Vital Link, the school district's program to help students and teachers make the link between classroom skills and work place success. The file includes correspondence, news clippings and student event photographs.
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.-^ ALLIANCE FOR PUB. SOHO Fax:501' I I '4 Jan 21 '9? 14:19 P. 02 '06 MEMORANDUM TO: Debbie Milam LRSD - VIPS Hubert Barksdale Education Chairman - Greater LR Chamber Delia Moore Margie Powell Diane Vibhakar Marketing Chairman - LR Alliance Office of Desegregation Monitoring Executive Director - Parents for Public Schools FROM: Joe Swaty RE: Vital Link Attached is a copy of the itinerary in development for the Vital Link research trip to Ft. Worth. The trip has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, thru Friday, January 24. Please eat before we leave on Wednesday and plan to arrive at our departure gate by no later than 7:10 P.M. We will rent one large van for our transportation needs. Those attending are as follows: Debbie Milam Director LRSD VIPS Program Hubert Barksdale Education Chairman Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Delia Moore Marketing Chairman Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools Margie Powell Office of Desegregation Monitoring Diane Vibhakar Executive Director Parents for Public Schools Joe Swaty Special Consultant Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools Gail Nickerson Administrative Assistant Little Rock Alliance For Our Public SchoolsVITAL LINK Attendance Chart Students Name Business Monday Tommy Boren Albert Ray Brown Tuesday I -11- Wednesday Thursday I Friday I Dasha Chambliss Joseph Dahms Latrice Duncan Gillian Glasco A^l c^. Sj ? L<- OWl Erica Hill Brandon Jones Sherica Merriweather Ar!< Azf< Amanda Rosebyt, ALLIANCE FOP P'JB. -'CHO F,? . :501~* 74 Ian 21 '97 14:19 P. 02/06 i, ' i' <
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nk>-1. IhNi pjp PHR. ZHC F- :5C .i. .191-' I P. 04,''06Where Business Comes Together GREATER LITTLE ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (TC'b A, 4 ( ~f Recejv^o 3 1 1997 January 29, 1997 OfFfCEOF MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Education Committee Members Chamber Chair of Education Hubert Barksdale SUBJECT: February Committee Meeting Friday, February 7/11 a.m. Chamber Board Room Please note on your calendar our February meeting date - Friday, February 7 at 11 a.m. We are planning a full agenda of topics for discussion, including a report on the VITAL LINK program being developed for the Little Rock School District. We will also have updates on activities underway throughout all three school districts. As a special guest speaker for our meeting we are inviting Baker Kurrus, president of the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools, to give us an . overview of this organizations role in support of public education. Thank you in advance for attending this important second meeting of our Education Committee. We need your valuable input and participation. Please RSVP your attendance plans by calling Sandy Bradley today at 374-4871 at the Chamber. SERVING LITTLE ROCK, NORTH LITTLE ROCK AND CENTRAL ARKANSAS lOI S. SPRING ST. SUITE 200 LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201-2486 (501) 374-4871 Where Business Gimes TugeOier GREATER LITTLE RCX:K CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECS5VSD MAR 3 1997 February 25, 1997 MEMORANDUM OFFICE Or desegregation monitoring TO: FROM: Education Committee Members Chamber Chair of Education Hubert Barksdale SUBJECT: March Committee Meeting Thursday, March 6/11 a.m. Chamber Board Room Please note on your calendar our March meeting date - Thursday, March 6 at 11 a.m. We are planning a full agenda of topics for discussion, including a report on the VITAL LINK program being developed for the Little Rock School District. We will also have updates on activities underway throughout all three school districts. Thank you in advance for attending this important second meeting of our Education Committee. We need your valuable input and participation. Please RSVP your attendance plans by calling Sandy Bradley today at 374^871 at the Chamber. SERVING LITTLE ROCK, NORTH LITTLE ROCK AND CENTRAL ARKANSAS 101 S. SPRING ST. SUITE 200 LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201-2486 (501) 374-4871 LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 1. n. m. IV. V. VI. VII. VITAL LINK A partnership program of the Little Rock School District, the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools Kick-Off Breakfast Friday, February 28, 1997 Holiday Inn Select AGENDA Welcome and Introductions / Hubert Barksdale, Chamber Chair of Education Video Presentation From ABC News How does it work? I Debbie Milam, Coordinator of VIPS ! Partners In Education Why should my business participate? I Guest Speakers from North Little Rock VITAL LINK A. B. C. Bob Majors, Southwestern Bell Buster Beardsley, Rainy & Beardsley Pam Jones, Express Human Resources Call to Action / Chamber Chairman of the Board Doug Buford The Districts Commitment To Success! Superintendent Dr. Don Roberts Closing Remarks / Baker Kurrus, Pres, of the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools I Office of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court Eastern District of Arkansas Ann S. Brown. Federal Monitor 201 East Markham, Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501) 376-6200 Fax (501) 371 -0100 Date: April 10, 1997 To: From: Heritage West Building Businesses Ann Brown, Office of Desegregation Monitoring Subject: Vital Link We have an opportunity to participate in an exciting program that will allow us to help our local schools prepare the students well be employing in the ne?rt century. Vital Link is the brainchild of Little Rock School District Superintendent Don Roberts. The program pairs students with businesses and other organizations to give the youngsters real life experiences in the world of work. Vital Link will cost us nothing more than some time and attention to one or two students for one week. Please take a few minutes to learn more about Vital Link and how you can join me, Jimmy Moses, and our other Heritage West colleagues in this program. Well meet next Tuesday, April 15, here in Suite 510 at 9:00 a.m.^PR-09? 0 2 5 0 RM MOSES N O S rt R I R , O 1 11> 0 August House I 90 Arkansas Internationa! /SO AMR Architects, Inc. (-75 Ron Srriith 8^ Associates 4? 0 0 ^Arkansas Times 9 7 Arkansos Business 300 Arkansas Securities Fettit & Pettit r/o Deseg. Monitoring 5 0 0 Thomas S-. Thom,as .1 i.iir'iurr I'll. MOSES NOSARI Ki'.M. ILS'IAI'I-
ZOO (.nmirtrfal Hrukvrjvt Mdimuonc'H hvvv><->pirvn( HERITAGE WEST BUILDING CONTACT LIST Ted Parkhurst Evelyn Coppola Rick Redden Ron Smith Alan Leveritt Olivia Farrell Mac Dodson Sam Cummings Anne Brown" Don Smith I' k Ark. :' l r'l'l <" 372-5450 375-3040 375-037Q 374-6694 375-2985 372-1443 324-9260 374-3731 376-6200 375-2025 Where Business Comes Tt>getiier GREATER LITTLE ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE April 30, 1997 RECEIVBO k I *' MM! 1 1997 OFFICE Or DESEGREGATION MONITORING Ms. Arm Brown ODM 201 East Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 Dear Ms. Brown: We are so very pleased that you will be hosting students during this summer's VITAL LINK program. Your participation, along with others, will enable over 550 students in the Little Rock School District to experience the "link" between classroom skills and future work place success. You, along with your organization's VITAL LINK coordinator, are invited to attend a special VITAL LINK orientation breakfast. The breakfast will be held on May 14 at 7:30 a.m. in the Chamber's Board Room. This orientation will provide you with full details about this summer's VITAL LINK program. We will have school district officials on hand to answer all your questions. They will also discuss the positive benefits your employees will experience as they see their jobs through the eyes of a young person. Please make plans now to attend this important breakfast. If you are unable to attend the breakfast meeting, we are also scheduling a reception on May 22 at 4:00 p.m. to cover the same information. Please call Sandy Bradley at the Chamber at 374-4871 and let her know which VITAL LINK orientation event you hope to attend. Thank you again for helping making the VITAL LINK program possible. Sincerely, ibert Barksdale Chair of Education cc. Dr. Don Roberts, Little Rock School District Superintendent Doug Buford, Chamber Chairman of the Board Baker Kurrus, Pres, of the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools SERVING LITTLE ROCK, NORTH LITTLE ROCK AND CENTRAL ARKANSAS 101 S. SPRING ST. SUITE 200 LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201-2486 (501) 374-4871 Memo To: Business Hosts for Vital Link Students From: Margie Powell, Associate Monitor, ODM Subject: Special Presentation for Heritage West Date: June 10, 1997 On Wednesday, June 11, at 9:00 a.m., Debbie Milam, coordinator of the Vital Link Program for the Little Rock School District will be in Suite 510 to provide a special presentation for Vital Link host businesses. Ms. Milam will explain our responsibilities and the mechanics of providing job experiences for the students. She will describe the sequence of events and activities associated with the program, answer questions, and provide written instructions for those of you who were unable to attend any of the receptions. One of the Vital Link teachers dropped out of the program at the last minute, leaving the district short one teacher. Since we have several educators working at ODM, we have agreed to serve as the on-site teachers for our building. If you like, Ms. Milam will look at your facility and help you with logistics. Please try to attend, especially if you are still feeling a little uncertain about your participation in the program. This may be the last chance for a personal training session before the students arrive on Monday, July 7 (our week to host them). Call me at 376-6200, if you have any questions.Memo To: From: Business Hosts for Vital Link Students Margie Powell, Associate Monitor, ODM Subject: Special Presentation for Heritage West Date: June 10, 1997 On Wednesday, June 11, at 9:00 a.m., Debbie Milam, coordinator of the Vital Link Program for the Little Rock School District will be in Suite 510 to provide a special presentation for Vital Link host businesses. Ms. Milam will explain our responsibilities and the mechanics of providing job experiences for the students. She will describe the sequence of events and activities associated with the program, answer questions, and provide written instructions for those of you who were unable to attend any of the receptions. One of the Vital Link teachers dropped out of the program at the last minute, leaving the district short one teacher. Since we have several educators working at ODM, we have agreed to serve as the on-site teachers for our building. If you like, Ms. Milam will look at your facility and help you with logistics. Please try to attend, especially if you are still feeling a little uncertain about your participation in the program. This may be the last chance for a personal training session before the students arrive on Monday, July 7 (our week to host them). Call me at 376-6200, if you have any questions.(g
14:24 501 524 2025 I.RSD COMAIiA'TCATI -4^^ ODM @002 005 Litue KocK SchooS Oistn'et Students Work in Loca! Bu!ii!ie.s.sps as Vital Link Frugrain Begins For Im.meqtate Release hne It), 1997 For more information: Suclten Vaim, 324-20.20 More than 150 sixth grade students joined the local work force today 35 the Vital Link program Racked off'its first week in thie Little Rock School District CLRSD'i. Students arrived on tire job at 'businesses ranging from banks to ani versifies to City government offices to learn skills students need to know when ihev sveniuaJly get a job. "Vital Link is designed to demonstrate to students how their classroom lessons such as reading, writing and ir^iath are used every day m job situations, said Don R. Roberts. LRSD Superintendenl. "The lessons that Vital Link students team during their one week on the job will help them to understand the importance of their education and now 1' will benefit them in tire fcture Students working at First Commerciai Bank are in teller maininc this week. Students assigned to The Janel Iones Coinpa-ny wl! atienc a sales meehne tomor-ow morning and a property' tour on Vv'ednesday. Students v/orking with J .a. Riggs Tractor Company will be given a aemonstration on hsaw equipment on Tuesday. X'ita'i i..ink par-.cipants at t.he Mitchel! Law Firm wiii go to tiie courthouse and listen to a trial on \V c.jfiesdav. (ir.o-e! 810 Wf.st Markham Street tittle Rock, Arkansa-s 72201 {501)524-2000 OP IP 91 501 324 202.3 l.RSn rOMVl MCATI A. OD'I @1003 005 1 4 : 2,5 in . Vila
