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Submit items to Campus CurrentsThe Campus Currents is distributed every Friday. If you would like to include an item in the newsletter send it to: Campus Currents, USB 9512 or by e-mail to Campus Currents. Deadline is Thursday at 8 a.m. Resignation - TopJeff Horner, grounds keeper, facilities services Retirement - TopMildred Lantz, secretary, field experience Black Hills State receives a $1.4 million National Science Foundation grant to help western South Dakota school districts improve science teaching - TopA $1.4 million grant awarded to Black Hills State University by the National Science Foundation will help area students compete more successfully with international students in science and mathematics skills. Seven western South Dakota school districts and 28 schools with approximately 213 science teachers in grades K-8 will benefit by participating in the project. Developed through Black Hills State's Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education (CEMSE) and in collaboration with South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, the project will focus on improving K-8 teachers' abilities to deliver high-quality, inquiry-based science teaching. The project is titled, “Black Hills Science Teaching (BLAHST) Project to Prepare K-8 Teachers for the New Millennium.” BHSU President Thomas Flickema said, “This is an unprecedented grant for one of our academic programs. It's a tremendous step toward realizing our goal of creating a nationally recognized center of excellence in math and science teaching on the Black Hills State campus.”
“The teacher must become the fundamental change agent in any educational reform movement,” said Lavoie. “It is apparent that there is a significant need for quality professional development among science teachers throughout our nation. Our primary goal is to improve K-8 teacher's abilities to deliver high-quality, inquiry-based science teaching in the Black Hills Region of South Dakota through intensive systemic teacher enhancement activities.”
Participating school districts are Douglas, New Underwood, Wall, Kadoka, Lead-Deadwood, Spearfish, and Belle Fourche. Joe Hillberry, director for curriculum and instruction for the Douglas school district, said, “The NSF BLASHT project is a tremendous opportunity for Douglas students and staff. There are many important aspects of the project but the most exciting for Douglas is working with scientists from Black Hills State and South Dakota Tech.” Hillberry believes the hands-on training for teachers is key to helping students better understand science research, problem solving and in general the world in which they live. Because of the vastness and isolation of many school districts in western South Dakota, the project will be supported by the BHSU Center of Excellence and taken to the teachers whenever possible via the internet or through local workshops. The program will also be delivered through summer on-campus workshops, inservice training sessions, courses, seminars and through collaboration with local school officials, community resources, and university personnel. The program will incorporate strategies which are multicultural and gender equitable with special attention to Native American and minority students. To assist in the project's grassroots implementation, participating schools will be classified as science-focused professional development schools (S-PDS) with appointed S-PDS teams. Teams will be composed of a lead teacher, parent, pre-service teacher, scientist, graduate assistant, and on-site administrator. Each year during the five-year program, lead teachers and support personnel will provide high-quality professional development that incorporates up-to-date science content, pedagogy, and assessment supported by national curriculum science materials. At the end of the five years it is expected that all K-8 teachers will be effectively implementing at least three national curriculum modules per year. To evaluate the program's successes, a standard NSF core evaluation will be conducted during each year of the project along with guidelines provided in the NSF Handbook for Evaluation. As well, the projects evaluation team will assess students' achievement through observations, interviews, and paper and pencil tests. The BHSU CEMSE will provide the necessary space, staff, travel money, and materials to refurbish the national curriculum kits as well as provide a variety of resources to the teachers for duration of the five-year project and beyond. Hessons present at Phi Delta Kappa convention - Top
The presentations were on the topic of "Professional Writing in a Busy Life." They shared how they have been able to maintain their busy teaching schedules and at the same time find time to write. Margie shared "Ten Tips for Success in Writing for Publication" that she has learned from her experience as an author. Jim shared how he got started writing, how he has been able to be author, coauthor, or contributing author of 26 books and several articles in the last 15 years. Then, they answered questions about writing for publication from what they have learned from their personal experience. the Hessons said, "One thing was very clear, there is never time to write during a school day or a school week. All of their writing is done on their own time and using their own equipment during evenings, weekends, and school holidays when others are relaxing or having fun." BHSU'S health services administration majors attracting top practicum/internship placements - TopLess than one-year old, Black Hills State University's health services administration program and its students are on a roll with outstanding internship placements. Four students in the program have already been accepted for placement in prestigious local and regional health-care organizations. Students who have been formally admitted to the health services administration program at BHSU are required to complete, along with a rigorous academic curriculum, 600 hours of an administrative practicum/internship in a health-care organization.
