AP(Parent)Ly College Newsletter for September 25

Click the read more button for a wealth of information from the apPARENTly College Resource Newsletter.  

Featured in this issue:

Counseling News


Ann Arbor Public School Happenings   

Area Happenings


826Michigan


Neutral Zone


apPARENTly
Community Parent & Student News You Can Use


September 24, 2013

http://a2community.org


*Added since last edition


 

CHS Dates and Events

Counseling News


Ann Arbor Public School Happenings   

Area Happenings


826Michigan


Neutral Zone


Join Together

Contact Us


*********************************************************************

CHS Counseling News:

Seniors

*1. Wendy’s High School Heisman Scholarships for academics, athletics and leadership. Apply at wendysheisman.com

*2. FREE CHS Essay Workshop #2  Wednesday, October 1, 3:30 PM, Media Center. Sign up in Counseling Office.

Juniors

*1. Junior Parent/Student College Night @CHS! Monday, 9/30, 7PM, Craft Theater, featuring MSU’s Director, Jim Cotter and Kalamazoo College’s Senior Assistant Director, Susanne Lepley. Juniors? Be There!

2. Junior Class Meeting: Thursday October 3, 11:15 Rm 222 (Lunch Forums) and 2:15 Craft Theater

*3. College Night at the AADL: Solving the College Admissions Puzzle
Wednesday September 25, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

This event is intended for adults and teens (grade 9 and up). For those involved in the college selection process, it's AADL's 7th annual College Night with the co-authors of "Solving the College Admissions Puzzle: A Guide for Students and Families About College Selection, Essay Writing, and High-Stakes Testing"- Community High's college prep counselor John Boshoven; Debbie Merion, the founder of Essay Coaching; and performance coach Geraldine Markel.
       Learn about the college selection and application process: Part 1: Finding the College that Fits; Part 2: Applying to College: Those Pesky Essays; Part 3: Applying to College: Those Pesky Tests. This event will include a book signing with copies of the book available for purchase.

 
4. Consider the Questbridge Scholarship!

QuestBridge takes Academic Achievement, Financial Need and/or Personal Circumstances. www.questbridge.or


All Students

1. Visiting colleges or want to? Amtrak features 50% coupons for student and parents/guardians at:http://www.campusvisit.com/amtrak.htm

2. Greyhound offers 15% discount for students with their “Student Advantage Card.” Also gives up to 50% discount on stuff.http://www.studentadvantage.com/nextstep

+++++

Colleges visiting Community High this week   (as of 9/23/13)

9/23 Antioch College (OH) 11:15 Antioch is in a class by  itself. Loren Pope writes, “There is no college in the country that makes a more profound difference in a young person’s life, or that creates more effective adults.” You say you want a revolution? Antioch may be the place to start. Founded in 1852 by abolitionist and social reformer Horace Mann, Yellow Springs, Ohio has been the home of reform ever since. 100 students.  Tuition is supported by alumni scholarships, so room and board is all you pay!Strong internships and cooperative education program. http://www.antioch.edu             Fiske***

9/24

New York University 9:30

Want big college in big city? NYU, in Greenwich Village/Lafayette Square in Manhattan offers top research, business, communications and performing arts in the city that never sleeps. Almost 40,000 people call NYU home, spread over buildings that go on for blocks smack-dab in the big apple. Big introductory classes are not for the faint of heart, but students rave about the housing options, a fraction of the cost of NYC lodging.http://nyu.edu   Fiske ****http://nyu.edu

Saginaw Valley State University 11:15

George Washington University (DC) 12:00    In the shadow of this action-packed city, GW’s 16,000 students (6500 undergrads) enjoy a good time and wonderful access to the world’s political center. Its political communications major is unique to GW, and other strong programs include psychology, international studies, political science, econ., business and East Asian Studies. http://www.gwu.edu

Boston University (MA) 1;30 Like the city? BU is for you! Like serious academics, a flowing river sporting a spanking new rowing club? BU! Like schools that blend in the cityscape and are indistinguishable from stores and apartments surrounding? BU! BU feels like NYU and GWU, and city-folk love the sidewalks, traffic and action. This private, research university is hot, since Boston sports over 60 colleges and universities and since their academic reputation is so strong. Lots of diversity here, and the different colleges vary in selectivity so there’s probably a place for you among its 18,000 under grads if the climate and fit is right. http://bu.edu  Fiske****

Barnard College (NYC) 2:00 Barnard students claim to have the best of both worlds. In liberal arts, Barnard women have access to top professors with relevant subjects for urban, cosmopolitan women. As an affiliate of Columbia University, Barnard students have access to the best resources for research and study. 2270 students on Broadway in NYC!   http://www.barnard.columbia.edu              

