Between the Books

Today my students were busy taking their first quiz for this semester. They were working hard with focused attention. Before the quiz the students who had completed the assigned pages in their textbook dropped their books at my desk so I could quickly scan through them and check-off that they are doing the work. Actually, I think the book would teach them the course if they'd just read the book and do the activities, but they won't. They need deadlines and an instructor to enforce them. I told the students who hadn't completed their book work, that I'd check their books in a week or three when they've had the opportunity to catch-up. Quietly while looking through their books, I captured this scene.

Later in the day at a faculty meeting, my colleagues and I learned that the three colleges in our district have just been awarded some significant money.

The Riverside campus (college) has been award three million dollars by Bill & Melinda Gates.

The Moreno Valley campus (college) learned that the Physician's Assistant program has been awarded $2.1 million from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration.

Then it was announced that The Riverside School for the Arts which is an arm of the Riverside campus (college) was award 5 million dollars by an individual in the local community. It is the largest private gift by an individual in the college district's history.

And finally, the news that thrilled those of us at the Norco campus . . . that Norco College (in partnership with CSU San Bernardino) has just been awarded a $3.8 million Title V grant. The funds will be used to develop programs in the field of "new media" and expand access to career opportunities in digital media and other emerging industries.

That's approximately 14 million dollars in external revenue the district has been awarded this week. It's been an interesting and exciting time at the college today. It's all about the books! or maybe that's doing it by the book! or maybe hitting the books! I think I'm going to go read a book.

Good night from a warm Southern California with a high of 97 today.
Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol