Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Blog 26: Senior Project Reflection

(1) Positive Statement
What are you most proud of in your 2-Hour Presentation and/or your senior project? Why?
I am so glad that everyone participated on my activities. I worked really hard on them and tried my best to make them fun and make sure the class learned something new. I am also glad that I had plenty of speaking time.

(2) Questions to Consider 
 What assessment would you give yourself on your 2-Hour Presentation (self-assessment)?
I would give my self a P+. I deserve a P because I followed all of the requirements and make sure everyone was involved in my lesson

b.     What assessment would you give yourself on your overall senior project (self-assessment)?
For my over senior project I would myself a AE. Each week I was up to date and made sure everything was turned in. I also got a AE on my exit interview and did really well in that. I took my senior project very seriously.
(3) What worked for you in your senior project?
The research checks helped me so much. I liked how each week we were required to bring 3 new articles. I liked how my research built up and at the end you have so much information. I can even use the research for the future.

(4) (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would have you done differently to improve your senior project if you could go back in time?
I would not change anything. I feel that I put in so much effort since the beginning of the year. I always tried to do my best.

(5) Finding Value
How has the senior project been helpful to you in your future endeavors?   Be specific and use examples.
Since I am now a Special Olympics bowling coach I will definitely be involved with Special Olympics for a very long time. I am now more apart of the special needs community and advocate for them. Through all of the components I can apply them to when I go to college and even when I get a job. For example the exit interview. This made me realize that this is how I will be interviewed in the future. I succeed and that makes me feel prepared for the real world. But over all of the components we needed to complete in our senior project will help me in the future.  

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Blog 25: Mentorship

Literal:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArZeKIJ-DYRTdE56S1VKdlp5WHQzVDFrMXpMN1lSbHc#gid=0


Interpretive:
What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?
The most important thing that I have gained from volunteering at Pomona Valley Special Olympics is inclusiveness. This is a very important skill to have. To get the athletes to be included in events and activities I would need to talk to them try convince them to participate. To learn the skill of inclusiveness my communications skills have also increased. At Special Olympics coaches and volunteers make sure that all athletes are participating. I have seen how happy athletes are once they decide to join and play the sport. All of their worries go away.

Applied:
My essential question is: "What is the most significant way that Special Olympics can help a person with an intellectual disability gain social competence?"
From volunteering and coaching at Pomona Valley Special Olympics I have seen athletes grow and become independent. For example, I have seen a athlete name Dawn who at the beginning wanted everyone to do and complete tasks for her. She would not pick up her own bowling ball and did not want to participate. It took her a while to finally start to do things on her own. With the help of coaches and volunteers she is now becoming socially competent and independent. We worked with her on why it is important to do things on her own and how to do things on her own. I have witnessed first hand that Special Olympics does help athletes gain social competence. I am very proud to be part of this great organization that helps so many people across the world.
 

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Project Update 11

When you buy a product from Pantene, Cascade, Tide, Covergirl or Bounty with an P&G coupon a 2 cents donation goes directly to Special Olympics. The coupons are in the newspaper and commercials are playing constantly on TV. The motto for P&G and Special Olympics is "For seeing the potential in every child".

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Project Update 10

Every year a huge raffle goes on to support Special Olympics. The big raffles is a huge house that you can win. The tickets are $150 dollars each. This is the fourth year this has been going on. All of the profit that is made will go directly to Southern California's Special Olympics. The house is beautiful!


  • Pool and Backyard Built in 2008
  • 6 bedrooms
  • 6.5 bathrooms
  • 7,500 square foot home
  • 33,521 sq ft / 0.77 acres lot
  • 3 levels
  • Elevator
  • Gourmet chef’s kitchen
  • 4 car / 1200 sq ft garage
  • 2 story living room
  • Wine cellar
  • Den Office
  • Wide-planked hardwood walnut & limestone flooring
  • Full maid's quarters
  • Guest suite
  • Wired for smart home with control room
  • Full residential security
  • Grotto style pool with cascading waterfalls
  • Located in Sherman Oaks, south of Ventura Blvd

Project Update 9

I made Special Olympics sugar cookies. I made them to look like actual medals. I made gold, silver, and bronze medals. These look just like the medals the athletes receive at tournaments. I am going to make more and hand them to the athletes for their end of the season party. They should like them.

