Science for Saturdays Starts!

Science for Saturdays (S4S) started as part of LGU (Little Giant University) on December 1 with orientation. Students in this program will explore various science topics and exploring plans for life after high school. On selected Thursdays students prepare for travel on Saturdays to meet scientist for hands on experiences or to have a college/life prep experience.

On our first adventure, students came to JMU to attend a workshop entitled "Putting the Puzzle Together" facilitated by JMU social work students with the support of P&G mentors that focused on planning for after high school. This activity coincided with JMU's Open House event allowing students to explore many possible majors including looking through a powerful telescope at sun flares for astronomy; exploring worms under a microscope for biology; hands on experiences with simulation bodies for nursing; talking with pre-professional health advisors for those interested in becoming occupational therapists, doctors, pharmacist, or dentist; and many more experiences.

The next experience was being introduced to IPADs and learning how to work them. In preparation for a trip to the JMU Planetarium students started by exploring an "app" Astronomy Picture of the Day where they were able to see the picture for that day and to seek the picture on their day of birth. Other apps explored black holes and games that illustrated the properties of black holes. Saturday's trip to the Planetarium allowed students illustrated student's preparation as they started with the picture of the day, which they were knowledgable about and was able to later explore another picture of Kepler-22B the newest planet discovered.

Picture courtesy of Astronomy Picture of the Day 

Students learned why there may be life on Kepler 22B. They also learned about the many constellations in the sky and how to find them. The planetarium has a huge dome that allows nearly 360 projections (see behind students). It finds the current position of the planetarium and then positions aspects of the sky accordingly.

Students finished their day by participating in an International Potluck Dinner and having ice cream cones. Students reviewed their learning as they returned from the day.

In January and February students will be participating in Saturday Morning Physics! Come join us! Find out more at http://csma31.csm.jmu.edu/physics/Banula/SMP2012webpage/index.html

Family Night Ends Mentors' Semester

Family Night was a big success! Over pizza mentees said goodbye to their semester mentors through conversation and games. They welcomed potentially new participants for new programs. Family members learned about new opportunities for their students and discussed college planning challenges. Principal Mr. Teachey greeted every table, Mrs. Schurz head of WHS guidance answered questions and offered support and science teacher Mr. Wion dropped by to lend his support. The night wrapped up with moving to the girls' basketball where some mentees showed their ball handling skills.

TOPICS DISCUSSED BY PARENTS

- Success for life after high school starts with good habits in high school. Students are encouraged to participate in Little Giant University on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:15 - 6:15 p.m. Snack, transportation and academic help or enrichment offered.

- Helping students select the best college for their needs

- How to get the most out of a college visit - ask to attend a class, walk the campus, talk to random persons on campus for their spontaneous perspectives

- Public vs. private schools

- Financial aid

- Community college benefits

- Successfully launching your student

Current realities - the facts
- Nearly half of undergraduates are enrolled in community colleges

- 61% of community college students are from "first generation" families where parents did not attend college

Family support is critical to students' success for gaining access and completing college experiences.

Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.

Marian Wright Edelman (1939-) American activist for the rights of children.

Que Pasa?

Sponsored by the Virginia Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, the Que Pasa Festival provided an opportunity for exposure to the multiple dimensions of the Hispanic culture in Virginia. Highlights included watching the group attempt Zumba - somebody was a star at that and watching the Brazilian marital art disguised as dance. Spicy food, vendors, music, dance and the passport to education pavilion featuring information from many schools or academic supports. Students spoke to representatives from Mary Baldwin College, and every where they were positively received. Students were accompanied by JMU mentors. A special thanks for our parent who also attended. It was great to see your support.

Students Off to Que Pasa?

The ¿Qué Pasa? Festival of Virginia 2011 Commercial from David Joel Watson on Vimeo.

Learning and Preparing

9/30/11
Students participated in college visits to Eastern Mennonite University and Bridgewater College. Both schools' admission personnel were informative and helpful in helping students to consider private colleges as options for applying. All mentees are encouraged speak with their mentor's about the college process - it is never too early to think about it. College trips target 11th & 12th graders. When space is available 10th graders are welcome to participate.

Special thanks to JMU mentors Grace & Jamee for escorting and providing college knowledge expertise!

JMU Mentors

Each semester JMU students enrolled in the Youth Empowerment Strategies course become mentors to WHS students who participate in P&G.  This years group is 25 members strong and agree to spend about 35 hours over the term with their WHS mentee.  Time is spent talking about the mentee's dreams and hopes, life after high school, setting academic goals for the term, and attending enrichment activities with them. JMU students participate in about 25 hours of training before they are matched with a WHS student.