journeys program development: Meet Julie Wirsche

Friday, October 14, 2011

Meet Julie Wirsche

Julie is our newest team member. She graduated April 2011 with an Associate's in Digital Media Design from TSTC. She is passionate about art and enjoy utilizing both traditional and digital media -- in particular, charcoal and acrylic paints as well as using Photoshop for graphic designs. She also shares a great love for animals and their unique personalities. Some of her other hobbies are web design, blogging, and nature photography. We are so glad to have her on our team!

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We Survived the Bon Non Survivor Character Challenge

What a great 6 weeks it has been transforming Rodriguez Elementary in Harlingen, Texas into the Island of Bon Non. Bon Non is island creole for Good Name. We have had nearly 80 2nd and 3rd graders participate and it has been a blast.

We had to adjust to many things but the team came through with shining colors as did the children who attended. I am proud to work with each and every one.

When I first started working with children, some 35+ years ago, I realized I was learning right along with them. Even now as a grandmother I am still learning.

For instance I learned:

1. That a magnet won't stick on a feather if a child has been licking it. That was a gross but sorta funny lesson.

2. Never miss a chance to teach. Even our snacks, stickers, and games all tie into our lesson for the day.

3. Never never tell a story without a visual aid/prop, handsigns, or group participation or there could be a mutiny!

4. I learned that 2nd and 3rd graders are full of kindness. There is one handicap boy in the club and they all pitch in to help him experience everything they are doing whether its a game or craft. Very heartwarming to watch.

4. If you hand a boy anything they will attempt to hit the boy next to them with it. I guess the old saying "give a boy a hammer and they are going to hit something" is true! I had never seen dueling licorice sticks before and I thought I'd seen it all!

I have enjoyed helping children learn that a good name is more important than being rich or famous. I loved watching their faces as the 2 tribes shouted their tribal call: "I have a good name!" and "My name is good!"

Next Bon Non travels to Bowie Elementary! Get ready for the fun Sarah Montemayor and Laura Maxwell!

Janet has worked extensively with schools, churches, civic groups, as well as local and state agencies across Texas through her character building programs and lively presentations. Subjects include varied topics such as “Cheering or Leading”, “Garden Angel”, and “Happy Is She”. Her Blue Sunday Child Abuse Prevention initiative has had a global impact for abused/neglected children and won her the “Volunteer of the Year" award from Texas Child Welfare Boards. Blue Sunday was influential in the State of Texas' Faith Based Initiative that brings the faith community back into prevention and relief efforts. She authored, The Little Blue Book of Big Ideas and has been a guest writer for Group Magazine and USA Today. Whether turning a phrase or turning a life toward a better path, Janet’s gift has always aligned with her faith and makes her a sought after speaker.

Schedule

Mar. 1 Wild About Texas Wildlife Laguana Madre Christian Academy, Laguna Vista TX

Feb. 11 - Los Fresnos Teddy Bear Tea

Oct. 27 - Begin 6 weeks of Part I Survivor Character Challenge at Bowie Elementary

Oct. 27 - Begin 6 weeks of Art in an Hour at Gutierrez Middle School

Oct. 24 - Begin 6 weeks of Part II of Survivor Character Challenge at Rodriquez Elementary.

Sept. 10th - Foster Family Blue Zoo Day at Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville Texas

Sept. 12 - Begin 6 weeks of Part I Survivor Character Challenge at Rodriquez Elementary

Oct. 12 - Garden Angel at Town and Country Garden Club

Friday, October 14, 2011

Meet Julie Wirsche

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