O'Neill gives the BH students high praise for their efforts in acquiring internships with area health-care organizations. Students entering practicum/internships include: Shilo Weeres, a senior from Glasgow, Mont., placed at Billings Deaconess Hospital, Billings, Mont.; Clark Hoff, a junior from Rapid City, placed at Rapid City Regional Hospital; Judith Cebert, a junior from Rapid City, placed with Barents, LLC, Lead; and Robert Hobernicht, a sophomore from Lead, placed with the state of State Department of Health in Pierre. Both Weeres and Hoff will intern at senior administrative levels and will rotate through various administrative and operational hospital departments. Cebert, working with the Barents group, a Washington, D.C., based health economics/health policy group, is currently working on a number of research projects with national health policy implications. O'Neill said, “Although the university's health services administration program has developed relationships with the area's major health-care organizations, it is the students, through their individual efforts, who have aggressively sought placement in these organizations. The students had to represent themselves in a professional manner and convince organizational leaders that they have a firm grasp on the predominant health-care issues as well as an understanding of the complexities of today's health-care environment. Their acceptance in these placements seems to confirm that they have been able to do just that.” Acquiring an internship can be very competitive says O'Neill. Hobernicht was selected after a highly competitive four-day interview process in Pierre. He will spend the summer working with senior administrative staff in the State Department of Health. Other students in the program are currently arranging their practicum/internship placements, according to O'Neill. Jeff Actenberg, a senior from Black Hawk, is interested in a nursing home internship. Kija Hardy, a sophomore from Spearfish, has expressed interest in a hospital internship and Bill Phillips, a junior from Sturgis, is pursing an internship with the Veteran's Administration. Black Hills Research Symposium set for April 21 at BHSU - TopThe Black Hills Research Symposium featuring keynote speaker Dr. Gil Dyrli, an expert in educational telecommunications, will be held Wednesday, April 21 beginning at 8 a.m. in the second-floor conference room of the Student Union at Black Hills State University. A series of half-hour presentations by faculty, students and others will be made throughout the day in two sessions running concurrently from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. with a noon lunch break.
The keynote speaker is a professor emeritus of education at the University of Connecticut where he served as news and technology editor for Curriculum Administrator magazine. He also coordinated a university-sponsored teacher professional development center that was cited in Newsweek magazine. He recently collaborated on three network children's programs including the Emmy-award winning Schoolhouse Rock on ABC. Dyrli says, “Emerging developments in telecommunications and the World Wide Web will transform education, and are changing teaching and learning profoundly.” Session presenters and topics during the symposium The sessions are open to the public at no charge. Information on the symposium is available by phoning (605) 642-6421 Job service representative to present internet job search ideas - TopStudents will have a chance to hear how the internet can be an part of their job search at a presentation Wednesday, April 28 at noon and 3 p.m. at the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union room 220. Ron Schoenthal, a Spearfish job service representative and Black Hills State University student, will present on the following topics:
The event is sponsored by BHSU Career Services. For additional information contact career services at 642-6277. Student employee of the year recognized - TopStudents working on campus play a vital role in helping the university function as a service provider as well as giving the students work experience and money to pay for their education. Fourteen Black Hills State University students were honored at a reception for their contributions as work-study students in administrative offices and in academic settings across the campus. Students and faculty were welcomed by Cody McMichael, student employment services coordinator at BHSU. He is also president of the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators. Dr. Judith