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Intercultural Leadership
Initiative
2008-2009
Extended Resources West # 9
12/19/08 9:15 -10:00
LdF Ed. Building
Extended Resources West # 9
12/19/08 9:15 -10:00
LdF Ed. Building
Today we had a number of discussions on the classroom design. After some debate we decided since the floor will stay as it is that we would paint the walls red, black, white and yellow for the colors of the medicine wheel. After we finished that discussion, we next discussed the furniture within the room and the idea of the carpet came back into our discussion. There was a lengthy discussion about three options the students thought up. The students were really into the discussion and had strong opinions about where the carpet should be laid in the room. After this discussion we voted and it was decided that a section of the room would be carpeted. As we were having the discussions and working on the colors of the room, it was apparent that trying to plan a full proposal of what we would like to do to the whole room might be too long of a process without seeing any progress towards the transformation. Craig talked with the students about how as projects progress, it is important to stop and look at the process and see if it is working or if it needs to be altered or re-oriented. He suggested that the students make a number of smaller proposals towards what they would like to see the educational space look like. This way they could make a proposal and if it was approved they could move forward and tackle that piece of the whole transformation. The students agreed that they liked the idea of small proposals and projects to transform the room.
We will be on Winter Break for two weeks. When we meet again on the 9th we will put together the budget and proposal and the following week we will give the proposal to LdF Education Director. The students are cautiously excited about this opportunity. If you know of where we could get discount quality paint in red, black, yellow, and white we would be interested in knowing who to contact. You can reach Craig at kerr@luhs.k12.wi.us or (715) 358-8455. He will be back in the office on Jan. 5.
Bob Kovar,
Project Director
Intercultural
Leadership
Initiative
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2008-2009
Extended Resources West # 8
12/12/08 9:15 -10:00
LdF Ed. Building
Today we worked on getting the square footage of the walls so that we could figure out how much it would cost to paint the room.
The students started off by taking measurements. Once they had the measurements, they had to make adjustments for doors and cabinets. We did all of the calculations and figured out the square footage of each wall. Then, we found out how many square feet a gallon of paint would cover. Once we figured that out, with the help of a Google search, we calculated that we will need 8 gallons of paint. Then, we figured the cost of the paint based on the price for premium interior paint from Ace Hardware. It will cost us $200.00 to paint the room.
Then we had a discussion about the floor, and that we would not be able to paint it black. We discussed the possibility of putting in carpet, but the students brought up the issue of the rollers on the chairs. Therefore, they decided that they would like to leave the floor as it is and are reconsidering their color choices for the walls.
We are open to any ideas or expert advice on this project. Please contact Craig Kerr at 358-8455 or kerr@luhs.k12.wi.us
Next meeting Dec. 19
Bob Kovar,
Project Director
Intercultural
Leadership
Initiative
2008-2009
Extended Resources West # 7
12/5/08 9:15 -10:30
LdF Ed. Building
Extended Resources West # 7
12/5/08 9:15 -10:30
LdF Ed. Building
Craig began by summarizing the process we have gone through to get to this point. Then he talked to the students about a new program he found with help from the LUHS Tech. Ed. Staff. This program is called Sketchup and is designed by Goggle. We quickly got started and picked up where we had left off last time. The students were interested in the design program and enjoyed instructing what aspect of the room needed addressing next. The students took measurements to put in the program and again worked with color schemes. They were coming up with really good ideas again for their educational space. The program was projected on a screen so everyone could see it. The program allows us to view the room from all different angles and perspectives. It is a really cool program! When our time was coming close to ending we wrapped up what the work on the program and began to talk about our next steps. We still have work yet to do on the design and set up of the room. Then we will have to figure out the cost of everything we would like to do. Then we will need to put a proposal together and present it to the Tribal Education Director. After we get an answer for the Education Director then we can figure out how we are going to raise the money we need to create our space. Finally we will need to create our space. The students were excited about this opportunity, but some did have worries on whether we were going to be allowed to do that. Craig responded that it was a fair concern and that he had spoken with the Ed Director and he believes she is open to the idea. We will continue the project next week.
Bob Kovar,
Project Director
Intercultural
Leadership
Initiative
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2008-2009
Extended Resources West # 6
11/21/08 9:15 -10:30
LdF Ed. Building
Last week we decided to look at rearranging and painting the educational space at ER-West. Craig started by showing the students an interior design program he had downloaded from the internet and how we could use it to design the educational space. We dove right in and started by measuring the dimensions of the room. We put those into the computer program and we were on our way to designing the room. The students chose colors for the room and were enjoying the process of deciding how they would like to have the room set up. They were coming up with great ideas about decorating the room with traditional objects and designs. As we were going about the process of designing, they were learning how to use the program and the possibilities that are out there to help them with their design. They really liked the program and thought it was really cool. The students did a wonderful job and we will continue on this process next week.