 
9/25

Hillsdale College (MI) 9:30 “Agere sequitur esse” (“to act follows to be”) characterizes this small, independent, non-federal fund receiving, conservative liberal arts college in Hillsdale, Michigan. 1100 students maintain a “dry “campus, participate in a freshman great books core curriculum, and enjoy  the peaceful, bucolic environs. http://www.hillsdale.edu

Grand Valley State Univ. (MI) 11:15 Michigan’s fastest growing state university, two sparkling campuses await you with good liberal, fine and performing arts. Sports is big (D-1 and popular), and facilities are top notch, with a reasonable price tag. Lake Michigan and Michigan’s second largest city are nearby attractions.  http://www.gvsu.edu

Denison University (OH) 11:45 Once known as a laid-back cousin to the northeast elite liberal arts colleges, today Denison is working hard to attract top academic students to its pristine, hill-top campus. Huge maples, brick sidewalks and an immaculate campus could be transplanted from New England, and many eastern students find Granville much like home. Denison’s Honors Program is putting some of the school’s hefty endowment into financial aid offers.  Strong programs include Mathematics, Economics, Political Science, History, Philosophy, Psychology, creative writing, geology, physics and environmental studies, thanks to the school’s nearby 350 acres biological reserve. http://www.denison.edu                               

Wittenberg University 9OH) 1:45 UM former AD can't be wrong, and Bill Martin has put his money where his heart is...the Bill and Sally Martin Scholarship is a full ride for a luck Washtenaw County matriculant. A hilly, well-maintained, proud university in the proud city of Springfield, Ohio awaits the student who dares to check out this nice college. Liberal Arts, Education, Biology, Business and management are the strongest programs here. Wonderful classroom and student facilities, different living options, a strong intermural program and a top-notch faculty provide happy students. Students love the personal attention they get here. It’s less selective, but Fiske calls it, “one of higher education’s best kept secrets. Come and find out why. Check out the new humanities and science centers. Also, its Asian Studies program is highly touted. http://wittenberg.edu  Fiske***


9/26

Western Michigan University 8:00 US News and World Reports ranks WMU as “one of the country’s top 230 national universities. It also ranks in Michigan’s top 4 for variety and complexity of course offerings. Located in Kalamazoo, WMU has 6 degree-granting colleges, over 400 student organizations, Division 1 sports, and over 25,000 loyal Broncos fans. Top programs include music and fine arts, engineering, and liberal arts.                   http://www.wmich.edu

 
Colleges visiting Community High next week

9/30

8:00 Indiana Tech

11;00 Ohio Technical College

11:15 Eastern Michigan University

1:45 Michigan State University


10/1

11:00 Alma Colege

3:30 Senior Essay Workshop




10/2

9:30 Amherst College (MA)

12:00 Valparaiso University (IN)




10/3

9:30 Hope College (MI)

11:15 Hobart & Wm. Smith Colleges (NY)

12:30 Tufts University (MA)

1:45 Eckerd College (FL)

2:15 Junior Meeting

*2;45 University of Michigan




10/4

*8:00 Stanford University

9:30 University of Vermont

10:45 Lake Forest College (IL)

11:45 Haverford College (PA)

1:30 Swarthmore College (PA)

 

College Programs

*University of Chicago Info. Session: 9/25, 7PM, Detroit Country Day School, 22305 W. 13 Mile Rd, Beverly Hills 48025 rsvp at:http://prospects.uchicago.edu/uchicagovisits/

Kendall College of Art and Design Spark Sessions: 9/25, 26, 30, 10/3  kcad.edu/artprize

Wellesley College Discover Days, 10/14, 11/9 www.wellesley.edu/admission

Boston University Reception: 9/23 6:30+  Troy Marriott Hotel  bu.edu/admission

Michigan State University’s James Madison College Visit Days, 9/25, 10/4, 23, 11/11  10:00AM  www.jmc.msu.edu/visit

Christian College Fairs, 9/24, 26, Sterling Heights and Novi, 6:30-8:30 PM myblueprintstory.com

*University of Michigan-Dearborn Open House, 9/28, 12PM, umd.umich.edu/openhouse

Lake Forest College Green and White day 9/28  www.lc.edu

Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) Days (Savannah), GA) 9/28, 11/2, 1/18, 2/15 4 /5 scad.edu/scadday

Aquinas College (MI) Fine Arts day, 10/4 (coincides with ARTPRIZE Aquinas.edu/fad


*U Pittsburgh Info. Sessions, 10/5, 26, 11/2, 23  www.oafa.pitt.edu/visit


Roosevelt University (IL) Open Houses, Saturday, October 12 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Chicago Campus 425 S. Wabash Ave’ .  Saturday, October 19  9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Schaumburg Campus 1400 N. Roosevelt Blvd.roosevelt.edu/openhouse
(877) 277-5978
*Grand Valley State University Laker Visit Days, 10/12, 25, 11/2  www.hvsu.edu/visit and click on “events (800) 748-0246