Haislett, vice president for student life, addressed the gathering. She spoke of the importance of student workers and their contributions to the university. Describing herself as a product of student employment, she related some of her own experiences as a student worker. Student workers recognized with certificates of appreciation were Dana Baxter, Wall; Ryan Baum, Harrisburg; Julie Calene, Spearfish; Mandi Duthie, Pavillion, Wyo.; Melanie Griswold, Gillette, Wyo.; Mary Anne Malson, Midwest, Wyo.; Kelli Merriman, Rapid City; Tennille Nelson, Bismarck, N.D.; Mark Norby, Sturgis; Clint Randall, Gillette, Wyo.; Jana Roth, Gillette, Wyo.; Francis Wagner, Vale; Mari Werlinger, Sturgis; and Leona White Hat, St. Francis. Named student employee of the year was Mark Norby, a junior environmental physical science major. He was nominated by Steve Babbitt, assistant professor of photography. Norby works for Babbitt overseeing the photography labs and helping students with their classroom assignments. “Mark's reliability goes far beyond showing up for work on time,” said Babbitt. “Mark stays late when he is needed, comes in on weekends and holidays and always finishes what he starts. I know I can ask Mark to do a job and that will be the end of it. It's done.” In addition to the local recognition, Norby was winner of the state student employee of the year award. His name will now be submitted in national student employee award competition. Besides Norby, the other four top award nominees were Ryan Baum, Julie Calene, Melanie Griswold, and Kelli Merriman.
Child Care Center at BHSU celebrates Education of Young Children's Week - TopIt was a festive atmosphere at the Black Hills State University Child Care Center recently as the children and staff celebrated National Association for the Education of Young Children's Week. A clown, games, prizes and treats were all a part of the afternoon's events for the children. Picture pins were made for parents to wear and artwork was hung around the campus and displayed on sidewalks. Kevin Mueller, a sophomore from Milwaukee, Wisc., majoring in elementary education, donned a clown suit complete with big red shoes and a red nose to entertain the youngsters. Mueller was selected by the center's staff because of his juggling abilities. Most of the children were surprised and pleased to see the clown, but one little boy found the big brightly dressed character with frizzy multi-colored hair a bit frightening. Child care center director Diane Mabey said, “The week of the young child activities are designed to focus attention on the importance of early years for children's learning and all aspects of development. Children, staff, parents and volunteers joined in the celebration.” Attending the special occasion were members of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP). Fedora Williams, who made bibs for the little ones, Jenney Kearney, who often spends afternoon working with the children, and Catherine Cole, RSVP coordinator, were on-hand to help celebrate.
Space Day at BH will offer NASA speaker and demonstrations - TopThe South Dakota Space Grant Consortium (SDSGC) along with corporate sponsor Black Hills Corporation/Black Hills FiberCom will sponsor the 5th Annual South Dakota Space Day Friday, April 23 in Cook Gymnasium on the campus of Black Hills State University (an SDSGC educational affiliate). The theme for the day's event is: "NASA and the Environment, Where Earth and Space Meet." This is a day of hands-on math, science, and technology demonstrations geared toward K-12 students, with the public welcome. Over 2,200 students have signed up to attend the day's events. Some of the exhibits featured include a NASA space suit, food for space, simulated moon rocks, StarLab, a flight simulator, and many others. Roger Zwieg, a NASA senior research pilot and South Dakota native, will be the keynote speaker. He will be present all day to informally interact with people and will formally present at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m. For more information, contact the South Dakota Space Grant Outreach office at (605) 578-9731 or Larry Hines at 642-6887. BHSU and SDSM&T research dinner meeting set - TopThe next joint research dinner meeting between Black Hills State University and South Dakota Schools of Mines and Technology will be Wednesday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Phil-town Inn in Sturgis. Dinners are $9.69 and include tax and tip. A final count on dinners must be given Thursday, April 15. Dr. John Bendler of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology