Pro-Youth/HEART-STEM took students to the Tulare County Office of Education's (TCOE) inaugural Robot Riot, an event where students were able to utilize their Lego NXT programming skills in order to beat their fellow students in different competitions. Conyer Elementary student, Melody Guerrero, was awarded a first place ribbon in the Maze competition, which tasked students to program their robot to traverse a wooden maze; this competition was judged by the fastest time completed.
William Fay, an Annie R. Mitchell student, led the way in the "Sumo" event that had students build and program a robot that successfully knocked opponent's bots out of a circle. Other competitions included tug-o-war, light sensor, sprint race, turtle race, team soccer, and dancing with bots. Robot Riot featured different teams from various elementary and middle-schools throughout the Central Valley. Melody and William are first year robotics student, a program developed by HEART STEM Program, in an effort to engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) related curriculum. Lego Robotics was piloted at six-sites this year with plans to expand it to other Pro-Youth/HEART sites next school year.
Click here to more photos
May 3, 2013--Mexican music filled Golden West's campus as Folklorico dancers twirled and kicked in their brightly colored costumes in front of a crowd of about 100 children from the HEART programs at Golden Oak and Four Creeks Elementary schools. After their performance, the five Folklorico Club dancers from Golden West's HEART program and their instructor Trino Tafoya split the students up in groups and taught them the steps. Golden West Site Director Jen May Pastores got the idea after the dancers performed at the HEART annual breakfast. Pastores decided to invite elementary schools to her site to see a performance and learn some of the steps. "They know what it's like to be a beginner, so they are patient and understanding," Tafoya said of his group's teaching skills.
The group had performed at the Golden West school assembly earlier that day and scheduled to perform in the Visalia Cinco De Mayo parade the next day. They were nervous about the upcoming performances. "I stop being nervous when the crowd gets into it," said Cynthia Espinosa. All of the dancers hoped they might inspire the younger generation to be part of a Folklorica group when they get older. Beyond the joy of spending time together learning the dances and performing in various venues, the group sees the importance in honoring their culture. "We make our parents proud because we're following their traditions. We are showing we are proud of where we're from," said Espinosa.
The Golden West HEART Folklorico group is made up of Cynthia Espinosa, Daisy Montes, Juan Torres, Elizabeth Guiterrez, and Dianna Cuevas. Click here to more photos
Our beloved founder and Chief Executive Officer of 20 years, Laurie Isham, has announced her retirement and will be turning over the reins of Pro-Youth to the next generation. Laurie plans to keep giving to the children of Tulare County by continuing to be an ambassador for Pro-Youth and its mission.
Following our diligent search for the unique and qualified individual who would be able to follow in Laurie's footsteps and take the helm of Pro-Youth, the Pro-Youth Board of Directors takes pride in announcing that Daryn Davis will officially assume the office of Pro-Youth Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2013. Daryn brings 20 years of professional experience and distinctive skills to this position, including supervising hundreds of staff in successfully creating and sustaining community-based collaborative projects. She has worked for multiple non-profit organizations, creating and delivering education projects in remote rural and urban settings, locally and abroad, that seek to engage youth in becoming life-long learners.
Daryn will build upon the foundation of excellence established by CEO Laurie Isham and will continue to enhance the breadth, depth, and quality of Pro-Youth programs, such as the HEART After-School Program, that have changed for the better the lives of thousands of children. Daryn and her husband John, who is principal of Oak Grove School, reside in Visalia with their four children, Elizabeth (14), Dee (11), John (8), and Skye (6).
ProYouth announced today that we have begun a search for a new position - HEART Director. The HEART Director's goal is to meet the ProYouth mandate of supporting the highest expectations of progress and achievement for every child, through delivery of the HEART program in a context of excellence, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Applicants should click here for a PDF containing more information about the position plus application instructions. This position is not available through the on-line application system. You may apply on-line at Ed Join
Pro-Youth, a non-profit organization provides Out-of-School-Time educational and enrichment services in the Central Valley, is seeking a Controller. The position requires extensive experience in the nonprofit/governmental sector with A-133 experience, extensive experience in grant and fund accounting, experience in working with granting/funding agencies, Strong skills using Quick Books, experience in managing and supervising staff.
A detailed job description with full requirements may be found here.
Please submit a resume and references to:
Pro-Youth/HEART
P.O. Box 387
Visalia, CA 93279
Attn: Laurie Isham, CEO