Link is a three-week program with diiterent students ,anci Hu-sinesses Darticipatmg each week. More than 500 students have signed up to participate in the program, and 46 businesses are hosting sPadents. Among the businesses narticipatmg thi. week are First Commercial Bank, Th.e Janet Jones Company. University of .Arkansas at Linls Rock. Mitchell Law Firm. Boannens Bank, and J. A. Riggs Tractor Companv. Vital Linde is a partnership between the Little Rock School District, the Little Rock 4dliance For Our Public Schools, and the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. rttrrfT MEDIA NOTE: See attached pages for compant and contact information.OR 18 97 14:26 501 324 2023 I.RSD CO'I'fl \rCATT ODM 004, 005 1 I? I. PS? '71 S f, p!2 MOND AY, lUNE 16,1997 1st Commercial - Students will be in teller training (after orientation - possiblv around 9.30 a.m.). We m.u.st notify Charles Stewart before the Media comes. Air Force Base vzill take students on a driving tour of the base City Hall - 8:31) meeting with the Mayor. DALP. - 9'00 a.m. meeting with the Chantsllor L.RSD - morning meeting with the Superintendent. 8o.4 in's" teller training CvESDAY, TUNE 17,1997 t3.nat Iones - students attend sales meeting. ,'A Kiggs - Students will be given a demonstration on heavy equipment. m.iiSt n'Otih/ Becky James before the MeJia comes. We UTPNESDAY, TUNE 18,1997 or THURSDAY, TUNE-19,1997 Ja-net jones will take students on a property tour. Mitchell Lav. Firm - Student will go to the court house and listen to a trial (they will notify us of the exact day). We must notify Bonnie Vickery before the Media comes. FSa3.AY, JUNE 20,1'997 The following will have their culminafcr.g activity on Fridav lune 20. 1997 from ll.OC'-11:45. 3E -VLtcheil law Firm VA Hospital JA E^ggs 1st Commercial Soafmen's (Capital Club fc.r sandwichesl Ciry^Hdll (River Market for barbecue) Ruiaski Tech (reception)H ?! 06 16 97 rj ^4 14:27 5111 S ?u 501 324 2023 SE I.RSI) conni xicATi odm 005 005 LPb VIPS F-ii'Sr I ^:r A,,. i I IV '^incent's { RSr? Hur Warr -het.,, 6^7 (pizz^) Hat! 1-19^ ^he hoard P- t I 5 I <-iL(b) erj connt) ! I! . l 1 - I ! 'II 'o 06 '1 7. 97 11:01 ^501 324 202.3 ODM @002/005 W SIP 'fe I.RSO COMVl XTCATT Little Rock School District Students Work in Local Rii.sines,se.s as Vital Link Program Begins For Immediate Release June 16, 1997 For more information: Suellen Vann, 324-2C20 More tlian 150 sixth grade students joined the local work force today as the Vital Link program kicked off its first week in the Little Rock School Oistrict (LRSD). Students anived on the job at businesses ranging from banks to universities to city goverament offices to learn skills students need to know when they eventually get a job. Vital Link is designed to demonstrate to students how their classroom lessons sucn as reading, writing and math are used every day in job situation, said Don R. Roberts, LRSD Superintendent. 'Tne lessons that Vital Link
students learn during their one week on the job will help them to understand the importance of their education and how it will benefit them in the future. Stuaents woiking at First Commercial Bank are in teller '.raining this week. Students as.signed to ITie .Janet Jones Company will attend a sales meeting tomorrowmorning and a property' tour on 'Aiednesday. Students working with J. A. Riggs Tractor Company will be given a demonstration on heavy equipment on Tuesday. Vital Link piuticipiints at the Mitchell Law Firm will go to the courthouse and listen to a trial on V" ednesdav. mtire) 810 West Markham Street Little Kock, Arkansas 72201 (501)324-2000 06.- 17/97 11:02 0501 324 2023 r.RSD COVMIAICATT OD'I 003/005 Vital Link Page 2 of2 Vital Link is a three-week program with different student? and businesses participating each week. More than 500 students have signed up to participate in the program, and 4o businesses are hosting students, /i.mong the businesses participating this w eek. are First Commercial Bank, The Janet Jones Company, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Mitchell Law Firm, Boatmens Bank, and J. A. Riggs Tractor Company. Viui Link is a partnership between the Little Rock School District, the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools, and the Cireater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. fr^ .MEDIA NOTE: See attached pages for company and contact information.06/17/97 11:03 501 324 2023 l.RSI) COWMCaTI ODA! @1004/005 IT
59 501 LF'S? './IPS J MONDAY, lUNE. 16.1997 1st Commercial - Students will be in teller training (after orientation - possibly around 9:30 a.m.). We must notify Charles Stewart before the Media comes. Air force Base vdll take students on a driving tour of the base. Ci tv Hail - 8:30 rneeting with the Mayor. UAE.F - a.m meeting with the Chancellor LRSD - .morning meeting with thie Superintendent. Boatrrten's - teuer training TVBSPAX ItNE iZt 1997 janat Iones - aludenfcs attend sales meehng i JA Riggs - Students will be given a demonstration on heavy equipment, must nohfv BeoKv lames before the Media comes. We WTQNESDAY, IVNE18,1997 or THURSDAY. RTNI19,1997 ianet Iones will take students on a property tour. Mitchell Law Firm - Student will go to the court house and listen to a trial (they will notify us of the exact day). We must notUy Borme Vickerv before the Media comes. FRID AVi JUNE 20,1997 The'foUowing wili have their culminatng activity on Friday, June 20, 1997 from i: CO- 1145
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i: Puiaskj Tech (reception harbecue)06/17-97 11:04 .iOl .24 2023 I.RSD COVVU'MCATT ODM 005/003 S/ISS
17 ??il /'J HI P-, I-' St I', fRo .................. - Rtiady h'att count)LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT VITAL L I N K VITAL LINK is a partnership program of the Little Pock Sc/iocI D.st'st. tne Ljh e Pock Aji^a/Ke For Our Public Schools, and the Greater Little Pock Champ^r of Co June 26,1997 Office of DeseCTeo^'ation Monitoring 201 E. .Markham Little Rock, AR 72202 ^o 3 0 1897 OFFiCEOF OESEGREGATJON MO.NITOftW o Dear Margie: Your Willingness to participate in the Vital Link Program is greatlv appreciated. With this kind of support from the community, our students will have a meaningful learning experience. IVe ^vill not have a teacher assigned to your business full time during vour Vital Link week of July 7-11. I would like to meet with vou to go over the areas where you will need assistance from us to make your experience enjovable for both vour employees and the students. I vsnll be calling you to schedule an appointment.. \ital Link is not intended for students to choose their life's vocation, but to cormect classroom learning with what is required in numerous Jobs in the workplace. Your participation in our first year of this program is appreciated. If you have any questions, concerns, or problems, please contact me immediatelv at 324-2297 or Deana Keathlev at 324-2408. Sincerely, iJ'eebbbbiiee Milam MPS Coordinator cc: Melissa Guilden Horace Smith Little Rock School District 501 Sherman Little Rock. AR 72202 (501)324-2290 LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT VITAL LINK VITAL LINK IS a partnership program of the Little Flock School Dist^ct the Litt e A.''.a/Ke For Our Public Schools, and the Greater Little Pocn Chamce' June 26,199/ Office of Desegregation Monitoring 3 0 1897 201 E. Markham Uttle Rock, AR 72202 OFFiCEOF OESEGREGATiON MONITORING a o Dear Margie: Your willingness to participate in the Vital Link Program is greatlv appreciated. With this kind of support from the community, our students wiU have a meaningful learning experience. We ^^'ill not have a teacher assigned to your business full time during \-our Vital Link week of July 7-11. 1 would like to meet with you to go over the areas where you Estill need assistance from us to make your experience enjovable for both vour employees and the students. 1 will be calling you to schedule an appointment.. Vital Link is not intended for students to choose their life's vocation, but to connect classroom learning with what is required in numerous jobs in the workplace. Your participation in our first year of this program is appreciated. If you have any questions, concerns, or problems, please contact me immediatelv at 324-2297 or Deana Keathlev at 324-2408. Sincerely, Fl/ ., iJebbie Milam MPS Coordinator cc
Melissa Guilden Horace Smith Little Rock School District 501 Sherman Little Rock, AR 72202 (501)324-2290 ,06/ 1 9/97 09:44 S'5fl I 324 2023 l.RSD COinilNICATt ODM @002/002 6: Little Kock School District Vital Link .Student Scrub at Coiurabia Doctors tkisf til I or Inioiediate Release June 19.1997 For more informaiion
Suellen X'ann, 324-2020 Students pirticipathig in the Vital Link program will tour the outpatient surgery area at Columbia Doctors Hospital this morning. Students will scrub in and visit the IP outpatient surgerj- area at 10:00 a.m. Melissa Smith is the contact at Columbia Doctors Hospital: her number is 661-4585. t he ,tai Link program takes studenrs into local businesses to learn how their classroom lessons ,ire used o.n the job. diO tvest Markham Street Little Rock. Arkansas 72201 (501)324-2000 Memo To: ODM Co-workers From: Melissa Subject: Vital Link Date: July 2, 1997 As you know, our Vital Link students will be here next week. I am busy making the final preparations for their arrival. I may have to call on each of your to share some of the small tasks related to the program. I would also like for you to place two events on your calendars: the opening activity at 8:30 Monday morning and the culminating activity to be held at 10:00 on Friday. The culminating activity will be held at the Territorial Restoration, and our office will be coordinating the festivities. That will probably mean that we will need to do a bit of fetching and carrying I know I dont have to ask any of you to be fiiendly and helpful to our students, but I would like to ask that we all make every effort to be good examples to the students. Between now and Monday, lets make sure that our offices are tidy. Also while the students are here, we want to make sure that our conversation is G rated. And remember that the students are here to work not watch. If they are active participants, they will find this a much more rewarding experience. Thanks for all your help!Memo To: ODM Co-workers From: Melissa Subject: Vital Link Date: July 2, 1997 As you know, our Vital Link students will be here next week. I am busy making the final preparations for their arrival. I may have to call on each of your to share some of the small tasks related to the program. I would also like for you to place two events on your calendars: the opening activity at 8:30 Monday morning and the culminating activity to be held at 10:00 on Friday. The culminating activity will be held at the Territorial Restoration, and our office will be coordinating the festivities. That will probably mean that we will need to do a bit of fetching and carrying I know I dont have to ask any of you to be friendly and helpful to our students, but I would like to ask that we all make every effort to be good examples to the students. Between now and Monday, lets make sure that our offices are tidy. Also while the students are here, we want to make sure that our conversation is G rated. And remember that the students are here to work not watch. If they are active participants, they will find this a much more rewarding experience. Thanks for all your help!Little Rock School District VITAL LINK Development Meeting Monday, February 3, 1997 LRSD District Office ATTENDING: Dr. Don Roberts, LRSD Superintendent Baker Kurrus, President of the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools Hubert Barksdale, Chair of Education, Greater Little Rock Chamber / Alliance VITAL LINK Chair Delia Moore, Alliance Board Member ! Alliance Marketing Action Team Chair Debbie Milam, VIPS/Partners In Education Coordinator Gail Nickerson, Administrative Assistant for Alliance Joe Swaty, Special Consultant to Alliance ! Staff support to Chambers Education Committee DISCUSSION OUTLINE: Formation of a VITAL LINK Executive Committee: Dr. Roberts, Debbie Milam, Baker Kurrus, Hubert Barksdale and Delia Moore Chamber / business community commitments: Recruitment of Businesses 50 to 70 targeted businesses through Chamber Education Committee effort Working list in development March 1 deadline for commitments North Little Rock VITAL LINK continuity for business community Size of program defined by number of businesses to participate Number of students! Lottery concept Number of teacher supervisors Number of buses Budget Issues ! Clarification of funding pledge from Alliance and grant status District Responsibilities Staffing of the VITAL LINK office ! VITAL LINK Coordinator (salary issue) Teacher and student recruitment and coordination Teacher stipend requirements Buses/Transportation issue Volunteers for additional staff support Public Relations ! Media Support jointly coordinated with Alliance and Chamber Coordination with VIPs Board Coordination with Partners In EducationMemo To: Vital Link Student Hosts From: Subject: Margie Powell, Vital Link Liaison First Day Activities Reminder Date: July 3, 1997 Just a note to remind you that Monday will be our first day host Vital Link students. Students will arrive at 8:30 a.m.
