Archive for May, 2011
Gateway to Science Celebrates Graduates
Posted by: | CommentsGateway to Science celebrates the graduation of four of our high school employees! These outstanding students work as gallery guides, birthday party hosts and educational program assistants.
Meet our Graduating Seniors:
Maria Liebler-Irwin, daughter of Cheryl Liebler and Rodney Irwin. Maria is a graduate of home schooling. She has been involved in Science Olympiad since 7th grade, and has gone to the National competition with the Bismarck-Mandan area Home Educators team for the last five years, receiving three National medals. She also served as the Assistant Manager to the team. Maria has also been involved in choir having been a member of Central Dakota Children’s Choir since the 8th grade and a member of Bismarck High School’s Concert Choir since her junior year of high school. Maria is the recepient of the North Dakota Scholar’s Award. She will be attending the University of North Dakota, pursuing a degree in music education with an emphasis in choir.
Elise Tuntland is the daughter of Michel Deplazes and Tom Tuntland.Elise is graduating from Mandan High School. She has been involved in band, jazz band, marching band, choir, theater, National Honor Society, and Spanish Club. Elise plans to attend the University of Minnesota at Morris where she plans to study music and Spanish education.
Nick Hornbacher is the son of Perry and Cammy Hornbacher. Nick will graduate from Bismarck High School. He has been a member of the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band 1 for all three years of high school, playing the piano and saxophone. Nick is an accomplished pianist, and has earned superior ratings at the North Dakota State festivals. He also played soccer his senior year of high school. Nick’s future plans include attending Bismarck State College then moving on to North Dakota State University.
Brandon Wetch is the son of Lisa and Bryan Wetch. Brandon is a graduate of home schooling. He earned seven Superior and two excellent awards from the North Dakota National Federation of Music Clubs festival. As a member of the home school Science Olympiad team, Brandon was a part of four North Dakota state championship teams and competed in four national tournaments, individually finishing as high as eighth place. Brandon is passionate about theatre and has been involved with Shade Tree Players, both acting and assistant directing. He also assistant directed a Bismarck State College one-act drama. Brandon has been active in church youth and drama ministries as well. He recently competed in the State Fine Arts Competition and has advanced to the national competition. Brandon graduated with honors, and will be pursing a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. His immediate plans are to attend Bismarck State College, continuing on at North Dakota State University.
Congratulations Maria, Elise, Nick and Brandon! We wish you the very best!
Gateway to Science Closing Early Thursday
Posted by: | CommentsGateway to Science will be closing early today, Thursday, May 26 so our staff can help family and friends with flooding issues. Our hours will be 12PM-5PM. We will reopen Friday, May 27 for our regular hours pending any other flood issues. Thank You for your understanding.
Scholarships Awarded to 8 Summer Science Campers!
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Dave Poppke demonstrates Test Your Reaction for a group of students.
The scholarship fund was established by Burt and Margo Riskedahl as a tribute to Dave and DeLaine Poppke, who have demonstrated their commitment to Gateway to Science through countless hours of exhibit development and financial support. We are grateful to have this fund available so that we can offer quality educational experiences for students who might otherwise not have the opportunity. If you would like to help provide science camp opportunities for students, donate to the Poppke Scholarship Fund today! Can you think of a better way to brighten a child’s summer?
~Beth Demke, Executive Director
Gateway to Science Awarded High Impact Seal of Distinction
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Gateway to Science is one of fourteen nonprofit organizations in the region to be awarded the Impact Foundation’s High Impact Seal of Distinction.
The High Impact Seal of Distinction recognizes nonprofit organizations whose executive and board leadership has demonstrated a sincere commitment to producing superior results for the people of our region by improving their performance in five key areas of nonprofit management – Purpose, Platform, People, Resources and Results.
This innovative program, initially funded by the Bush Foundation, was piloted by Impact Foundation from 2009-2011, to build the capacity of nonprofit leaders to take their organizations from functioning well, to superior performing, high impact organizations.
To attain the High Impact Seal of Distinction, nonprofit executives and board members devoted hundreds of hours to complete a series of rigorous trainings, conducted an in-depth organizational assessment, developed measurable plans to improve their organizational effectiveness, and implemented key practices to dramatically improve results for the people they serve.
The nonprofit executives and board members who participated in the program are better equipped leaders, highly capable of engaging their organizations and their communities to more effectively address important societal problems.
L to R - Julie Haugen, Impact Institute, Beth Demke & Frank Koch, Gateway to Science, Pat Traynor, Dakota Medical Foundation
Impact Foundation will continue to offer the High Impact Seal Program with support from Dakota Medical Foundation. Impact Foundation’s mission is to build the capacity of nonprofits, businesses and individuals to maximize their societal impact. Learn more at www.impactgiveback.org.
Now Accepting Applications
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A few of our student staff members are graduating and going off to college. Great for them; very sad for us. They will be missed and are leaving behind big shoes to fill!
If you love science like we do, and are friendly, self-motivated, and reliable, you may be the next Center Guide! We are now accepting applications.
Student staff members average less than 10 hours per week during the school year, and slightly more in the summer. We offer flexible scheduling. Duties include accepting admissions, interacting with visitors, maintaining a clean and inviting exhibit gallery, hosting birthday parties, and helping with events and other programs. Student applicants must be at least 16 years old.
Become part of our team and make a difference in the lives of children. Send applications to “Attention: Christie” at the address noted on the application form by June 8.
- Christie, Program Coordinator
HIGH PRAIRIE ARTS & SCIENCE CAMP 2011!!
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Frances Leach Arts & Science Camp 2011 is ready to go! Are you ready for sunshine, action, and summer fun? Join the partners at High Prairie for Frances Leach Arts & Science Camp 2011!
This fun-filled day camp is:
August 8-12, 2011
8:30am-5:00pm
Frances Leach High Prairie Arts & Science Complex
1810 Schafer Street
Bismarck, ND
Register by July 29th to receive a discounted camp fee!
If you are a member of any High Prairie organization you will be able to pay the member fee for the week!! These include: Central Dakota Children’s Choir, Gateway to Science, Shade Tree Players, Suzuki School of Music, Theo Art School.
Campers in grades K-6 will explore exciting classes in art, science, music, and theater. Full and Half Day options are available. 
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Donate Your Junk to Science!
Posted by: | CommentsSummer camps are just around the corner, and we can use your help! Would you be willing to donate your intact, clean junk to science?
Here’s what we can use in our upcoming camps:
* 2-Liter (or ½-gallon / 2 quart) plastic bottles with screw-on caps
* ½-Liter (or 16 oz) plastic bottles with screw-on caps
* ½-gallon cardboard milk cartons
* ½-gallon cardboard juice cartons with screw-on caps
* Corrugated cardboard boxes
Please drop off items by May 23 so we have time to prepare them to be used in the camps. Thank you so much!
- Christie, Program Coordinator