Exit Interview Questions

(1) What is your essential question?  What is the best answer to your question and why?
My essential question is: "What is the most significant way that Special Olympics can help an person with an intellectual disability gain social competence?". My best answer is athletes need a strong support system to become socially competent. Without support and deciation from regional directors, area director, coaches, volunteers, parents, and caregivers athletes would not know how or to improve their social competence. These people work with the athletes in small groups and one on one to insure that their needs are being met and that they are gaining social competence.
 
(2) What process did you take to arrive at this answer?
The process that I took to arrive to my best answer was looking for ways that other people influence the athletes. I read a lot of research how sports give self esteem and how sports prepare them for everyday life and how self esteem leads to social competence. I was sold on these two answers. While at mentorship I saw all of the volunteers, coaches, parents,and care givers helping the athletes in so many different ways. Not just in sports but in everyday life skills. This is how I learned what my best answer was. Athletes need a strong support system.
 
(3) What problems did you face?  How did you resolve them?
At the beginning  of senior year I was lost on what exactly I should be researching. I was not sure where to start. Special Olympics has so many different branches that I could look into. So, I decided that i needed to narrow down on what I saw search. I did this before I even got my EQ approved. My problem was solved early on. My second problem that I faced was on my science project. I found that conducting an experiment very challenging. Even though Special Olympics is based in sports that was not entirely what I was focusing on. I found that conducting a study with people with intellectual disabilities is very challenging because your data can change quickly. I resolved it by completing my experiment and took that into consideration.
 
(4) What are the two most significant sources you used to answer your essential question and why?
My two most significant sources was the official Special Olympics web page. This provided me a lot of information and it brought me to a bunch of different sites. This web site helped my answer part of my essential question. My second best source is my mentorship. While volunteering and coaching at Pomona Valley Special Olympics I witnessed first hand on all of the positive things Special Olympics does for the athletes. I saw how Special Olympics is a fun, loving, and supporting community.
 
(5) What is your product and why?
My product is becoming a bowling coach through mentorship. This is my product because I had to take a coach training class and I work with the athletes in a different way than just being a volunteer. I am very proud of the accomplishment.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

2014 Interview


 1.  Who did you interview and what house are they in?
Christian Demesa, East House

 2.  What ideas do you have for your senior project and why?
He interested in composing music and pharmacy technician. He was interested in composing music because he plays the piano and he has a real passion for it and would love to learn more. Another interest that he was looking into the medical field. He was interested in learning more about what a pharmacy technician does because one of his parents are in that field.

 3.  What do you plan to do for your summer 10 hour mentorship experience?
Christian told me that finding at least 10 hours of summer mentorship would not be a problem. he told me if he decided to go with the topic of composing music his girlfriend has some connects to music composers. If he decided to pick a pharmacy technician he could receive hours through his parents. He has a good plan for what ever topic he chooses.

 4.  What do you hope to see or expect to see in watching the 2013 2-hour presentations?
He told me that he hoped to see the practical parts of the presentations. He wanted to see how the lessons would play out and how they related to the seniors projects.

 5.  What questions do you have that I can answer about senior year or senior project (or what additional information did you tell them about senior year or senior project)?
Questions and Answers:
1. How many hours are due a month?
No each month there is not a set of hours that have to be completes. On the due date you just need to have the correct amount of hours.
2. What contact information do we need to provide from our mentors?
You need to include their names, phones numbers or emails.
3. What evidence do you need to show to prove your hours?
A log to track your hours including days, times, and what you did. I would also recommend taking pictures that is a great way to prove that you were completing hours.

Blog 22: Final 3-Column Chart

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArZeKIJ-DYRTdDMtZ0tVX2RhbkNzR0lpRHM2WXBJcVE#gid=0

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Independent Component 2

LITERAL
(a) Statement saying: “I, Logan Ramirez, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.”

(b) Cite your source regarding who or what article or book helped you complete the independent component
Greg Oberon, Daniel Ramirez, and Russ Evans.