please be in suite 510 by 8:20. Our first activity will include a light breakfast and a brief presentation from each business representative. After which we will have the students fill out job applications, then we will interview them and assign them to each business. Please be prepared to give a brief description of your company (products, services, functions). Limit your presentation to three minutes or less. ODM, Arkansas Securities, Arkansas Times, and Petit and Petit will host two students each. The rest of you will be responsible for one student. See you Monday!Tommy Boren Junior Assistant Monitor Office of Desegregation Monitoring U.S. District CourtCertificate of Achievement awarded to: Tommy Boren Most Courteous Date SignedVITAL LINK HOSTS Agenda for Week of July 7, 1997 Monday. Julv 7 8:30 - 9:30 Students arrive and are esconed to Suite 510 where they will be served breakfast. During this time, representatives from the host businesses will provide a brief overview of their companies. 9:30-10:15 After the overviews and breakfast, students will fill out brief job applications and be interviewed for various jobs in the building. After the interviews, students will receive their job assignments and be escorted to the job sites. 10:15-11:15 Job site orientation 11:15-11:45 Return to Suite 510 for journal writing and snacks Tuesday S'*", Wednesday 9^**, Thursday, 10' 8:30 -8:45 Students arrive, assemble in Suite 510 8:45-11:15 Students at job sites 11:15-11:45 Students assemble in Suite 510, have a snack, write journals, discuss days activities, and plan culminating activity Friday, July 11** 8:30-9:30 Students assemble in Suite 510, then go to job sites. 10:00 -11:45 Culminating activity - Students will present certificates of appreciation to their bosses and tell what they learned from their experiences. Host businesses will present certificates of completion to the students. Parents will be invited to attend the ceremony. ODM will provide certificates and invitations for parents to attend the culminating activity. Businesses will share in the expenses associated with the snacks and culminating activity.VITAL LINK - ODM AGENDA July 7-11, 1997 Monday July 11 8:45 -10:15 Opening activities (see Building Agenda) 10:15-11:15 After breakfast and first-day job selection activities, student will meet with individual staff persons to discuss their jobs and current projects. We will only have about an hour for this, because opening activities will take most of the morning. 11:15-11:45 Students will write in their journals, discuss the days activities, and plan culminating activities. They will be given an opportunity to select invitations to give their parents for the closing ceremony. Tuesday, July 8 Student will help prepare to monitor summer school: devise guide, discuss methods for monitoring construction in the districts. Student will organize and record data for a monitoring report. Wednesday, July 9 Student will go on monitoring visit to a summer program and a construction site. Upon return, student will write findings. Thursday, July 10* Student will work with support staff: order supplies, clip newspaper articles, make copies, FAX something, use postage meter. Later, when all of the students assemble for journal writing, they will be given an opportunity vote on awards for their peers, i.e., friendliest student, hardest worker, etc. They will also rehearse the thank you speeches they will give to employers. Friday, July 11 8:30 - 9:30 Student finishes any remaining job obligations. 9:30-11:45 Culminating activity (see Hosts Agenda)7 I A Certijuate oJ-S^^reciatwn Wit/i Spedaf ^rfian^ to p'i C^e ^eseareaatwn '^our partkipatwn Has Hc^e/ex^an/a cHidfs Mrizans. Dibdbin^ Shulmt Ditiifbin^ Siunt u, mrVITAL LINK - ODM AGENDA July 7-11, 1997 Monday July 11 8:45-10:15 Opening activities (see Building Agenda) 10:15-11:15 After breakfast and first-day job selection activities, student will meet with individual staff persons to discuss their jobs and current projects. We will only have about an hour for this, because opening activities will take most of the morning. 11:15-11:45 Students will write in their journals, discuss the days activities, and plan culminating activities. They will be given an opportunity to select invitations to give their parents for the closing ceremony. - >th Tuesday, July 8' Student will help prepare to monitor summer school: devise guide, discuss methods for monitoring construction in the districts. Student will organize and record data for a monitoring report. Wednesday, July 9* Student will go on monitoring visit to a summer program and a construction site. Upon return, student will write findings. Thursday, July 10* Student will work with support staff: order supplies, clip newspaper articles, make copies, FAX something, use postage meter. Later, when all of the students assemble for journal writing, they will be given an opportunity vote on awards for their peers, i.e., friendliest student, hardest worker, etc. They will also rehearse the thank you speeches they will give to employers. Friday, July 11'" 8:30 - 9:30 Student finishes any remaining job obligations. 9:30-11:45 Culminating activity (see Hosts Agenda)VITAL LINK HOSTS Agenda for Week of July 7, 1997 Monday. Julv 7 8:30-9:30 ' Students arrive and are escorted to Suite 510 where they will be served breakfast. During this time, representatives from the host businesses will provide a brief overview of their companies. 9:30-10:15 After the overviews and breakfast, students will fill out brief job applications and be "interviewed for various jobs in the building. After the interviews, students will receive their job assignments and be escorted to the job sites. 10:15-11:15 Job site orientation 11:15-11:45 Return to Suite 510 for journal writing and snacks Tuesday 8", Wednesday 9, Thursday, IO'" 8:30 -8:45 Students arrive, assemble in Suite 510 8:45 -11:15 Students at job sites 11:15-11:45 Students assemble in Suite 510, have a snack, write journals, discuss days activities, and plan culminating activity Friday, July 11 th 8:30-9:30 Students assemble in Suite 510, then go to job sites. 10:00 -11:45 - Culminating activity - Students will present certificates of appreciation to their bosses and tell what they learned from their experiences. Host businesses will present cenificates of completion to the students. Parents will be invited to attend the ceremony. ODM will provide certificates and invitations for parents to attend the culminating activity. Businesses will share in the expenses associated with the snacks and culminating activity.Office of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court Eastern District of Arkansas Ann S. Brown. Federal Monitor 201 East Markham, Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501) 376-6200 Fax (501) 371-0100 To: From: AMR Architects, Inc. Arkansas Business Arkansas Securities Arkansas Times Moses Nosari Pettit & Pettit Margie Powell, Vital Link Coordinator Subject: Vital Link Expenses Date: July 16, 1997 Thanks again for your help, cooperation, and enthusiasm during our week of hosting Vital Link students. We received a double bonus from our experience: we got to know some wonderful children, and we got to know each other better. You have made a difference in the lives of at least 10 children, so lets get ready for the next batch in 1998! Below is an itemized list of the major expenses incurred for the Vital Link students. We have apportioned the amounts by dividing the total evenly among the seven businesses. Please make your payment to: Office of Desegregation Monitoring Thank you. Monday morning activities Donuts, juice, and paper products 31.82 Snacks 38.96 Twice a day, Tuesday through Thursday Fridays cumulating activity Cake, sandwiches, juice, and table accessories 127.73 Individual student pictures 44.60 Display board 18.00 Certificates Student, business, and teacher 7.00 Sub Total 268.11 Total due from each business S38.30LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT VITAL LINK VITAL LINK Is a partnership program of the Little Flock School District, the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools, and the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. July 22, 1997 RECSn^D JUL 2 5 1997 Ms. Margie Powell and Ms. Melissa Guldin Office of Desegregation and Monitoring 201 W. Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 OFfiCE OF desegregation MONITORING Dear Margie and Melissa, Thank you for hosting students during our first Vital Link program. We are pleased with how the program ran and with the students experiences. Our business community showed tremendous support for Vital Link. We know that coordinating the program took a lot of your time, and we are grateful for your enthusiastic participation. Please thank all of your employees who worked with our students. We have enclosed an evaluation for your input. Please let us know what worked well and what needs improvement. Your response is especially important since this was our first Vital Link experience. We are co-hosting a reception at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5 for Vital Link business coordinators and CEOs so we can say thank you in person. Watch for your invitation in the mail. Your efforts with Vital Link provided new learning experiences for young people this summer. Thanks for caring enough to work with them. Sincerely. Debbie Milam Little Rock School District 501 Sherman Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 324-2290 VITAL LINK BUSINESS QUESTIONNAIRE Business: Person completing survey: 1. Were you satisfied with the program? ____No Somewhat Extremely Comments: 2. Do you feel the training you received from the Vital Link staff was: Very helpful Somewhat helpful Not helpful 3. Please rank the teacher assigned to your business: Excellent Good Fair Poor (If you had more than one teacher assigned to your business list the teachers names and rank them using the scale above.) Explain: 4. From your perspective, what was the most beneficial pan of the experience?5. Please point out any problems you may have encountered with the Vital Link program. 6. How can we improve the program? (Check all that apply) Longer days More days Better preparation for the business Better preparation for the teacher Better preparation for the students Improve transportation Inform business of any student learning disabilities Inform business earlier of students not attending Other 7. Please estimate the number of employees who worked with students in your business. 8. Please estimate the total number of hours spent on Vital Link by employees in your business. 9. Are you interested in participating in Vital Link again? Comments: Yes No 10, Did your Vital Link experience change your perception of the Little Rock School District? Yes, now it is better Yes, now it is worse No, it is the same as beforeI" i: 07/2' 1997 IE: 06 5013242296 LRSD VIPS M PAGE 01 (1 FAX ) RANSM iTTAL S I Vbkinteers hi Rjl>licSdioc>L' .. 1- i S' I ] 1 t: J I 501 Shennan, Little Rock, AK 72202 Phone 324-2290 iHii [ P'gfts (inducting cover): I t ru ok)p cy^.ft-fthed i C xar.pidOjy Fax'# i - u ) u 0 -II u Frijra
Fax iQ'.to.e ft'Jam 3:/^ft:a5a0 ',6A'nr\ -^in'5 7T.i CejCi^A h/V CftC'jCk ft k7.j/j (J-. V".+<t! U
<4< ' i-PiSb , &Lft: Vclk--3i<!Y' !:Tc f( . ci.*> -raK,/>- I i a ClVnriAv L'tk/' t-ft Al I C '-u.l ! r ^c.-^Z --K (fv" L f'u.tU* < I >'/j '' 'nA Y-*< M.''Vi I . . -MW- - ' i 'cYSt '7 t, y 11 . .1 !S37 You are invited to a special reception in your honor. OrflCSOF You, along with representatives from other companies and organizations who participated in this summer's VITAL LINK program, are to be saluted at a reception. You helped us reach the "pinnacle of success" with VITAL LINK! Please make plans now to attend the reception on Tuesday, August 5, at 5:00 p.m. in the Pinnacle Room atop the Arkansas' Excelsior Hotel. R.S.V.P. today by calling 370'9300. LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT VITAL LINK unuMxx MH iS RMQORPUBUCSCaOOU t- Memo JUL 2 5 1997 To: Host Businesses-Vital Link Students From: Margie Powell, Vital Link Business CoordinatoTy^f^ OfflCfOF o OcSfGflEGATlOWMOlVirOfi/jVG Subject: Program Evaluation Date: July 25, 1997 The Little Rock School District sent the evaluation form for the Vital Link program to our office. They did not have a list of the business hosts in the building. The Vital Link coordinator asked me to distribute the evaluation forms to you, and she apologized for not getting in touch directly with each of you. I have forwarded the Vital Link office a list of host businesses and contact persons, so expect to hear soon about an upcoming reception for all of you. Our building had a unique situation with the way we were organized, but we did just fine, thanks to all of you. If you like, I can deliver your evaluations through the school mail system, or you can mail them to: VITAL LINK, Little Rock School District, 501 Sherman, Little Rock, AR 72202 If you want me to mail them, please return the evaluations by Tuesday, July 29.THE CHAMBER Where Business Comes Together GREATER LITTLE ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECEIV^r* AUG 5 133/ OFFICEOF DESEGREGATION MONITORING August 4, 1997 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Chamber Education Committee Members Hubert Barksdale, Chamber Chair of Education SUBJECT: August Education Committee Meeting Thursday, August 14 - 10:00 a.m. Chamber Board Room Hope you enjoyed our committees break dming the summer months, but its back to school time! Please note on your calendar our next Education Committee meeting, scheduled for Thursday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. in e Chambers Board Room. Education issues will continue to make headlines for the remainder of 1997 and our committee will be exploring the issues behind the headlines at our next meeting. We are planning a full agenda, including a video presentation of the Little Rock School Districts successful VITAL LINK program this summer
an overview of the Chambers role in a major School To Work Federal grant proposal
a report on the Tri-district Parmers In Education annual breakfast event
and reports from each of the districts on the excitement ahead for the new school year. Please make every effort to attend this important August meeting of our Education Committee. Call Sandy Bradley at the Chamber (374-4871) today to RSVP your attendance plans and to reconfirm your interest m serving on this important Chamber committee. SERVING LITTLE ROCK, NORTH LITTLE ROCK .AND CENTRAL ARKANSAS 101 S. SPRING ST.. SUITE 200, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201-2486 (501) 374-4871 E-MAIL: chambeT^litilerockchambeT.com WEBSITE: http://www.littlerockchaniber.com C-: : A 50
2z6 M PAGE 62 Vita) Link little Rock school District 501 Shef'man street Little Rock, Arkansas 72'202 TO
PROM: '/Itai Link Advisors DePhie Milam ' DATE
August 6, 1997 RE: Vital LinK Teacher Appreciation Reception weTfe having a teacher appreciation reception for our vital i ink teachers on Tuesaiy, August i2 from 4:00 5:5C p m in the LRSD Poaro room. Please come by and tell our teachers what a good job they did. Cali me at 2297 to let me know if you're coming, i hope YOU can Join us I , , rv f' A r \\ ' V-i 4- y V .iV- I* , i- L, k i? I H C (h- i* A -1 I -1' r>i> .. V V''' L 4 I''' ,t- ''Vv . Li ' ' 'ft . V' 14 ' i I 4^" V .'J' ALITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT tMH Zl 'A ^vi f - J^- 1 i3M t. 5 bEIl 9I Sli fl I4 V:. IS r
E I J ')-b r ip ac a Cffi^nbh- 'y /\il i
J is ! I i I '^-WL I I I*s, II LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT ^> /^}/3ya^a/ii-fti ^^Y-Zc _ ~i,a'rl:> /) 't / (/ilci ^1/1 y /A ,// tuafif n n<03'704-98 19:11? 301 324 2023 LRSD COMMUMCATI ODM @002'0Ci3 Little Rock School District Vitiil Ixink Prepares for Evpanded Program In the Little Rock School. District For Im.mediare Release Mai'ch 4,1998 For mote information'. Debbie Milam, 324-2297 Suellen Vann, 324-2020 What happens when 500 sixth grade student
o to work in local businesses? Last summer business and student parhcipants in tb.e Vital Link program found out that a lot of learning and fun could take place when schools and businesses connect Vital Link gives sixth grade students a chance to intern for one week in a retail. production or service firm. A teacher supervises rhe students who spend five mornings on foe job. The job experience helps students understand how their reading, math and communication skills, among others, are actually used in business settings. They begin to sec the link between their classroom lessons and the workplace. Debbie Milam, Little Rock School District Vital Link coordinator, said this years Vital Link program will expand. We hope to place about 750 students in local firms this summer, Milam said. "Our first year was extremely successful according to commenK we received from participating businesses, students and pajents. Lasr summer we placed ail of the students who applied for Vital l ,ink in Pulaski County business orgamzations. We are contacting businesses now for their commitment to host students and teachers this summer. Milam, added.
