Student Services Newsletter: Creating Opportunity, Cultivating Success at Alder GSE
October 2021 | Second Quarterly Release

Dear Alder Resident,
As we advance further into October during a time where so much hope is needed, we understand that a lot is going on in the residency, community, and nation. Navigating the program through a pandemic is no easy task and we understand you are being pulled in so many directions. We also know the incredible impact you are having on your students, and the progress you are making toward your goal of becoming a great, equitable and inclusive teacher. The second quarterly Student Services newsletter seeks to provide some key highlights regarding initiatives and supports from the team.
The following highlights, reminders, and updates aim to provide access to information related to Alder GSE. 
Please reach out to studentservices@aldergse.edu with any questions. 
Student Services Highlights
Covid-19 Vaccination - Covid-19 Vaccine booster shots are now available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago, live in high-risk settings, or work in high-risk settings including education staff. Please view Alder's Covid-19 Vaccination Guidance here and resouces here
Lifeline -- The Covid-19 pandemic highlights just how important it is to have a broadband internet connection at home--for remote school or work and many other pursuits. Thus, the Federal Communications Commission (FTC) offers new subsidies to assist more Americans to recieve support for the monthly cost of an internet connection, and in some cases, a one-time $100 discount on a computer other device. To learn more, please click here or email studentservices@aldergse.edu if you have any futher questions. 
Friendly Reminders
  • Child Tax Credit- The American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021, increases the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to provide up to $300 per month per child under age 6, and up to $250 per month per child ages 6 to 17. You can receive payments of up to $300 per child every month starting in July 2021 through December 2021. You will need to file a tax return in 2022 to receive the rest of the payment. Click here to learn more.
  • Low Cost Auto Insurance- Times are hard and insurance should not be. This state-sponsored program offers affordable insurance and helps you drive responsibly and legally. Please visit www.mylowcostauto.com or call 866-602-8861. Please view the Spanish version here.
  • Alder Wellness Supports- We know how busy the residency year can be, so we hope you will check out the robust wellness resources overview, including EAP resources and TESS offered to all our residents. The supports they offer include counseling services, financial/legal advice, and daily wellness updates.
  • Consumer Information and Annual Security Reports-  This is a friendly reminder that both reports are available on our school website. In case you missed our email, please view our Consumer Information Report here and Annual Security Report here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at financialaid@aldergse.edu.
  • Compelling Need Scholarship- To learn more about the Compelling Need Scholarship and how to apply, please click here. Note that this is meant to support residents who are experiencing need based or an unexpected circusmtances, and the amounts, due to limited resources, will range from $250-$750. 
  • Looking Forward to Credentialing- By the program's end, all residents must submit certification for CPR (Adult, Infant, Child). If you want to take care of this during the fall, you might consider www.cprtoday.com for an affordable online option. Be sure to select Adult/Infant/Child, also called Adult/Pediatric. Email your certification or questions to admissions@aldergse.edu by May 31, 2022. 

Wellness Corner: Promoting wellness through healthy lifestyles and support services.
Greater Good Science Center Happiness Calendar-  We all deserve some hope and joy despite the struggle. Here is the October calendar from the Greater Good Science Center at Cal Berkeley to help you practice a day-to-day guide in self-belief.
How to Calm a Distressed Mind- These past several months greatly affect our social-emotional well-being. This article examines simple and effective strategies that can reduce stress and help alleviate pressures in one's life.
Hispanic Hertiage Month Series by NPR- As we procceed in Hispanic/Latinx Hertiage Month, NPR explores and elevates histories, music, and lived experiences about Latinx communities in different ways. 

Writing Resources

  • Tutor.com - Need help with writing? Alder’s Tutor.com is a database for all residents who would like to get feedback on their writing and citation support. It is a 24/7 service that enables residents to meet with a live tutor or submit their papers for feedback. You can also use this site to prepare for your CBEST or CSET! To access this database, please visit the library's page, or your course Canvas page or Populi.
  • Need APA Citation Check or Brush Up? Excelsior OWL provides APA in-text citation, formatting or references help!
If you need assistance with a research topic or struggling to find supporting resources, please feel free to contact me at lrodwelch@aldergse.edu or library@aldergse.edu. Alternatively, click here to schedule a calendly and I look forward to assisting you with your research project.
"Making the Residency Work" Regional Resource Guides
The Student Services Team has developed regional Making It Work resources that are supportive, aid in financial and mental health wellbeing, are available in your local community, and focus on ensuring capacity to make the residency work. Access the resources by region below:

Thrive and Succeed -

Words From Those that Came Before You

"Wow. During this time of year, I remember being in the midst of EdTPA, completing a research project for one of the courses, and STILL needing to pass the RICA! I was dealing with so much procrastination when it came to EdTPA and coursework. I taught A LOT in the classroom and my students always came before any coursework/studying however, I learned that if I really wanted to be their teacher I needed to prioritize the workload in front of me. This meant speaking up for what I needed. Luckily I had a very dedicated and encouraging Director that provided the warm demander I needed to get things done. By advocating for what I needed, my director was able to help me create a plan, create a space and time in which to complete the work. She regularly did check-ins about the progress of how much work I completed. My cohort was also very encouraging and checked in on me or provided resources that were helpful to them that might be helpful to me. I really leaned on them when I became overwhelmed and because we were all in the same boat we were able to understand each other and encourage one another. Like Dory says: just keep on swimming. It seems like it will never get done, but trust yourself, ask for what you need, and get it done." - Frania Ramos-Arce, Aspire Public Schools, 2018-2019 Cohort
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