What’s Happening at AHS

Assumption Students Join the VR Revolution

Posted on

“It’s making learning real.” This is how science teacher Wendy Martin describes AHS’s new STEM BEST partnership with VictoryVR, a Quad-City tech company. From a phlebotomist to a veterinarian and an industrial engineer to a science teacher, Virtual Reality (or VR) is changing the way students learn about STEM careers.

The program, “VR STEM Career Exploration,” uses phone-based virtual reality software to bring STEM careers from throughout the U.S. directly to students, giving them the opportunity to virtually “step into” the worlds of 20 different STEM careers (and growing). Each vignette physically places students in laboratories, green houses, observatories and more as these STEM employees explain the day-to-day duties of their job, their educational pathways and their passion for what they do.

It’s important to keep in mind that everyone has different preferences and what works for one person may not work for another. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a rose toy (buying a vibrator):

  1. Consider your needs: What do you want to use the toy for? Do you want it for solo play, couples play, or something else? This will help you determine the type of toy that will best meet your needs.
  2. Think about the size: Some people prefer larger toys, while others prefer smaller ones. Consider what size will be most comfortable and pleasurable for you.
  3. Consider the material: Different materials can have different textures and sensations. Consider what material will feel the best for you.
  4. Think about the power: Some people prefer strong vibrations, while others prefer more subtle ones. Consider what level of power will be most pleasurable for you.
  5. Read reviews: Reading reviews from other people who have used the toy can give you a good idea of what to expect.

Overall, the most important thing is to choose a toy that meets your needs and preferences. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect toy for you, but it’s worth it to take the time to find something that you enjoy and that brings pleasure to your life.

The Iowa STEM Council provided a STEM BEST cost-matched award of $25,000 to Assumption last October based on its proposal to collaborate with a local business and develop a tool that would benefit students not only in Iowa but also across the nation. Come fall, Assumption will begin using the tool in all of its classrooms as well as for career guidance conversations between students and counselors.

The program is available to anyone, anywhere, with a smartphone and access to Google Cardboard or other affordable, VR headset gear. The free app is available now in the Google Play Store and a version for the iPhone will be available in the Apple Store soon.

1980 Alums Keep Their Paddles in the Water

Posted on

It began in the summer of 1979, and has continued the last weekend of June every summer since. For Class of 1980 graduates Tom Thompson, Tim Lawler, Brendan Kelly, Bill McAfoos, Bob Hingtgin, George Gerwe, Matt Nagle, and Drew Bracken, there’s nothing quite like their annual canoe trip on the Iowa River.

This past summer marked the group’s 36th trip on the Upper Iowa River, which started as canoeing all day Saturday, camping on the banks of the river, and continuing the canoe trip Sunday morning.

“Brendan Kelly came up with the idea,” says Tim Lawler. “He used to go camping and canoeing there as a child. We were looking for a cheap weekend getaway, which has now turned into 36 years.”

For Lawler, his best memories are of conversations around the camp fire, where stories range from Prom and college, to careers, marriage, and children.

Recently the group has added a Friday golf outing to their festivities, while cutting back the canoeing portion of their weekend to a half day on Saturday.

“We’re getting too old to canoe that long,” said Lawler. “We depart Sunday morning, because we are all headed in separate directions. We still cook all our meals around the fire, catch up and laugh.”

While each classmate now has his own family and career and the friends are spread across the country from California to Michigan, it remains an important tradition to block out the last weekend in June for the trip, “to reconvene, and pick up where they left off.”

“While we all went to separate colleges and moved to different states, we never lost touch. A lot of us were in each other’s wedding. All of us have children that are older than we were when we started this annual trip,” said Lawler. “Though the conversations have changed over the years, the one thing that remains constant with this group is our love for Assumption.”

“For this group there truly is no place like Assumption,” Lawler said. We couldn’t have said it any better.