more) 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)324-2000 '03"04, 98 19:1T 301 324 2023 LRSD CO5nR:yiCATI ODM @003 .'003 LRSD Vita) Link Page 2 of 2 Cuireni sixJi grade students Vvill be eligible for this summers Vital Link program vvhicn is scneduied for The weexs of June 22. JuJ,v 6 and July 20, Parents are invited to ioformationai meetings that vd'J be held: Tuesday, M.arch 17, 5:00 p.m., Media Center Cloverdale .Eiementaiy School 6500 Hinltson Road Thursday, March 19, 8:00 -- 8:30 am., Media Center Fulbriglit Elementary School 300 Pleasant Valley Drive Fridav, March 20, 12:00- 12:30 p.m,, Multipuipose Room .Martin Luther King. Jr. interdistrict Masnet Eiementarv Schoo! 907 Martin L. King Blvd. Busiresses and pareu'ts may obtain more information on the Vital Link program by calling 324'2297.
i If
i03 04'98 17:59 501 324 2023 LRSD COM5IUNICATI ODM @001 '001 Little Rock .Schoo! .District 810 West Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone
Fax
(501),324-2020 (501)324-2032 DATE: March 4,1998 TO
FROM: Central Arkansas Media Cymthia Howell, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Suellen Vann, Director of Communications SUBJECT: Special Board Meeting Situation MESSAGE: Two members of the Little Rock School District (LRSD) Board of Directors wilt have dinner together tonight, which is considered a special board meeting situation. Judy Magness and Dr. Katherine Mitchel! will dine at U.S, Pizza at 9300 N. Rodney Parham Road at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, 1998. # Pages (indud ng cover) 1 To Fax # Program Dial ol Preparing students for success every day RECEIVED Little Rock School District APR 2 1998 OFFICE OF DESEGREGATION MONITORING March 31, 1998 Ms. Ann Brown ODM 201 E. Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 Dear Ann: Its Vital Link time again in the Little Rock School District. Last year you were a part of our first year of Vital Link. We appreciated your willingness to be a part of a new and unknown program. We hope that you will be able to work with us again this year to provide this unique learning experience for a group of students, a teacher and your employees. We will be serving 750 students this year, an increase of 50% over last year. This means we will need even more business placements than we had last year. We hope that most businesses will be able to work out taking a group of 10 students so that we can hold down the costs of the program. We were creative last year and combined some placements of five students in the same building when possible. Well offer the program again during a three-week time period: June 22, July 6 and July 20. Businesses are welcome to host students for one, two or all three weeks of the program. Please complete the questions below and send us a copy of your response by April 10, 1998, so that we can plan our 1998 program. Call me at 324-2297 if you have questions. a,.. Sincerely, BebbieMilam Coordinator Yes, I want my company to participate and will consider taking students the week(s) indicated below. June 22-26 July 6-10 July 20-24 We have a new contact person (name) (phone) No, we are not able to participate in the 1998 Vital Link program. 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)324-20007-2^' 9 7 BUSINESS PROFILES AMR (one student) '7 ''{cs cLe, / AMR is a firm of architects who have designed some of the most noteworthy projects in the central Arkansas area. Among their commissions are: the War Memorial Fitness Center, the River Market, and the Fletcher Branch Library. Arkansas Business (one student) Arkansas Business is an award-winning weekly newspaper that reports on statewide business and financial news. Arkansas Times (two students) ! The Arkansas Times is a weekly newspaper that reports on Politics and culture. Some of Arkansas best known columnists write regularly for the Times. Moses Nosari (one student) G' Cl n e:) This is a property management firm. The employees of Moses Nosari are responsible for many commercial buildings in the Little Rock area. They find tenants to lease the space, collect the rent paid by tenants, see to repairs and improvements, and see to the many details required to maintain a building. Both the Heritage Center West, where these offices are, and the Heritage Center East, which is across the parking lot, are managed by Moses Nosari. Office of Desegregation Monitoring (two students) ss^. ) The office was created by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to monitor the three school district in Pulaski county. It is their responsibility to report to the local federal district court on each of the districts adherence to the desegregation plans. Writing reports and keeping records of the court case are two major office responsibilities. The office has nine employees. Pettit and Pettit Consulting Engineers (two students) This engineering firm works on both private sector and public projects such as the Statehouse Convention Center expansion, the Arkansas museum of Science and History, and the River Market. Arkansas Securities Department (two students) C This state commission is charged with overseeing the security industry (stocks and bonds) in Arkansas. Both federal and state governments enact laws that control the trading of securities and protect investors. The commission investigates complaints regarding any securities dealers.Memorandum To
Heritage West Hosts for Vital Link From: Melissa Guldin Subject: Vital Link Week Date: June 19, 1998 As you know, the Vital Link students will be here next week. Just as we did last year, we will begin the week with a brief orientation in the ODM conference room on fifth floor. Please send a representative to this meeting, which will be held at 8:30 Monday, June 22. Each business representative will be able to make a short statement explaining the type of work his/her company does. After this meeting, students will fill out a job application and participate in a brief interview before being placed in one of your businesses. On Monday, students will arrive at your office around 9:30 a.m.. On the other days, students will arrive around 8:30 or 8:45 and they will work with you until 11:00. Dont forget to mark your calendars to attend the culminating activity on Friday. We are planning to hold the reception at the Territorial Restoration at 10:30. We are also inviting each childs parents to this event, so you will get a chance to meet your students family members. Our office will take care of the snacks and the reception, and we will let you know your share of the costs. 4SCHEDULE FOR VITAL LINK AT ODM Nicole Snelling, teacher Melissa Guldin, business contact person Monday Students complete job applications and participate in interviews (Nicole and Melissa oversee applications
interviews conducted by Horace, Skip, Polly, Melissa, and Nicole) ODM students work to develop monitoring guide for summer school (Horace and Melissa) Students create their own badges (Polly) Tuesday Visit the Federal Court and conduct monitoring visit at Franklin (Margie, Horace, and Melissa) Wednesday Write up findings from monitoring visit (Margie and Melissa) Thursday Work with support staff on various tasks (Polly, Jackie, Linda) Friday Prepare for culminating activity assist ODM staff with set-up at Territorial Restoration (Melissa, Margie, Horace, Polly, Linda),?. e A- e < A < > A* > < e N? S!^- A < @ > * * A > , > A 4 a 4 # > *x Sis' .|Sl r B '< 4 w < \v:\ '1 W (^ . w > < s e A- e J I > 4 V > s.< 4> > > > e < $ < e > e w 1 > 4 ^4 9 4 > & 9 41^ < & 9 * A ^iufhin^ Ced^ratwn e ^HeK ^ne 16, 199S Time: > a e @' < w < 10:00 - IMO a.M. . . f DJhfre: ^imtcrtal ^(stcratwn e iX n^i fsii > 2MTastJ Street '^hittle S^r^tisas SL '*'J/^-a)O 'fej^ 4 < A S.06/23/1998 16: 33 501-324-2023 LRSD COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 02/02 s Slowest Markham Street ~ Little Rock. AR 72201 ~ (5011324.2020 ~ FAX 1501.224-?O?.Dont Forget Vital Link Reception Friday, June 26 10:00 a.m. Arkansas Territorial RestorationUita! Link Cert^ati t^S^nievement Tresente/to Clarisse 'Otters recognition of nJo^ we(f/one. ^usituss Partner Tmclier 199Sl/ital link M^ate oJ-S^^reiiatum ^it/i Specidf Qiuin^ to '^our partuivatum ^as ex^atuf a cniQ's norizons. <Vitafin^ Stu/ent ^itaC jin(i TidcHcr Stu/entOffice of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court Eastern District of Arkansas Ann S. Brown, Federal Monitor 201 East Markham, Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)376-6200 Fax (501) 371-0100 June 26, 1998 Mr. Floyd Cooper, Supervisor LRSD Transportation Services 1001 E. 21 Street Little Rock, AR 72202 Dear Mr. Cooper: On behalf of the Office of Desegregation Monitoring and the businesses in the Heritage West building who participated in the Vital Link Program, please accept our sincere thanks for sending Mr. Mike Campbell to transport the Vital Link students for our building. Mr. Campbell did an excellent job, not only delivering the students safely and on time, but also in transporting students and their supervisors on field trips. Mr. Campbell was courteous, friendly, and knowledgeable. He pointed out safety tips to the students on one of our field trips and explained the reasoning behind those tips. We inadvertently left Mr. Campbells certificate behind during our culminating activity and would appreciate it if you would see that he gets the enclosed certificate. Jncerely, largie L. Powell Associate Monitor .. . 07/08/1998 16:J.3 501-324-2023 LRSD COMMUNICATIONS ' PAGE 01/01 I / tEC-Little Rock School District MEDU Al/ERI! Vital Link Students Active in Local Businesses For Immediate Release JulvM 1998 For more information: Suellen Vann. 324-2020 This week students paititipating in the Little Rock School District Vital Link program are learning about the world of work in local businesses. This is the second summer that sixth grade students have joined forces with the business community to learn how their .school lessons - such as reading, writing and mathematics - are used eveiy' day by local business employee.^. Tomorrow several Vital Link students will be on the move as follows
Students assigned to Sells/Clark advertising agency will travel to Soundscapes to produce a radio commercial that they have written. Students will arrive at Soundscapes, 3d2' Qid Cantrell Road, at about 9:00 a.m, and leave at 11
00 a.m. Viral Link students assigned to the United Way will build a wheel chair ramp at i ,
65 Purdue. Students will be at that location from about 9:15 until 11:00 a.m. Little Rock Wastewater students will tour the treatment plant at the Little Rock Port. They will arrive at the Port at about 9:00 a.m. and leave at 10:00 a.m. k-p- ### ft I 01O West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)324-2000 tail ..T OS.03 as MON 10:33 FAX 501 S"? 3453 :a' w Office STEPHENS INC, 0001 w ? IF Hl
. ak. 1 Dote J z .1 Phone Rax Plionex ~ lj RR.MAUKS: Evonne EUer.': Stephens Inc n VrpeiH roryovrivview Phuite Fax Phone 377.3700 377-3453 I-P Reply AS.4P Q Ptuafie Coinntent t n O ' / i. iI * d .'1 . 'aZiLs"!'. S>,'? >'*> y 4 <-----f .' / JA t. V'S r sa EVOMKeS CAKE DECOHATINjGn 7 07 iOUAJLLANE X AUEXANOER, AA 720C2 (SOI) 45S-12t7 o .( *j3 t ( ISP iMI H I* ! ,>An O! f .ajiz tDHKSs, I HV. SlAli, /IC o Tl ' StKOHV fASlI L.JX tU.-'Utjt fRiAt I Iy MOSr. f'Al.MHII Win CH o i cn ERS f <jUAN DI SrKli'TK )N z\M<lUN I < : i 11 z c c, lU 11 1? RECriVFDBY XJ Ot KEtP THIS SLIP FOR REFERENCF Li^azob tgawpBiBa^W'riiir^ TMaw o ro LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT / ?r t CL'}^ i-4v UiV CJw^clAUt Q/^id t Office of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court Eastern District of Arkansas Ann S. Brown. Federal Monitor 201 East Markham, Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501) 376-6200 Fax (501) 371 -0100 To: From: AMR Architects, Inc. Arkansas Business Arkansas Securities Arkansas Times Pettit & Pettit Margie Powell and Melissa Guldih, Vital Link Coordinators Subject: Vital Link Expenses Date: July 31, 1998 Thanks again for your help, cooperation, and enthusiasm during our week of hosting Vital Link students. Again this year, we got to know some wonderful children and became better acquainted among ourselves. You have made a difference in the lives of at least 9 children. We are looking forward to working with you again next year. Below is an itemized list of the major expenses incurred for the Vital Link students. We have apportioned the amounts by dividing the total evenly among the six businesses. Please make your payment to: Office of Desegregation Monitoring Thank you. Snacks $52.11 Twice a day, Monday through Thursday Fridays cumulating activity Cake, sandwiches, juice, table accessories, and student gifts 136.79 Display board and pictures 24.00 Sub Total 212.90 Total due from each business $35.48WORK EXPERIENCE EVALUATION Name: Job Site: Supervisor(s): 1. What did you like best about your job? Explain. 2. What did you like least about your job? Explain. 3. Did you get to do real work or did you spend more time watching? 4. After working this week, do you see more value in paying attention in school? Why? 5. Did you get an overall picture of what your business does? 6. Do you think you would like to work for this company when you finish school? Continued on back.7. What do you suggest for your business to do differently next year with their Vital Link students? 8. Did you find the time you spent in the ODM office in the early morning helpful? How? What about after work? 9. What would you change about the Vital Link program? 10. Overall, how would you rank your experiences in the Vital Link program? (Circle your choice.) 1 Poor 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 GoodEMPLOYMENT APPLICATION Heritage West Building 201 East Markham Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Name: School (6* grade): Teacher: School (7* grade): Favorite Subjects: Least Favorite Subjects: Have you ever worked before? Yes: No: If yes, where? What were your responsibilities? Do you have any illnesses or health problems? Yes: No
If yes, identify. What are your favorite hobbies? What are your career goals? I understand that the interviewer will make the decision which company in the Heritage West Building for which I will be assigned