 (c) Provide a digital spreadsheet (aka log of the 30 hours)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArZeKIJ-DYRTdE56S1VKdlp5WHQzVDFrMXpMN1lSbHc#gid=0

 (d) Explanation of what you completed. 
I started my volunteer work with Pomona Valley Special Olympics in 2008. Last year, for independent component 1, I decided to become a certified coach and immerse myself into the culture. I enjoyed coaching, mentoring and assisting the athletes over the year.  I soon decided that I wanted to continue my role as coach for PVSO.  For independent component 2, I made the decision to complete 30 hours of mentorship with these special people. My job to coach for Bocce Ball was a great experience.  I gained knowledge both on and off the court.  I participated in monthly Board and Coach meetings and discussed ways to motivate, encourage and care for the athletes.  I studied Bocce manuals and paid special attention to coaches instructions.  Often, I needed to reply to emails and provide suggests to our Area Director Russell Evans. I helped lead practices with Greg Oberon and Daniel Ramirez.While at practices, I provided feedback to the athletes so that they could perform their best. Several times throughout the year, I participated in regional tournaments which for me often started at 7am and ended in the late afternoon.  Socially, I helped the athletes in a variety of ways: supported athletes, coaches and volunteers and help teach new skills. I enjoyed my experience as a coach.  I realized that coaching also included bathroom monitoring, trash collector, sweater finder and referee between athletes when they had personal issues.

INTERPRETIVE
Defend your work and explain how the significant parts of your component and how it demonstrates 30 hours of work.   Provide evidence (photos, transcript, art work, videos, etc) of the 30 hours of work. 
In the links below it shows evidence that I have completed 30 hours of work. My job at Special Olympics is a coach, support the athletes, coaches, and volunteers in any way that I can. As a coach it my responsibility to mentor, consul, push the athletes to be the best they can be.
http://ipolylogan13.blogspot.com/2013/03/practice-senior-update-4.html
http://ipolylogan13.blogspot.com/2013/02/bocce-practice-senior-update-3.html
http://ipolylogan13.blogspot.com/2013/04/senior-project-update-8.html


APPLIED
How did the component help you answer your EQ or support one or more of your answers.  Please include specific examples to illustrate how it helped.
This component really helped me answer my EQ and answers. My EQ is "What is the most significant way that Special Olympics can help an person with a intellectual disability gain social competence?" While being a coach it gave me a whole new perspective of all the good things that come out of the athletes while they are in Special Olympics. I got to see the athletes grow and mature in their sport but most importantly see the athletes become socially competed. For example: at the beginning Dawn would come to practices and would expect others around her to compete tasks for her. She didn't want to help herself. Through time, encouragement, and praise she is coming to practices and putting her purse in the correct place, walking the track when asked, and even picking up her own bocce ball. These improvements may seem small to many but they are actually huge accomplishments. She is becoming socially competent which is great. that is what Special Olympics is striving for. Special Olympics and the athletes have shown me with hard work, patience, and praise athletes can become socially competed. By coaching, working with athletes, and research I have answered my essential question.

Senior Project Update 8.

On April 20, 2013 Pomona Valley Special Olympics got to participate in a tournament at Cal Poly Pomona. This event was host by Lanterman Developmental Center and Pomona Valley Special Olympics. Each tournament takes turns in hosting a event. Lanterman and Pomona Valley Special Olympics split the costs for food, medals, having medical care, and tents and extra items. Other Special Olympics teams came from all different areas for example: South LA, East San Gabriel Chapter and Fountain Valley. Due to another event being held in San Bernardino County may chapters did not show up which was a downer. But they did not stop the athletes from having a good time. Coaches had to arrive early and check in. The other coaches and I waited wait for the athletes to arrive and start our day. Once they athletes arrived we stretch a little to get warm up to play some bocce ball. In tournaments depending on the division the athletes are on it depends on how much coaching they can receive. The divisions range from A-D. In A and B divisions they is usually a team caption who is a athlete and helps run the team. A and B levels cannot receive help or coaching in a tournaments. In C and D teams coaching is allowed because the team consisted of lower development athletes. The team that was taken was a D level team, so coaching was allowed. Me and the other coaches supported and assisted when needed. There were games and booths for the athletes when they were not competing. Overall the day was great and all the athletes had a great time.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Senior Project Update 7.