will be the speaker. Dr. Bendler has a long research career in industry and academe. His research area is polymer chemistry. If you are interested in attending contact Thomas P. Cox. Kevin Whirlwind Horse Memorial Run set for April 17 - TopThe 15th annual Kevin Whirlwind Horse Memorial Scholarship Run/Walk will be held Saturday morning, April 17th, beginning at the Wenona Cook cul-de-sac. Categories include 5-K and 10-K runs, a one mile walk, and kids' races. A $10 registration fee includes a commemorative t-shirt. Medals will be awarded for 1st-3rd place in each division, and trophies will be awarded to the overall 5-K and 10-K winners. Registration materials will be available at the Young Center on Friday (the 9th), and next week at the Wellness Fair and the Tribal Language Summit. Schedule of events:
Remember, this is a scholarship fundraiser, so even if you don't want to participate, you can still donate! Anyone who donates $15 or more will receive a memorial run t-shirt. Two scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding Native American sophomores in memory of Kevin Whirlwind Horse, a BHSU student who was killed in a car accident in 1984. For entry forms or more information contact: Deatta Chapel, Black Hills State University, Student Support Services, 1200 University, USB 9510, Spearfish, S.D. 57799-9510 or call 642-6294/6622. Faculty-research committee has funds available - TopThe faculty-research committee has funds available for the current fiscal year. Write a short (about three-page) proposal. Proposal forms are available at the academic affairs office. The faculty research committee will review applications April 23. Proposals are due April 16. It is anticipated that successful applicants will request support for faculty release time, research equipment, travel to research sites, research support for the production of creative work. Education, social science and humanities proposals are encouraged. Funds for two three-hour release times are available for the spring and fall 1999 semesters. You can apply now. The research committee will not provide salary. The committee may approve payment to student or non-student research assistants. Mail ten copies of your proposal to USB 9550. This week at Black Hills State - TopFriday, April 16
Saturday, April 17
Monday, April 19
Tuesday, April 20
Wednesday, April 21
Thursday, April 22
Friday, April 23
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As the
principal investigator and grant writer of the BLAHST proposal, Dr. Derrick Lavoie,
associate professor of science education at BHSU, outlined seven general project goals for
school science reform. Teachers will learn: 1) science content and process in greater
depth, 2) to teach science through effective inquiry hands-on methods, 3) to select,
adapt, and manage national science curriculum materials, 4) to continuously assess student
progress using a variety of mechanisms, 5) to work cooperatively on many levels to share
ideas and solve problems, 6) to apply equity strategies which respond to individual
student needs, and 7) to apply technology appropriately for science teaching and learning.
Dr.
Charles Lamb, a biologist at BHSU and lead scientist on the proposal said, "A major
strength of this project, and one of the most unique and exciting aspects of our proposal,
is that the teachers will be learning science from local scientists. Dr. Bill Roggenthen
of SDSM&T and I will be conducting workshops and mentoring teachers in the underlying
concepts and applications of the physical and biological sciences that they will be
teaching their students. This interaction between the local school districts and
scientists from BHSU and SDSM&T should really help our teachers teach science." 
Dr.
James Hesson (BHSU) and Margie Hesson (SDSU) made presentations to members and guests of
the Black Hills State University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa recently at the Holiday Inn
Convention Center in Rapid City. 
“The
purpose of the practicum/internship is to expose students to the real world of health-care
administration and management,” said Dr. Nancy O'Neill, assistant professor in the
health services administration program at BHSU. “It also provides health-care
organizations with the ability to assess the student's employment potential within their
own organization.” 
The
symposium will begin with opening remarks from BHSU President Thomas Flickema at 8:45
a.m., followed at 9 a.m. by Dyrli's address titled “Telecommunications and Education:
Looking Toward a New Future.” 