however, if given the choice, I would like to work for: Applicant's SignatureI I I want to participate in VITAL LINK or learn more about the program! Name Title Company Name Street Address City State Zip Phone Fax r~l I want to learn more about VITAL LINK and how my company might participate. Please have a representative contact me.!1 Q Yes, I want my company to participate and will consider taking students the week(s) indicated below. Please have a representative call me to discuss all the details. Ilune 16-20 Jlune 23-27 July 7-11 Fax this completed form back today to 374-6018, or mail it to: VITAL LINK Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce 101 S. Spring St., Ste. 200 Little Rock, AR 72201-2486 I I I I I 1 What is VITAL LINK? VITAL LINK is the Little Rock School Districts new program to help students and teachers make the link between classroom skills and work place success. Many young people enter the workplace unprepared. Either they have dropped out from school or have neglected basic academics that provide the necessary skills needed for success. Also, classroom teachers often unfamiliar with the actual skills needed within the workplace are constantly challenged to make students class work relevant to skills needed within the work force. How does it work? VITAL LINK will enable sixth grade students and teachers to participate in one-week internships with community businesses. By visiting businesses during the morning hours this summer, they will experience firsthand how the classroom subjects they are learning and teaching are used in the workplace. Working with professionals on the job, participants will-, - receive experience in such fields as banking, accounting, hotel management, non-profit agencies, retailing, printing, manufacturing, law enforcement, the legal profession and others. They will learn the importance of math and communication skills, problem solving, teamwork, computer literacy, creativity and originality. Whats involved? The Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools, is asking area businesses to step forward and agree to allow students and teachers to visit their businesses this summer. Certified teachers will supervise groups of students who will participate in the one-week internships, scheduled for the weeks of June 16, June 23 and July 7. Every business is different. Some businesses may only choose to participate for one week, while others may want to host students and teachers for each of the three weeks. A teacher supervisor helps each business identify age-appropriate activities. A portion of each morning is spent as a group with discussion and journal writing to help students make the link between curriculum and the workplace. Why should my business participate? This is your opportunity to experience the personal satisfaction of being involved in a unique, new community program. In other cities that have VITAL LINK programs, businesses have gained tremendously through their participation. Employee morale will improve as employees see their jobs through the eyes of a young student. This is your opportunity to contribute ideas about teaching and motivation as a hands-on participant. You also will win recognition for yourself and your company for involvement in this important new program that has a proven track record in other school districts throughout the nation. To find out more details or commit your participation right now, complete the form on the back of this brochure and return it to the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT VITAL L I N K is a partnership program of the Little Rock School District, the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools and the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. UTTUROCK lAlliancEi FOR OUR PUBUG SCHOOLS When -afTineinefe -iTieinMnet' r o.i^ TO: FROM
RE: DATE: LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT VOLUNTEERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 501 SHERMAN STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72202 Vital Link Supporters Debbie Milam. Coordinator 1999 Vital Link Planning Cojmmmmiitttteeee February 3,1999 4 Its time to begin planning our 1999 Vital Link program. You are invited to attend a planning meeting to discuss last years program and any changes that need to be made to this years program. We will meet Monday, February 8 at 4:00 pm in the Student Registration Office. The group will meet a second time on Tuesday, February 16 at 4:00 pm to continue planning. You can reach me at 324-2297 if you have questions or to decline this invitation. Thanks for your past support of Vital Link. Without permanent staffing, it takes all of us to pull this off each year! CP LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT VOLUNTEERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 501 SHERMAN STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72202 FEB 2 4 1999 OFFICE OF OtSEBWEBW'OHWOWTOWHa TO
FROM: RE: DATE: Vital Link Supporters Debbie Milam, Coordinator Interviewing Vital Link teacher applicants February 22, 1999 We have scheduled Vital Link teacher interviews for April 13 and 14, from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. We want to have teams comprised of district and community representatives again this year. Please let me know by March 5 if you will be able to serve as an interviewer this year.Memorandum To: From: Heritage West Business Hosts for Vital Link 1*^ Melissa GuldinJ^sociate Monitor, ODM Subject: Vital Link 1999 Date: May 10, 1999 After last summers successful Vital Link program, our office is once again coordinating the Vital Link efforts for the Heritage West Building. Our building will host ten students during the week of June 14-18. We are hoping that each of you who participated in the program last year will want to take part this year as well. Attached you will find a brief form confirming your willingness to be a Vital Link partner for this year. Please be sure to indicate how many students you would like to have assigned to your business. We need to hear from you by May 26, 1999. Thank you for your interest in the program and Little Rock youth. We look forward to hearing from you, and we will be in touch with more details soon.Heritage West Business Hosts for Vital Link Page 2 May 15, 1998 Vital Link Survey Yes, we want to participate in the 1999 Vital Link Program No, we will not be able to participate in the 1999 Vital Link Program Please indicate the number of students your office would be willing to host: one student two students three studentsVITAL LINK BUSINESS QUESTIONNAIRE Business: Person completing survey: z^/zz- ^/^zcg
1. Were you satisfied with the program? ____No ____Somewhat ^^^l^remely Comments: 2. Please list the kinds of activities the students were engaged in at your business: 3. Please rank the teacher assigned to your business: ^,J<^llent Good Fair Poor If you had more than one teacher assigned to your business list the teachers names and rank them using the scale above. Comments: 4. From your perspective, what was the most beneficial part of the experience? -77//I- /J /34/Z'VITAL LINK BUSINESS QUESTIONNAIRE Continued 5. Please point out any problems you may have encountered with the Vital Link program. 6. How can we improve the program? (Check all that apply) Longer days ____More days ____Better preparation for the business ____Better preparation for the teacher ____Better preparation for the students ____Improve transportation ____Inform business of any student learning disabilities ____Inform business earlier of students not attending Change the time the program is offered from summer to school year. Other Comments: 7. Please estimate the number of employees who worked with students in your business: 8. Please estimate the total number of hours spent on Vital Link by employees in your business: ~/ > 9. Are you interested in participating in Vital Link again? Yes No Comments: Please return by fax: 324-2044Office of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court Eastern District of Arkansas Ann S. Brown, Federal Monitor 201 East Markham, Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)376-6200 Fax (501) 371-0100 To: From: WkMR Architects, Inc. vAfkansas Business -Arkansas Securities vAfkansas Times 'Moses, Nosari, Tucker "Pettit & Pettit vTfhomas & Thomas Office of Desegregation Monitoring Melissa Guldin, Vital Link Coordinator Subject: Vital Link Expenses Date: June 22,1999 Thanks again for your help, cooperation, and enthusiasm during our week of hosting Vital Link students. The experience was enhanced by getting to know each other better and having the opportunity to work with some wonderful children. You have made a difference in the lives of at least nine children, so lets get ready for the next batch in 2000! Below is an itemized list of the major expenses incurred for the Vital Link students. We have apportioned the amounts by dividing the total evenly among the eight businesses. Please make your payment to: Office of Desegregation Monitoring Thank you. Snacks 44,29 Cookies, juice, chips, etc. twice a day, Tuesday through Thursday Fridays cumulating activity Cake, sandwiches, juice, and table accessories 126.04 Pictures and display board 74.65 Sub Total 244.98 Total due from each business S30.62]//^^\/ ^35 Q -f ^/. ??5 9.9S //.^^ 9.?- a5*('c/4.^r2iReminder To: Heritage West Hosts for Vital Link From: Melissa Suldin Subject: Vital Link Week bate: June 5, 2000 As you know, the Vital Link students will be here next week. Just as we did the past three years, we will begin the week with a brief orientation which will be held in the Office of Desegregation Monitoring conference room on the fifth floor. Please send a representative to this meeting, which will be held at 8:30 Monday, June 12. Each business representative should be able to make a short statement explaining the type of work his/her company does. After this meeting, students will fill out a job application and participate in a brief interview before being placed in one of your businesses. On Monday, students will arrive at your office around 9:30 a.m.. On the other days, students will arrive around 8:30 or 8:45 and they will work with you until 11:00. Don't forget to mark your calendars to attend the culminating activity on Friday at 10:30. We will let you know the location for the reception, as soon as plans are finalized. We are also inviting each child's parents to this event, so you will get a chance to meet your student's family members. Our office will take care of the snacks and the reception, and we will let you know your share of the costs.1 Vital Link: Passage to 00 Research Design Students participating in Vital Link, during the summer of 1999, were asked to complete a survey at the end of the Vital Link experience (see Appendix A). Vital Link is a one-week intern program where students received on-the-job experiences through actual work on the job. Vital Link motivates students to achieve in school through experiencing the connection between school, work, and achievement. In addition to the survey (N = 304) returned by students, all students (N = 394) who participated in Vital Link have been flagged on the AS400. Students who participated in Vital Link will be compared, at a later date, to students who did not participate on standardized test scores, number of honors or AP courses, number of courses above grade level, attendance, and graduation rates. Results Table 1 Gender: Male, N= 132 (43.4%) Female, N = 153 (50.3%) No Response, N = 19 (6.3%) Table 2 Race: Asian/Pacific Islander, N = 16 (5.3%) Black, N = 191 (62.8%) Hispanic, N = 5 (1.6%) Native American, N = 3 (1.0%) White, N = 66 (21.7%) Other, N = 2, No Response, N = 21 (6.9%) Table 3 Age: 11, N = 60 (19.7%) 12, N = 203 (66.8) 13, N= 18 (5.9%) Other, N= 1 (.3%) No response) N = 22 (7.2%)2 Table 4 School Attending this Fall, 99-00: Cloverdale, N = 32 (10.5%) Dunbar, N = 50 (16.4%) Forest Heights, N = 53 (17.4%) Henderson, N = 19 (6.3%) Mablevale, N = 14 (4.6%) Mann, N = 50 (16.4%) Pulaski Heights, N = 33 (10.9%) Southwest, N = 10 (3.3%) No Response, N = 47 (15.5%) Self Esteem Indicators Average scores (i.e.. Mean, 70 between 1 and 2 indicate that the statement is mostly true. Scores greater than 2 indicate that the statement is mostly false. The interpretation for all statements, except 13 and 14, is that the lower the score the greater the feelings of self-esteem. For questions 13 and 14, the higher the score the greater the feelings of self-esteem. Table 5 7. I am happy most of the time. X = 1.53 8. I am usually happy when I am at school. X = 2.21 9. Most of the time I am proud of myself. X=1.4 10. Other students see me as a good student. X=1.60 11. My grades at school are good. X= 1.27 12. I feel good about myself X = 1.81 13. Sometimes I feel bad about myself. X = 2.95 14. I often wish I were someone else. X = 2.97 Indicators of Future Performance Average scores (i.e.. Mean, X) between 1 and 2 indicate that students will very likely perform the behavior. Scores greater than 2 indicate that students are very unlikely to perform the behavior. The interpretation for all statements is that the lower the score the greater the likelihood that students will perform the various behaviors.3 Table 6 15, 16. I will work harder in school. X = 1-25 I will stay in school. X = 1.08 17. I will feel that school is important to me. X= 1.28 18. I will set goals and make plans for the future. X= 1.18 19. I will use the workplace skills that I learned during Vital Link in school. X = 1-32 Discussion Gender and ethnic demographics of students participating in Vital Link are consistent with LRSD wide demographics, with age 12 as the most common age. Students planning to attend LRSDs two magnet middle schools tend to enroll at a higher rate than non-magnet school bound students. Student self-report on indictors of self- esteem reflects generally high levels of self-esteem. The exception is the statement, I am usually happy when 1 am at school. Students tended to feel this statement as being mostly false (see Table 5). Students reported high levels of future performance levels (see Table 6). This survey was a post-test design. It was not known what student levels of self- esteem or future performance were prior to participating in Vital Link. Recommendations Emphasis should be placed on recruiting students who plan to attend or are attending Southwest, Mablevale, and Pulaski Heights Middle Schools. Students have indicated a low level of happiness while at school. Efforts should be initiated to demonstrate to students the benefits of attending and performing well in school. Successful programs in the District that encourage student attendance and achievement should be identified and implemented District wide. Finally, a pre/post-test design should be used to determine the affect of Vital Link on student self-esteem and future performance. Plans for Vital Link during the 99-00 school year is to administer the self- esteem and performance portion of the survey during March, 2000.4 .\ Appendix A5 Vital Link Please respond on the attached answer sheet the appropriate response to the following questions. Please use a pencil and do not mark anywhere else on the answer sheet or tear the sheet. Thank you! 1. Gender A = Male B = Female 2. Race A = Asian/Pacific Islander B = Black C = Hispanic 3. Race (Cent.) A = Native American B = White C = Other 4. Age A= 11 B = 12 C= 13 D = Other 5. School attending this fall. A = Cloverdale B = Dunbar C = Forest Heights D = Henderson 6. School attending this fall (Cont.). A = Mable vale B = Mann C = Pulaski Heights D = Southwest6 Read the following statements. Think about each statement. Ask yourself is the statement mostly true or mostly false or somewhere in between. Then, on the attached Answer Sheet fill in the corresponding letter that reflects how you feel about each statement. Mostly True Mostly False 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. A B C D I am happy most of the time. I am usually happy when I am at school. Most of the time I am proud of myself. Other students see me as a good student. My grades at school are good. I feel good about myself Sometimes I feel bad about myself. I often wish I were someone else. Next, we would like to know how your Vital Link experience might affect you in the coming school year. Below is a list of statements. Read each statement. Think about whether each statement is very likely to happen, very unlikely to happen or somewhere in between. Read each statement and respond on the answer using the following key. Very Likely Very Unlikely 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. A B C D I will work harder in school. I will stay in school. I will feel that school is important to me. I will set goals and make plans for the future. I will use the workplace skills that I learned during Vital Link in school.7Office of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court Eastern District of Arkansas Ann S. Brown, Federal Monitor 201 East Markham, Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)376-6200 Fax (501) 371-0100 To: From: IzAMR Architects, Inc. Arkansas Business Airkansas Securities Arkansas Times Moses, Nosari, Tucker Pettit & Pettit Thomas & Thomas Office of Desegregation Monitoring Melissa Guldin. Vital Link Coordinator Subject: Vital Link Expenses Date: July 31, 2000 Thanks again for your help, cooperation, and enthusiasm during our week of hosting Vital Link students. The experience was enhanced by getting to know each other better and having the opportunity to work with some wonderful children. You have made a difference in the lives of at least eight children, so lets get ready for the next batch in 2001! Below is an itemized list of the major expenses incurred for the Vital Link students. We have apportioned the amounts by dividing the total evenly among the eight businesses. Please make your payment to: Office of Desegregation Monitoring Thank you. Snacks 59.85 Cookies, juice, chips, etc. twice a day, Tuesday through Thursday Fridays cumulating activity Cake, sandwiches, juice, and table accessories 122.59 Pictures and display board 82.51 Sub Total 264.95 Total due from each business $33.12WORK EXPERIENCE EVALUATION Name. Job Site