A Poem About Our Heros


We were recently sent this poem from a long-time Special Olympics coach and supporter. We thought we would share this with all of you.
Uncommon Heroes
by Jann Miller, June 2002
It is easy to imagine the beauty In each face that might have been
It is easy to see a glimpse of a family tie You can see the image of a mother or dad In a shadow on their face You can tell it is their child, but not really.
It’s easy to imagine how solemn Their life might be, thinking how sad
And then you see them dance.
Twirling, spinning to the music
They either hear like me,
Or hear it in their mind.
And you see them smile.
Singing the words they may know, Or making them up as they go.
Whichever it is, it is a song of joy
If their limbs are silent, Their faces dance alone
They don’t try to be better Than anyone else,
They just try to be better for themselves.
Each face bears the mark of a hero, Every step a miracle of its own
And we watch them dance And we see their joy
And we see the uncommon hero.
There’s a spirit in every soul Whether quiet or loud
That spirit comes alive when they win, Or when they don’t
And we feel so proud for them But not nearly as proud as they
Feel for themselves.
Proudly displaying the medals they’ve won A very proud hero with a tale to tell Of a battle won not just today But every day One step at a time One breath at a time One dance at a time A song in their heart
The uncommon hero.

I found this poem on the Special Olympics website and it is beautiful. Everything that was said in the poem represents how the athletes really are. If people would just take time out of their day to spend with the athletes they would too understand.

Senior Update 6.

Throughout the month of April, you can make a donation to Special Olympics at any Vons or Pavilions check-out. Funds raised through the customer fundraising promotion will benefit Special Olympics, Easter Seals and several other disability organizations. All proceeds raised will allow Special Olympics to provide even more sports training and competitions to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Thanks to Vons and others support, this campaign has raised more than $9.3 million for Special Olympics since 2008.

Here are the items that my family and I dropped off at Vons in Via Verde.

 
 
 

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Practice! Senior Update 5

At practice on Saturday, March 9 I helped lead bocce practice along with Greg Oberon. Greg Oberon has taught me a lot on how bocce truly works. He has taught me all of the rules and regulations. At practice we worked with the athletes on how they throw the bocce ball. Having a good arm is very important when playing bocce ball. Athletes need to understand how forcefully or softly they need to throw the ball.


 Greg Oberon my mentor.







Sunday, March 3, 2013

Senior Project and ESLRs

1. What ESLR have you excelled in most in your senior project?
I believe I have excelled the most in being a effective communicator during my senior project.

2. Please explain why you think you have excelled in this ESLR.
When coaching at Special Olympics you need to pay close attention to all of needs the athletes have. Some athletes are unable to communicate verbally. I need to be able to understand their wants and needs. Sometimes when talking to the athletes I needed to rephrase my sentences so they can understand a concept. Being a effective communicator is key at Special Olympics.

3. Provide evidence from your senior project.






Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Blog 18: 2-Hour Meeting Answer #3

1. What is your essential question?
What is the most significant way that Special Olympics can help a person with a intellectual disability gain social competence?

2.What is your third answer to your essential question?
By giving the athletes self esteem they can do anything. When someone has self esteem can do and conquer anything.

3. What are three details to support of justify your answer?
At Special Olympics coaches and volunteers praise the athletes. After they compete a task we like to tell them they did a good job and give them words of encouragement.
Coaches help athletes remember that the sports game is not just about winning. Many athletes forget the moto of Special Olympics. Which is to build friendships, have a good attitude, be positive and have fun. It hurts a lot of the athletes feelings when they do not win, so we as coaches have to remind them why we are here. Even some times we have to ask the athletes questions for them to realize that they did have a good time. For example: If an athlete is mad, a coach might say you tried your best and that's all that mattered. Did you have a good time? Did you throw any good balls? Did you try your best? And remind them of their accomplishments they have made.
When a higher functioning athletes can assist a lower functioning athletes, their self esteem is boosted. They feel like their being a coach, mother/father or caregiver.
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." -Special Olympics athletes oath.