Next meeting Dec. 5th
Bob Kovar,
Project Director
Intercultural
Leadership
Initiative
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2008-2009
Extended Resources West #5
11/14/08 9:15 -10:30
LdF Ed. Building
Extended Resources West #5
11/14/08 9:15 -10:30
LdF Ed. Building
Craig stared off by reviewing the ideas from last week for the students who were not in attendance. After the students were brought up to speed, we added to our brainstorm the ideal classroom setting. Some new ideas were added to the list. When we were out of ideas, we began to focus on which of the ideas on the board we would be able to actually tackle and address. We narrowed the list down to five ideas and from those ideas we chose one that we thought we would like to make happen. This was a great process of which to be a part. The students had a good discussion of the pros and cons of each of the five ideas until they came to a consensus on which one they would like to approach first.
The idea that they chose to pursue is to paint and rearrange their educational space. Craig explained to them that there are many things that go into making a proposal like this and that he would help them through the process of generating a plan and proposal, but that they would have to do the work of putting it together. The students agreed. Craig outlined some of the things that we would have to consider in putting together the proposal. The students had a number of great questions from funding the project to the specifics of color and artwork. It was a great discussion. We will start next week with an interior design program to get a general idea of how they would like to set up their educational space.
Bob Kovar,
Project Director
Intercultural
Leadership
Initiative
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2008-2009
Extended Resources West #4
11/7/08 9:15 -10:30
LdF Ed. Building
Craig began the day by having a couple of students go to www.indnslist.org to see the information about the 22 American Indian people that were elected to state and local governments on Election Day. One of the people was elected as the Superintendent of Public Schools in Montana. The students were pleased and impressed with the fact that that many American Indian people could be elected, and one to such a high raking position. He expressed to the students that at least one of them in the room would probably be on the Tribal Council when they were older. One student responded that they would be President. Craig encouraged that student to pursue that dream. After the discussion we moved onto an activity that is meant to stir creativity.
The students had 30 seconds to draw the face of the person next to them. After we were done there were many smiles and sheepish “sorry” looks as they shared their sketches with each other. Craig talked to the students about how we lose creativity as we grow older and it is less “appropriate” for us to “play” and be creative. He wanted them to get into the creative mindset for the activities he hoped to accomplish with them today. Craig explained to the students the idea of brainstorming. We began to brainstorm about the ideal town. The students came up with great ideas like: Imax theater, Elder Center, Zoo, Aquarium, Recording and Film studio, Parks, Health Clinic, Parks, etc. Remember this was a brainstorm about the ideal town from their perspective. We then moved onto the ideal school environment. The students also came up with more great ideas: More Students, Fun and Educational Trips, Photography and Art class, Up to date Magazines, being able to have a say in the arrangement of the furniture and color scheme of the room, etc. Craig told the students that they had come up with great ideas of what things could look like. He talked to them about what they thought could actually happen if they decided that they would like to try and make some of their ideas a reality. They were excited about a couple of ideas that they had come up with.
Craig will work with the students over the next few weeks to come up with a plan and proposal of the projects they would like to tackle. It is important for students to know that they have power and influence in their lives. This process will help them know how to go through the process of putting together a proposal and think though all of the details and hard questions that it will entail. Also they hopefully will be able to see the power and process of an idea becoming a reality and the work it takes for that to happen.
Bob Kovar,
Project Director
Intercultural
Leadership
Initiative
Intercultural Leadership Initiative
2008-2009
ER West Session #1
10/10/08
The staff at ER West has asked the staff at ILI to come out and spend some time investing in the students in the program. Today was the first day of this connection. Craig met with the students today and focused on the idea of dreams. He began by talking about Martin Luther King and his dream for equality for all people. Then he talked about Black Elk and the importance of dreams in American Indian cultures and how dreams were important to the migration of the Ojibwe from the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. He also explained that dreams have been important to a number of cultures around the world.
Craig related the importance of having dreams to having a vision for the future. He then asked the students to write down the dreams that they have for themselves. The students spent time thinking and writing or drawing their dreams. Finally, Craig handed out M&M’s and string licorice. He asked the students to make a picture of one of the dreams that they had written down. When everyone was finished he asked the students if they wanted to share their pictures. One student shared that their picture was about the dream of serving our country in the armed forces. The students enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to the next meeting where we will be gathering materials to make dream catchers.
Bob Kovar,
Project Director
Intercultural
Leadership
Initiative