, Supervisor(s): 1. What did you like best about your job? Explain. 2. What did you like least about your job? Explain. 3. Did you get to do real work or did you spend more time watching? 4. After working this week, do you see more value in paying attention in school? Why? 5. Did you get an overall picture of what your business does? 6. Do you think you would like to work for this company when you finish school? Continued on back.BUSINESS PROFILES AMR (one student) AMR is a firm of architects who have designed some of the most noteworthy projects in the central Arkansas area. Among their commissions are: the War Memorial Fitness Center, the River Market, and the Fletcher Branch Library. Arkansas Business (one student) Arkansas Business is an award-winning weekly newspaper that reports on statewide business and financial news. Arkansas Times (two students) The Arkansas Tinies is a weekly newspaper that reports on Politics and culture. Some of Arkansas best known columnists write regularly for the Times. Moses Nosari (one student) This is a property management firm. The employees of Moses Nosari are responsible for many commercial buildings in the Little Rock area. They find tenants to lease the space, collect the rent paid by tenants, see to repairs and improvements, and see to the many details required to maintain a building. Both the Heritage Center West, where these offices are, and the Heritage Center East, which is across the parking lot, are managed by Moses Nosari. Office of Desegregation Monitoring (two students) The office was created by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to monitor the three school district in Pulaski county. It is their responsibility to report to the local federal district court on each of the districts adherence to the desegregation plans. Writing reports and keeping records of the court case are two major office responsibilities. The office has nine employees. Pettit and Pettit Consulting Engineers (two students) This engineering firm works on both private sector and public projects such as the Statehouse Convention Center expansion, the Arkansas museum of Science and History, and the River Market. Arkansas Securities Department (two students) This state commission is charged with overseeing the security industry (stocks and bonds) in Arkansas. Both federal and state governments enact laws that control the trading of securities and protect investors. The commission investigates complaints regarding any securities dealers.Students Name Business Tommy Boren Albert Ray Brown Dasha Chambliss Joseph Dahms Latrice Duncan Gillian Glasco Erica Hill Brandon Jones Sherica Merriweather Amanda Roseby VITAL LINK Attendance Chart Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayEMPLOYMENT APPLICATION Heritage West Building 201 East Markham Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Name: School (6"^ grade): Teacher: School (7' grade): Favorite Subjects: Least Favorite Subjects: Have you ever worked before? Yes: No: If yes, where? What were your responsibilities? Do you have any illnesses or health problems? Yes: No: If yes, identify. What are your favorite hobbies? What are your career goals? I understand that the interviewer will make the decision which company in the Heritage West Building for which I will be assigned
however, if given the choice, I would like to work for: Applicants SignatureSUMMER SCHOOL MONITORING GUIDE School:. Grade: Subject: Date: Time: Monitor: 1. Displays are related to lessons. 2. Theme is evident. 2. Students are involved in lesson. 4. Instruction is teacher directed or interactive. 5. Student work is on display. 6. Seating is mixed by race and gender, traditional rows, etc.Office of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court Eastern District of Arkansas Tommy Boren Junior Assistant Monitor 201 East Markham, Suite 510 Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501) 376-6200 Fax (501) 371-0100Parents of LRfiD 6th grade students should take a look at Vital Linkl ( Vital Link is an exciting new enrichment program which will be offered free of charge to 500 rising seventh grade students in the Little Rock School District. Vital Link will teach your child the relationship between his/her classroom studies and the future world of work. Plan to attend one of these informational meetings so you can learn how your child will benefit from spending a week this summer in a local business firm! Meetings for parents will be held: Tuesday, April 8, 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.. Media Center Geyer Springs Elementary School 5240 Mabelvale Pike Friday, April 11.12:00 -12:30 p.m.. Media Center Martin Luther King, Jr., High Intensity Learning Interdistrict Magnet Elementary School 907 Martin L. King Blvd. For more information, please contact your school counselor, or call Debbie Milam, 324-2297, or Deana Keathley, 324-2408.Title Company Name Street Address City State Phone Fax 16-20 J, I I n J^^ne une 23-27 July 7-11 Name I want to participate in VITAL LINK or learn more about the program! 1 want to learn more about VITAL LINK and how my company might participate. Please have a representative contact me! O Yes, I want my company to participate and will consider taking students the week(s) indicated below. Please have a representative call me to discuss all the details. Fax this completed form back today to 374-6018, or mail it to: VITAL LINK Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce 101 S. Spring St., Ste, 200 Little Rock, AR 72201-2486 II What is VITAL LINK? VITAL LINK is the Little Rock School Districts new program to help students and teachers make the link between classroom skills and work place success. Many young people enter the workplace unprepared. Either they have dropped out from school or have neglected basic academics that provide the necessary skills needed for success. Also, classroom teachers often unfamiliar with the actual skills needed within the workplace are constantly challenged to make students class work relevant to skills needed within the work force. How does it work? VITAL LINK will enable sixth grade students and teachers to participate in one-week internships with community businesses. By visiting businesses during the morning hours this summer, they will experience firsthand how the classroom subjects they are learning and teaching are used in the workplace. Working with professionals on the job, participants will receive experience in such fields as banking, accounting, hotel management, non-profit agencies, retailing, printing, manufacturing, law enforcement, the legal profession and others. They will learn the importance of math and communication % 'i skills, problem solving, teamwork, computer literacy, creativity and originality. Whats involved? The Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools, is asking area businesses to step forward and agree to allow students and teachers to visit their businesses this summer. Certified teachers will supervise groups of students who will participate in the one-week internships, scheduled for the weeks of June 16, June 23 and July 7. Every business is different. Some businesses may only choose to participate for one week, while others may want to host students and teachers for each of the three weeks. A teacher supervisor helps each business identify age-appropriate activities. A portion of each morning is spent as a group with discussion and journal writing to help students make the link between curriculum and the workplace. Why should my business participate? This is your opportunity to experience the personal satisfaction of being involved in a unique, new community program. In other cities that have VITAL LINK programs, businesses have gained tremendously through their participation. Employee morale will improve as employees see their jobs through the eyes of a young student. This is your opportunity to contribute ideas about teaching and motivation as hands-on participant. You also will win a recognition for yourself and your company for involvement in this important new program that has a proven track record in other school districts throughout the nation. To find out more details or commit your participation right now, complete the form on the back of this brochure and return it to the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. 4^ Lime ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT VITAL LINK is a partnership program of the Little Rock School District, the Little Rock Alliance For Our Public Schools and the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. UTTUROCK FOR OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS iSsk Who* LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT VITAL LINK IS A PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM OF THE Little Rock School District THE Little Rock Alliance For our Public Schools, and THE Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce > UTTLEROCK FOROURPUBUC SCHOOLS k THE CHAMBER Where Business Comes Together Whats involved? During the weeks of June 16, June 23, and July 7, students and teachers will work during the mornings in local businesses. Students will discuss the relationship between what they learn and do at the business sites and their classroom lessons. Students will sign up for just one week. Transportation will be provided if you cannot get your child to the assigned workplace. What must you do? Fill out the attached application. 13 13 13 El Indicate your childs area of interest on the application. Check whether your child will need transportation. Rank the week that your child would like to attend
mark in order of preference so that a one-week assignment will be made to fit your schedule. Sign the form and return it to your childs school. Because of limited space in this first year of the program, placement in the VITAL LINK program is not guaranteed. If your child is assigned to participate, please: 13 13 13 Be sure your child dresses appropriately for a business setting. Ensure that your child is at the pickup site on time if he/she needs transportation. Talk with your son/daughter about the program
show interest in what he or she is doing. S Plan to attend a parent function at the business at the end of the week.VITAL LINK STUDENT INTERNSHIP APPLICATION Directions: (Please type or print) Date Recd.: Rec'd. by: EJ S S Please read all information before completing this form. Completion of this application does not guarantee placement of an internship experience this summer. Return to your childs school by April 14,1997. Students Legal Name: Student I.D. # Current School Grade Circle Gender: Male Female Circle Race-. Black White Asian Hispanic Other Parent / Guardian Address City Zip Code Phone (home) (work) Person to contact if parents cannot be reached: (Name) (Phone), The following skills have been identified by employers as necessary for success in the workplace. Please place a in the box(es) of your childs interest(s): O Reading and Writing Mathematics O Originality & Creativity O Speaking and Listening O Computer Literacy Problem Solving Other If your child is in need of assistance or accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please describe here: I will provide transportation for my child to the business. DMy child will need transportation to the business. The three (3) schools nearest my home are: 1. 2. 