4. What source helped you prove this answer is justified for your essential question?
"Coaching Guides." Coaching Guides, Special Olympics, Web. 01 Nov. 2012<http://sports.specialolympics.org/specialolympics.org/Special_/English?Coach/Coaching

5. What do you plan on studying next and why?
Next I plan on studying self help skills because self help skills are important in every ones lives.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Blog 17: Fourth Interview Questions

1. Do you ever discuss with other coaches ways to increase social competence?

2. Do you believe it takes multiple people to help an athletes become socially competed?

3. What do you think the coaches roles are?

4. What do you think volunteers roles are?

5. What do you think the administrations roles are?

6. What skills outside of sports do you help athletes with?

7 . Why is fundraising so important?

8.What types of fundraising is Special Olympics involved with?

9. How do athletes help in the process?

10. Are the athletes asked to help or do coaches nominee them?

11. Are families and caregivers of athletes involved?

12. Does the community get involved with Special Olympics fundraisers?

13. Does fundraising help the athletes gain social competence?

14. Do you think athletes teach volunteers and coaches social competence?

15. What is social competence to you?

16. Is non verbal communication happening at Special Olympics?

17. Is social competence essential to successful program?

18. How do YOU increase social competence at Special Olympics?

19. What would be the impact of Special Olympics if social competence was not taught or important?

20. What kind of trainings does Administration offer regrading social competence?

21. Do you ever give advice to families or caregivers on how to increase social competence at home?

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Pomona Valley's New Logo! Senior Update 4.

All coaches attended a Special Olympics meeting. The Area Director, Russell Evans had informed us that Pomona Valley Special Olympics has a brand new logo. Our ares colors are now red, black and white. These colors are fairly new to Special Olympics. Before the main colors were a turquoise. Slowly the colors started to change with red, black and white. The new colors re very nice. Along with the new colors has come a brand new logo. Now the logo is red with a globe of people. It is located at the top of the picture. I thought this information was really cool because this is part of Pomona Valley's Special Olympics history. Also listed is all of the other topics we covered at the meeting.

 

Bocce Practice. Senior Update 3.

On Saturday, February 16, 2013 the first bocce practice started. Practices are held at Claremont High School from 9:00-11:30. All of the athletes we excited and ready to start a new season. Before bocce practice started all of the athletes had to warm up and stretch. Our bocce player stretched with the track athletes. About 40 people where in a huge circle stretching. It is nice that bot sports teams can come together and bond while stretching. After every stretched for about 15 minutes everyone went to either track or bocce. Bocce only has 9 players. During practices we really worked with the athlet4es feet positions. For example if you are right handed then you left should be in front, if you are left handed your right foot should be in front. Feet  position is very important because if helps the athletes perform better. We worked o this the whole practice and called it "foot forward". The otgher coaches expalined to me why feet position is very important and helps the athletes perform better.
 
 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Blog 16: 2- Hour House Meeting

1. What is the most significant way that Special Olympics can help a person with an intellectual disability gain social competence?
 
2. Me second answer to my essential is question is every single person who is involved with Special Olympics helps athletes become more social competent. These people include Regional Directors, Area Directors, coaches, volunteers, community workers, parents, and care givers from group homes.
 
3. Some examples of people who are involved with Special Olympics helps athletes gain social competence are:
When an athletes is at bowling practice and needs to get bowling shoes they need to communicate with the person behind the counter to get the correct size shoe. Sometimes the athletes speech maybe hard to understand and some athletes are non verbal coach practice with the athletes like holding up what size shoe they are. With more and more practice they are memorizing what shoe size they are and the person behind the desk gets familiar with athletes and build relationships.
 
Regional Directors, Area Directors, coaches, volunteers, community workers, parents, and care givers from group homes all help athletes with self help. For example they set boundaries, rules, repetition and guidance to do things on their own.
 
Special Olympics is empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities to be leaders in society by providing them opportunities to learn skills that transcend the playing field. Our athletes hold jobs, go to school, and are active members in their communities.
 
