trades with Sgt Damon Jan 9 Cooking with Jimmie Begins Jan 17/20 No School Jan 30 Snowshoeing at School Forest |
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