3. Please rank your choices (1,2,3) next to the dates listed to indicate which week you prefer your child to participate this summer: __ June 16-20 __June 23 - 27 __ July 7-11 PARENTS PERMISSION. RELEASE AND II^DEMNITY FOR INTERNSHIPS I hereby certify that my child, _____________________________________ participate in the VITAL LINK Internship program for the LRSD. has my permission to To the best of my knowledge he/she is physically fit, with reasonable accommodation, to engage in such activity and is not suffering from any illness or injury that would prevent him/her from participating. I agree and do hereby waive and release all claims against the Little Rock School District and any teacher, employee or other person engaged in the activity in question and agree to hold them harmless from any and all liability relating to my son/daughter for any personal injury or illness that may be suffered and or any loss of property that may occur to my son/daughter. It is understood that no child will be allowed to participate in this activity until this form is signed by his/her parent or guardian. (signature of parent/guardian) (Address) (Date)LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT VITAL LINK LINK Your Child WITH THE World of Business This Summer Picture your sixth grade student working AS A BANK TELLER FOR A WEEK THIS SUMMER! Or as a pharmacy assistant! Or how about as an accountant? Could your child benefit from actually WORKING IN A LOCAL BUSINESS TO LEARN HOW SCHOOL LESSONS WILL HELP IN THE FUTURE? If the answer is yes THEN READ ON I J VITAL LINK is an exciting new program which links local businesses and the Little Rock public schools. Businesses have agreed to host students and teachers for one-week sessions this summer, and students will be assigned to work in fields such as accounting, banking, hotel management, hospitals, printing, law enforcement, the legal profession and others. Your child will discover the relationship between his/her classroom studies and the future world of work as well as the importance of math and communication skills, problem solving, teamwork, computer literacy, creativity and originality. VITAL LINK PARTICIPANTS FirstnameiLastname I Company Joe Robin Linus Robert Mike Rusty Russ Ron Gary Larry Jim Maura Vic MaryJane Cynthia Drake Rex Charles C.K.. Wally Ken John Dean Dale Bob Deborah Jack Bob Robert Maurice Ann Bill Buddy Ben Hubert Ford [ALLTEL CcTp Armstrong I Arkansas Children's Hcsj Raines Lee Means [Arkansas Excelsior Hotel [Arkansas Symphony Orch Arkla iAimstrongjArmstrono i earn Realtors Harrington Roberts Smith Berkley Dailey Walsh Snyder Rebick East Keith Eley Stewart Franke Allen Sullivan Rigg. IV Hinson Nicholson Donaldson Ledwell Holbein Birch Dineen Mitchell Brown Scholl Villines Wyatt ~t Barksdale Address Allied Dri SOO Mar 3 Staled 2417 N. 400 East 301 N. S CityiStateiZip 1Phone LittI Litt! LittI LittI LittI Baptist Health_____________ BEI Boatmen's CART! City Hall Columbia Doctor's Hcspital Congressional Offices CopySystems Cynthia East Fabrics |9501 Int Il 100 Mu [Post Offi St. Vince ' 500 Wes 6101 W. 11527 Fe 1121 S. 1523 Re LittI ' LittI Mau LittI LittI LittI LittI LittI LittI LittI AR 'ar 'ar ' AR AR lAR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR 722021651-5558 722021320-1100 722011575-5000 722071666-1761 722011577-4710 722111221-5485 722051202-2000 721131851-4000 I 72205{37S1656 I 722051295-3254 IStudent IDates IComp Contact i for June IE and 2GiJulianne Murphy 722011371-4510 722051561-4585 722011324-5541 722021377-2739 j 722021665-0460 | Comments 201 July 7-11 tOlJune 23-27 S i July 7-11 5iJune 16-20 5l July 7-11 I Robin Armstrono I Mary Kay_______ ILee Robert IGIenda Royal IRusty Armstong 3013 v/eeks. 10 each weeiKara Wade lOjJune 16-20 loljune 15-20 5|July 7-11 j Emily Potter/Bar iJohn Monroe/Donnie Cook Gai! to meet v/ith company on March 26 75 10 5 5 1 Entergy Express Human Resources First Commercial Bank Franke Cafeterias Goff & Assodates. Inc. ITT Technical Institute JA Riggs Tractor Company_________ 'kark KATV Laidlaw Little Rock Nationsi Airport & Midcoa LRAFB Mercantile Bank Mem'll Lynch Mitchell Law Firm ODM Pulaski Bank & Trust Pulaski County Administration Pulaski Tech Colleoe Ramsev. Krua. Farrell. Lensina I Post Offi I LittI lOne Fin LittI iPost OffilLittI '400W. iLittT 12250 CotiLittI 4520 S. |5125 Int Post Offi Post Offi 124 W. 1 Airport 1250 Th 1 Riverfr 425 W. 320 Wes 201 E. M 5800 R 2nd & Br 3000 We 5800 Ev LittI LittI LittI LittI LittI LittI LittI NLR LittI LittI LittI LittI LittI AR ' AR lAR lAR 'ar 'ar AR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR NLR AR LittI AR 9 June 15. 1557 June 16. 1957 June 23-27 July 7-11 July 7-11 I Larry Berkley Bruce Moore Erin Vickers Debbie Broadwa MaryJane Rebick Terry Dilby Merge wrth St. Vincent's______ Memo attached for breakdown Left Message_________________ Left Message One girl only 722031377-4000 722111221-2503 722031371-7000 722011575-4500 722021654-5532 722021577-2755' 72205 72203 72205 72201 72202 7209S 72114 72201 72201 72201 72207 72201 72118 570-5100 376-4444 572-7777 570-4000 572-5435 588-6570 688-7932 370-2100 688-8838 376-6200 661-7700 340-8505 771-1000 722051664-7705 Page 1 50 5 15 5 3 wks_____ July 7-11 3 wks July 7-11 June 23-27 5j July 7-11 lOjJune 16-20 ___5 ___5 30 10 150 __4 __5 5 10 5 18 10 July 7-11 June 16, 1557 3 weeks______ July 7-11 3 weeks______ June 23. 1557 July 7-11 June 16. 1957 July 7-11 July 7-11______ July 7-11 June 16, 1957 5|June 23. 1957 lAlma Wiliiams Fam Jones Charles Stewart Chris Franke IShari Hoover Ken Sullivan Becky James iTerri Hendrix Cindy Murphy Bob Donaldson Philip Launius Dani Johnson 10 each week 5 each v/eek Co-Chair pending Meet with April 18 Debbie Sutherland Chuck Freeman Bonnie Vickery Ann Brown Karen Patrick Sherry King Julie Rhodes Fran Fields Info pending/Sharing with Jimmy Moses Memo attached for breakdownVITAL LINK participants Buster Tim Diana Ronnie Janet Charles Pat Robert Barbara Woodson Beardsley Hill Hueter Nichols Jones Hathaway Torvestad Gray Douglas Walker Raney & Beardsley Southwest Hosptial St. Vincent's Student Loan Guarantee The Janet Jones Company UALR UAMS V.A. Hospital Velvatex Walker Law Firm 3600 Ca I-30 & Ot Two St. 219 S. Vi 7915 Ca 2801 S. 4301 We 2200 For 1520 ML 217 Wes' LittI LittI LittI LittI LittI LittI LittI Nort LittI LittI AR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR AR 72202 72209 72202 72201 72227 72204 72205 72114 72201 72201 665-4844 455-7073 50-3910 688-7611 224-3201 569-3200 685-5000 I 370-6665 372-9678 372-4623 TOTAL Page 2 5 10 30 10 5 10 30 15 5 5 July 7-11 July 7-11 3 wks June 23. 1997 June 16-20 June 16-20 3 wks 3 weeks July 7-11 July 7-11 a i Buster Beardsleyl I Stacy Robinson IChesler Cummin|10 each v/eek I Geneva Langford Isusan Marlowe I Karrie Brown I Liz Genz ILeah Porter I Will take two more weeks if needed IIP each week______________________ 15 each week I Barbara Douglas I Dana Fisher I Possible 5 more students 1VI TAL LIM K January 24,1997 United Way of Metropolitan Tarrant County Marketing/Comm. Division Our Visit to United Way Words that describe our week at United Way
helpful nice interesting excellent fun enjoyable Jobs we saw or jobs we did this week: raising money finance department internet and computers time cards e-mail team work helping people developing film print shop Skills we learn in school that we can use on the job: using computers math speaking reading and writing art for designing and printing CAHfRA ERfAKfRS J.P. ELDER'S FINEST VISIT UNITED WAY MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION Rey Reyes, Michael McCune, Ramiro Ramos (not pictured), Alondra Hernandez, Maria Hernandez, Erica delaPaz, Norma Salinas, Corrina Lopez I Seven Kids Blown Up in Darkroom (fictional example of a news story) FORT WORTH - Seven children from J.P. Elder Middle School were blown up under the photo enlarger at United Way of Metropolitan Tarrant County on Friday. Two of the children, who were not available for comment at press time, were misquoted as saying the blow up was overrated. "It was really fun," one of them said. "I didn't know making pictures could be so interesting." Following the trip to the darkroom and the rest of the Marketing/Communications Division, Elder students trav eled to their graduation. One student talked abou the visit to downtown For Worth. "United Way of Metropoli tan Tarrant County is a fut place to visit. Next, I hope wi get to visit Disneyworld!" Summer program to link students, businesses to lessons of the world BY CYNTHIA HOWELL ARKANSAS DEM0CRAT<3AZETTE Little Rock School District officials plan to place at least 500 sixth-graders into area businesses for one week this summer to show youngsters how their school lessons apply to the working world. Don Roberts, Little Rocks interim superintendent, believes the connections that young people make between lessons and work are critical to their success in school and in a career. The summer internship program, in fact, is called Vital Link. ployees who have less than a col- The program began with 40 stu- lege degree have experienced a dents working a week m four area decrease of up to 24 percent in hospitals. Its grown to 3,500 stu- real earnings, while college gradu- dent participants a year and 300 ates reported an 8 percent in- business hosts, said Stephanie crease, he said. We want students to have a Jackson, who coordinates the program in the Fort Worth district Every Fort Worth surth-grader Were not trying to train stu- ------------------- , . dents for a specific job, Roberts have to niake some go^d ^ades
or said last week. We just want the tl.sir p''?*"" " " students to understand that what will be very slim. ................... chance early on to see a doctor, a Evety physical therapist or an accountant is now invited to participate in toe at work, Roberts said. If they internships, which are scheduled think they want to be a doctor, then throughout toe calendar ye^. Lo- toey have someone to help them cal businesses are proud of toeir translate what that means for them participation, noting toeir Vital in toe seventh grade and what it Link partnership in toeir advertis- means for toe ninth grade. It ing and newsletter, Jacteon said, means they will have to take a lot Vital Liito has been duplicated of math and science, and they will in other cities in Texas well uavc w uumv ovxxxv BvvJ lu Floiida, Califonua and Ohia In toeir chances of becoming a doctor Arkansas, North Little Roct > Bluff, Watson Chapel, Fayetteville The national award-winning Vi- and Dumas are amo^ toe school tel Link program originated in toe districts operating Vital Link pro- they are doing in school relates to their ultimate choice of a career. ------ Roberts said those education Fort Worth (Texas) Independent *}, and career choices are more im- Scbnnl Distnct six wears aeo when The Little Rock djstoct, the portant *han before. Todays em- School District years ago Roberts was superintendent there. See STUDENTS, Page 6B6B MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1997 Students Continued from Page 1B school district to fund Vital Link . and to recruit business partici- | pants. Representatives of the two ! organizations said this week that ! largest in the state, has about 1,800 Vital Link will benefit businesses sixth-graders. District officials and teachers as well as the stu- hope to serve at least 500 over dents. three weeks this year and to serve The chamber plans a breakfast all interested sixth-graders in fu- for more than 100 of the citys ture years. businesses Friday at the Holiday For this initial year, students Inn West to introduce the program will be asked to volunteer for the and to get companies to commit to one-week internships in late April inviting adolescents into their of- or early May. The beginning dates Aces, for the three Vital Link sessions are June 16, June 23 and July 7. During their assigned weeks, youngsters will spend mornings in a loci business or agency, not just observing adults at wor^ but do- Hubert Barksdale, chairman of the chambers Education Committee, said at least 50 and maybe as many as 70 businesses are needed this summer to carry out ing some of the work themselves. A district teacher will accompany the students at the job site. We want the students to focus on reading, writing, problem-solving and relationships. Roberts said. The students will see that reading and writing are essential in every job. If they go to the Police Department, they will see a policeman with a computer in his car, and they will see people who I think the business community will endorse this wholeneart- write almost as much as reporters do. These are important skills edly, Barksdale said. I think they are ready for an opportunity like this to have students and teachers in their workplace. Some businesses have already conunitted. The Little Rock Alliance for Our Public Schools is conducting a fund-raising campaign to offset the districts cost for Vital Link, said Baker Kurrus, a Little Rock lawyer and chairman of the al- , , , - , liances board of directors. Costs they need to understand are re- include stipends for the quired everywhere. teachers and student transportation. Vital Link will be a powerful Everywhere the students go they will see that one of the key toois is technolo^, Roberts lu^puauou uj uic muo mvuivcu, added. Another thing they will sajj Kurrus, the father of a sixth- see is that workers have to work - ........... inspiration to the kids involved, grade daughter. But the Alliance is even more interested in Vital few jobs in which there is no in- y.ink because of the partnerships teraction with others. it creates among the district, busi- An element unique in the LR- nesses and the community. Kurrus tie Rock Vital Link program will said he hopes the partnerships in be the inclusion of parents, this project will lead to similar Roberts said. Parents may be in- partnerships on other school dis- vited to meet with the business trict and city issues. people who supervise their chil- The alliance is committed un- with each other. There are very dren to discuss the skills and tai- conditionally to the program be- ents required for various posi- cause we are unconditionally tions. That way, parents will be committed to the health of the knowledgeable about the job de- community and the health of the mands as they guide their chil- district, Kurrus said. We are dren through high school. prepared to do whatever it takes The Greater Little Rock Cham- to get this program off the ber of Commerce and the Little ground. The alliance may be contacted Rock Alliance for Our Public Schools are working with the at 370-9300 1 r i 1Arkansas Democrat ^CjazclU' i MONDAY,^FEWyARY_24,1997 ---------------- J X .Summer program to link students 9 businesses to lessons of the world The program began with 40 students working a week in four area hospitals. It's grown to 3,500 dent participants a year and 300 business hosts, said Stephanie Jackson, who coordinates the program in the Fort Worth distnct Every Fort Worth sixth-grader think they want to be a doctor, then they have someone to help them translate what that means for them in the seventh grade and what it means for the ninth grade. It means they will have to take a lot of math and science, and they will have to make some good grades