4. This source helped me the most to find my answer:                                                                                                                        "Special Olympics' Special Olympics Delaware. Web. 01 Nov. 2012. http://www.sode.org/
This helped me the mot because it gave a good idea on coaches and other people who are involved with Special Olympics help athletes in a big way.
 
5. I plan to continue my study of my 2 answer by completing my independent component 2. Also talking to coaches from other regions and volunteering.


 

 
 
 

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Blog 15: Independent Component 2 Approval

1. I plan on completing 30 hours of work with Pomona Valley Special Olympics. Sign ups for spring start on February 9th. I plan to help with registration. I will also participate in the orientation that will take place on this day. Things that will be discussed will be the athletes code of conduct,healthy eating, selections of sports, how attendance and participation will used in selecting athletes to attend. I will also help lead practices and attend tournaments. When Summer Games comes I will also help the head coach on which athletes will get to go and participate.

2. I think my independent component 2 will reach 30 hours of work because practices are every Saturday for 3 hours. During the week also there are sometimes Special Olympics meeting for coaches and volunteers to attend to discuss how things are going and what needs improvement. There are also tournaments that we go to which last for about 6-8 hours.

3. This independent component will help me answer my essential question because I am receiving hands on work experience with athletes, coaches, volunteers, and partners that are involved with Special Olympics. Through my recent research I think I have an idea for my answer two, which is everyone who is involved with Special Olympics helps the athletes become more socially competent.

Blog 14: Independent Component 1

Literal
a) I, Logan Ramirez affirm that I completed my independent component which reprsents 30 hours of work.
b) Greg Oberon (909) 957-9574
c) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArZeKIJ-DYRTdE56S1VKdlp5WHQzVDFrMXpMN1lSbHc#gid=0
d) As a coach I helped run practices. I assisted the athletes when needed. For example: going to the restroom, helping them gather their belongings (putting on shoes, helping with jackets, their bags), helping athletes that needed to use a bowling ramp, and cleaned up after practices.

Interpretive

I completed 30 hours of work. Bowling practices consisted of taking roll to see who was at practice. Setting up the bowling ramps and taking them out of storage. Gathering athletes to their lanes. Assisting athletes when needed. It could be from going to the restroom, helping them receive their bowling shoes and putting them on. When the athletes stated their bowling game I would walk around and see who needed assistance. After practices were over I would wait with some of athletes who live in group homes and wait or their care takers. After I would help clean up the bowling alley. I also helped plan some Special Olympic parties. I helped plan the Halloween party and the Christmas party.


Applied
By completing the 30 hours of work I have a understanding of my foundation. Being a part of Special Olympics has shown me that people with intellectual disabilities need assistance and practice. I have learned that the sometimes the simplest things for us is very hard for some of the athletes. We take a lot of things for granted. For example: for an athlete to be able to communicate to front desk on what shoe size they are can be a huge struggle. Some athletes are non-verbal, some do not know what shoe size they are, and some have never been told or practiced what their shoe size is.  Another example is: money. Many athletes come to practices with change to buy a soda. Many of them will ask me and the other coaches how many quarters do I need to buy a drink. We have to help them figure out how many quarters they need. But by the end of the season they have memorized how many quarters they need. The athletes at Pomona Valley Special Olympics are just like us, but need a little extra assistance and practice. I am so happy to part of Special Olympics and make a difference in their lives.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Special Olympics Meeting. Senior Update 2

 On January 23, there was a Special Olympics meeting. Here is the agenda on what was discussed.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Third Interview Questions

EQ: What is the most significant way that Special Olympics can help a person with intellectual disability gain social competence?

1. What is one of the top skills you work on with an athletes to help them build social competence?

2. What gets people to choose Special Olympics over other organizations?

3. Can you tell me about an athlete and a positive change you have seen?

4. Does Special Olympics target personal hygiene?

5. What types of social skills is required for Special Olympics?

6. How much assistance is given to new athletes vs a seasoned athlete?

7. Can you tell me some of the skills the athletes gain while participating while at Special Olympics?

8. What are the rules when assisting or allowing someone to use the restroom at practice and at a tournament?

9. How are food and snacks addressed to the athletes?

10.How does Pomona Valley Special Olympics measure social competence?