or their chances of becoming a doctor BY CYNTHIA HOWELL ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Little Rock School District officials plan to place at least 500 sixth-graders into area businesses for one week this summer to show youngsters how their school lessons apply to the working world. Don Roberts, Little Rocks interim superintendent, believes the connections that young people make between lessons and work are critical to their success in school and in a career. 'The summer internship program, in fact, is ployees who have less than a college degree have experienced a decrease of up to 24 percent in real earnings, while college graduates reported an 8 percent in- crease, he said. We want students to have a chance early on to see a doctor, a called Vital Link. Were not trying to train students for a specific job, Roberts said last week. We just want the students to understand that what wil^e very slim. Sey are doing in school relates to their ultimate choice of a career. Roberts said those education throu^outthe calendar year. Local businesses are proud of their participation, notiiig their Vital Link partnership in their advertising and newsletters, Jackson said Vital Link has been duplicated in other cities in Texas as well as in Florida, California and Ohio. In Arkansas, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel, Fayetteville and Dumas are amo^ the school districts operating Vital Link pro- and career choices are more important t^an before. Todays em- s The national award-winning Vital Link program originated in the Fort Worth (Texas) Independent grams^ School District six years ago when The Little ^K^incq in Roberts was superintendent there. . Sae STUDENTS, F ige eb Students Continued from Page 1B largest in the state, has about 1,800 sixth-graders. District cfftcials hope to serve at least 500 over three weeks this year and to serve all, interested sixth-graders in fu- school district to fund Vital Link j and to recruit business partici- j pants. Representatives of the two organizations said this week that uut 1,803 Vital Link will benefit businesses officials and teachers as well as the stu- tuce years. For this initial year, students will be asked to volunteer for the one-week internships in late April are June 16, June 23 and July 7. During their assigned weete, youngsters will spend mornings in a local business or agency, not just observing adults at work, but doing some of the work themselves. A district teacher will accompany dts. , , , The chamber plans a breakfast for more than 100 of the citys businesses Friday at the Holiday Inn West to introduce the program and to get companies to cominit to inviting adolescents into their of- the chambers Education Committee, said at least 50 and maybe as many as 70 businesses are needed this summer to carry out tlie program. I think the business communi- ty will endorse this wholeheartedly, Barksdale said. I think they are ready for an opportunity like this to have students and the students at the job site. .We want the students to focus _ on reading, writing, problem-sow- gi,grs in their workplace, ing and relationships," Roberts said. The students will see that reading and writing are essential in every job. If they go to the Police Department, they will see a policeman with a computer in his car, and they will see people who Some businesses have already committed. The Little Rock Alliance for Our Public Schools is conducting a fund-raising campaign to offset the districts cost for Vital Link, ------------------- --------- . - said Baker Kurrus, a Little Rock write almost as much as reporters ia,^gr and chairman of the aldo. These are important nances board of directors. Costs they need to understand are re- include stipends for the quired everywhere.--------------------------teachers and student transporta- Everywhere the students go ^Qn. ................................Vital Link will be a powerful inspiration to the kids involved. do. skills they will see that one of the key tools is technology, Roberts ____ ------------------ added. Another thing they will said Kurrus, the father of a sixth- see is that workers have to work graje daughter. But the Alliance with each other. There are very -.-j i- few jobs in which there is no interaction with others. --------------------------------- . An element unique in the Lit- nesses and the community. Kurrus tie Rock Vital Link program will said he hopes the partnerships in be the inclusion of parents, this project will lead to similar Roberts said. Parents may be in- partnerships on other school dis- vited to meet with the business trict and city issues. people who supervise their chil- m- dren to discuss the skills and tai- conditionally , ents required for various posi- cause we are unconditionally ' tions That way, parents will be committed to the health of the 1 knowledgeable about the job de- community and the health of the mands as they guide their chil- district, Kurrus said. We are dren through high school. prepared to do whatever 'Intakes The Greater Little Rock Cham- to get this program off the ber of Commerce and the Little ground. Rock Alliance for Our Public The alliance may be contacted Schools are working with the at 370-9300 is even more interested in Vital Link because of the partnerships it creates among the district, busi- nesses The alliance is committed unconditionally to the program be- cause we are *^Arkansas Democrat ^(FjazcUc WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2. 1997 6th-graders hear job program pays, but not in cash BA' CA'NTHLA HOWELL DEMOCRATAI VETTE The last question asked Tuesday morning at a Jefferson Ele- mentaiy sixth-grade assembly was one school district officials knew was coming. must be returned by April 14. The program will be offered at no charge to 500 children dur- j ing the weeks of June 16. June 23 j and July 7. Up to one-third of the sixth-graders at each school will be selected from the pool of ap- It was about a new summer plicants. That means 25 of the 75 program in which Little Rock sixth-graders at Jefferson may School District youngsters will spend a week working in local businesses. get to attend. Applicants not selected will be placed on a school waiting list and may be able to Will we get paid? one young participate later if another week girl at the front of the school library wanted to know as the assembly drew to a close. The answer is no. But developers of the Vital Link program expect other pay-offs for the children. The district the Greater Little is added to the program. The district is hosting two par- : ent information sessions on Vital I. Link. The first will be from 5-5:30 p.m. April 8 at Geyer Springs El- i ementary School. 5240 Mabelvale ! Pike and noon April 11 at the Dr. i -Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet
Rock Chamber of Commerce and Elementary School. the Little Rock Alliance for Our Public Schools are cooperating to give sixth-graders a chance to work in local businesses and see So far. about 40 area business- ' es have agreed to panicipate. ! and another 40 are considering ' it, Milam said. Representatives j how their school lessons apply to of the businesses, with support i' from district employees, will de- I the work place. Students who volunteer for the program will termine what they want the | spend five mornings in June or youngsters to do at their job ! July at an assigned business. Yes, you will be paid in experience and in opportunity. sites. We tend to think 12-year-olds cant do much, but they can do a Principal Frances Cawthon told lot. Milam said. She told the Jef- the 75 Jefferson sixth-graders. ^The adults in these businesses'are willing to take time out from their jobs to work with ferson students they will be expected to work, not just observe. Jefferson pupils wanted to know the list of participating you." counselor Lucy Rhodes businesses and whether they will told the audience. In any other get to pick the sites where they situation you would have to pay will work. They won t. Students for the training that you will be will get to specify their areas of getting, she said. Debbie Milam, program coor- interest, though. A sample of the confirmed dinator for the district, told the business participants include pupils they are too young to be the University of Arkansas at Lit- legally employed and will be tie Rock, University of Arkansas considered interns at the business sites. They won't take home for Medical Sciences. -Arkansas Excelsior Hotel, the .Arkansas paychecks, she said, but they will Symphony Orchestra. Arkansas be able to list their Vital Link Department of Education, the
participation on resumes. federal Office of Desegregation i Milam is leading a team that Monitoring, city and county gov- will visit evep' district elementary school this week and next to recruit sixth-graders for the pro- ernmental ? agencies. Cynthia East Fabrics and Frankes Cafeterias. Several area hospitals gram, which was started at the have been enlisted, as well as urging of Interim Superintendent Don Roberts. Roberts initiated a similar program when he was superintendent in Worth, Texas. Fort Students will be given an ap- banks. Jefferson students cheered when the banks were mentioned. Transportation will be provided to youngsters who need rides to the work sites. Students will plication to take home for their catch the buses at schools close parents to complete. The forms to their homes.Arkansas Democrat C^azctte THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 1999 City Hail briefs * ve'. BY JAKE Sandlin" ARKANSAS DLMOCRAT-CAZETTE as program provider Boanl of Directors approved two cohfracte on n^sd'av n^^th the Little Kock School District as sole provider for the Vital Li^ rnship program to help sixth-grade studentel^ were done separately because funding includes $15,000 from the cify E^cation Commissions 1998 budget and $20 000 from the contacts^^rtn i^! tetoli competitively bid for sendees de- tern^ed to bo available from only one source. xr* I T 1 tC-----v***/viic oviuvc. Ine Vital Link Program is a pre-employment training and business program to help students learn skills for obtaining jobs in the fu- ^fter employees when they enterT^orlrforee Di a co^llaborative effort between the Little Rock School DistncL the Greater Little Rock Chamb^ of Commerce, the Little Rock Al- if^blJtoi^^^hn Volunteers in PubUc SchooteB^ to both contracts tn mlpaco thp T---------rrclauses on DOUl COI to release the funds because the program runs through the summer.I i: 1 i t: i a y^iKiUiSU.s I MCJllDAY, .IVHJr. BO, I'l'U Vital Link between workplace, school brought home to youths BY SUS.AN KOI II XRk WS.VS DI MOf R \ I (iAZl.HI Twehc-ypur-old Akama Ngundue likc'l working in the collections department at Ihe Stiidi nl Loan Guaraiilce Komi dation until he learned that people aren't always nice when loan officers call. They let me call people who were more than six months behind on their payments." Akama said. "The last one wasn't so fun. Ho was really unfriendly. He said. 1'111 tired of you guys calling iny house. .My mother's sick. There were babies ciyiiig and someone yelling in the background. When 1 told him who I was and how old I was. he started to calm doim a little bit. He was out of college eight years and owed $156,001)." It wa.s just one of many eye-openeis for .Akama and si.x other studeiiLs assigned to the foundation as part of the Little Rock School District'.s Vital Link program. Tliey also learned several new computer programs and used the telephones, postage and fa.x machines, scanners and copiers. Around the city, other students attended court hearings with attorneys
drafted letters for Mayor .lim bailey al City Hall: tended patients at hospitals: loaded C-130 cargo planes at Little Rock Air Force Base
prepared lunch at the .Arkansas' E.x-celsior Hotel, and created their own newscast at Little Rock station K.ATV, Channel". See LINK, Page 3A fa *>'1,. I A-St.' E.fts&'s/'.V'', I 1 vMi! Arkansas Democral GazattefSTATON BREIDENTHAL Recnada Johnson, 12. stirs a batch of cream of asparagus with roaslod chicken soup in the kitchen of Arkansas' Excelsior Hotel as executive sous-chef Ken Jones adds seasoning. Johnson is getting a firsthand look at the workplace under the Littfe Rock School District's Vital Link program. Link Continued Iroin Page IA More than SiO students entering seventh grade about .a third of district's seventh-grade clas.s are getting .a taste of tlie workplace al 46 area businesses or government offices. The Vital Link program is a partnership of the school district, the Little Hock Alliance for Our rublic SchooLs and the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. Outgoing Little Rock Superintendent Don Robei-ts started the program eight years ago while superin-tendenl of the Fort Worth school system. It has since been copied in North Lillie Rock and Pine Bluff. Robeils wanted to impress upon children the links between their education and file work force before they enter secondary school. We lose an awful lot of people who make bad decisions in those years and never overcome it" Roberts said. If a student finds a reason to go to school at tliis age, he can take advantage of what we offer in school." Students had to apply to participate in the program but had no other selection criteria. When I was filling out the form to choose between home economics and computer technology class, 1 respiratory therapy department at St. Vincent Inliniiary Medical Center a week ago. said she saw .lessi-ca's self-esteem grow during the week. .lessica lia.s always been real focused. but she's probably even more detennined now." Spector said. It's one tiling for your parents to believe in you. but for someone else to believe in Llieii! really made tlieni feel '1 am valuable in this community." Robert.s said it was not dilficiilt to sell the merits of the program to busiiics.s leaders, none of whom seemed to mind having 11- and 12- year-olds underfoot each moniing for a week. It was .a natural match for Geneva Langford, persomui director of the student loan foundation. We are a service company." I.angford said. Since we guarantee Ioans for students to go to college, our main Uieiiie is to educate. We re showing llie skills we'd like to see when we hire. Each moniing. the students met tlieir supervising teachers at their neighborhood schools, where buses picked them up and dropped tliem off at their jobs. Those at the foun-dation met at Terry Elementary, though some of them had attended Williams Magnet Elementary. In tlie fall, Uiey will attend different junior high schools. The boys wore neat polo shills didn't think I'd like computer tech." witli slacks and shoes, and the girls. said Diane Reisler. But now, after dresses witli sandals. seeing a lot of lliese computers. I'm Bacon met with the students more interested." briedy each morning, then sent That dose of reality will help them to their various posts in the teacher:
like John Bacon, who dill'erent departments about 9 a.m. leaches computer technology and About 11:15, they gathered again career orientation al Iulaski Heights Junior High. It's great that the kids can see for themselves some of the things it takes to get a job, said Bacon, who supervised the students at the student loan foundation. It makes my job a whole lot easier." The fact that the students at the loan foundation and other businesses got to work ill several different departnieiiLs also showed thein the importance of each job in the whole perl'oniiance of the company. They saw that each job really does make a difference to everyone, not just you, said Deana Kealliley, a teacher supervisor who visited several ilill'erent businesses each day to make sure the program was running smoothly. Debi Spector, whose daughter, Jessica Slaughter, worked in the in a conference room to discuss the morning and write in journals what they had learned and how they felt about the experience before gelling back on the bus about noon. "1 think it's nice that they're taking time out to teach kids what tliey do at Uieir job." said Marcel iers Hewett. Marceliers and the others agreed that the only problem with the program was that it was loo short. It's kind of upsetting." said Dwiglit Hall. If you have a job. you don't gel to finish it. We should be able to stay until 2 or 3 in the alter- 110011, and Vital Link should be two or three weeks." Or a month," said Parker Richard. I want to have a full-day job. said Akama.
This project was supported in part by a Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives project grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Council on Library and Information Resoources.