*Bard College (NY) Discovery Day, 10/14 register at www.bard.edu

*Lawrence Technological University (MI) Exploration Day 10/18, 8-4 ww.ltu.edu/futurestudents/VIP.asp

*Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) Days (Atlanta, GA) 10/19, 1/11, 3/1, 4/12  scad.edu/scadday

*Aquinas College (MI) Fine Arts day, 10/4 (coincides with ARTPRIZE Aquinas.edu/fa

National (art) Portfolio Day, 10/27, 10-4, College for Creative Studies, Detroit


Carnegie Mellon University (PA) School of Music Open House, 10/13/13, 12:30-6PM, music.cmu.edu/pages/openhouse


Brown University (RI) Info. Meeting: Monday, 10/14, 7PM, Greenhills School, Ann Arbor  brownedu/go/brownnearyou

Seniors Exploring Engineering at Purdue University (IN), 10/14/13, 9-4PM www.purdue.edu/wiep


Emory University (GA) Open House Detroit, MI, Tuesday, October 15, 2013, 7:00-9:00 PM Detroit Marriott Troy 200 W. Big Beaver Road Troy, MI 48084 Register
*DePaul University 9IL) Info. Session 10/16, 7PM Embassy Suites Livonia, 19525 Victor Pkwy, Livonia North Carolina State University Open House: 10/19  nscu.edu/openhouse

Seton Hall University Open Houses: 10/20, 11/24/2/16/2014 www.shu.edu/visiting

Lawrence Technological University (MI) Blue Devil Days  11/2, 12/7, 9:30-1:30  ww.ltu.edu/futurestudents/VIP.asp

Colgate University (NY) Multicultural Open House, 11/3-4  apply at:www.colgate.edu/openhouse

Mt. Holyoke College Focus on Diversity Weekend, 11/3-4, application in Counseling Office

Smith College Women of Distinction  11/8-10  apply at: www.smith.edu/admission/wod

University of the South Multicultural Weekend  11/10-11, apply by October 1 at Sewanee.edu

 

Counseling Department News

*1.   CHS Counselor Diane Grant was nominated and received a scholarship for the inaugural School Counselor Postsecondary Planning Training course, according to Jamie M. Jacobs, Director of Professional Development, Michigan College Access Network!  “Thank you for your dedication to students in Michigan and are excited that you are interested in the course.”  The online components will involve readings, activities, research, and engagement in discussion board posts.  The course includes 12 sessions on topics spanning the college access and postsecondary planning space.  The course will be facilitated by Michigan experts in college advising and postsecondary planning.  After successful completion of the full course, Diane will be a Michigan College Access Network certified College

College News*Why life is one long college application
No one likes college applications, unless you magically achieved a 5.0 GPA and a perfect SAT score in high school. And even then, filling out all those questions about yourself is a hassle. So what if we told you life was one extremely long, never-ending application? We all have to step over milestone hurdles in life, but they don’t just stop when you’re grown up. They start pretty darn early, too.

Step one: school. This is the obvious one and quite possibly the longest-lasting. Nowadays, you barely get a reprieve as a baby when it comes to school applications, with waiting lists to obnoxiously exclusive preschools almost as long as the ones for college. The only difference is that your parents have to make you look impressive instead of you doing it. And so begins the very long and nausea-inducing road to higher education, right from your toddler years. Elementary, middle and especially high school are all preparation for this lovely and stressful thing we call college. Your entire academic career up until then has been preparing you to impress those admissions officers — oh, and to make you a better person, but come on. We all know the main goal. And if you thought getting into Cal was the end of the road, then you incoming freshmen must be more naive than we thought. After that, there could even be more school! And that means … more applications. Med school, pharmacy school, grad school, everything! There are possibly years to go of not only grades but also trying to impress people. And it doesn’t stop there.

Step two: work. In the “real” world, people like to use a slightly different word for application. They call it a resume, and writing one up sucks just as much — or more — as your college apps. At least once you send in your apps, they’re done until you receive your acceptance or rejection letters. With a resume, you have to keep updating it every time you achieve a so-called “accomplishment” or new ability. And if you thought you could escape personal essays upon entering the job market, think again! Cover letters, a resume’s best friend, are usually a must-have when applying for jobs. It’s the grown-up version of why you want to live out your dreams through this company instead of that school. It still requires the art of subtle bragging that everyone loves so much and is so difficult to get down just right. How are you supposed to sound poised and classy when you really want to say, “PICK ME! PLEASE! I’M DESPERATE BUT SORT OF QUALIFIED! PICK MEEE!” We guess you should ask the people who landed jobs, because they must have done something right. But with this application process, it’s not a one-time deal. You have to do it over and over again! Sure, it becomes easier over time as you build up that impressive sheet of paper that defines your value as a person … we mean “employee.” But it’s still freaking exhausting. And you even have to start this process early in school if you’re looking to get a job or internship then. And why do we look for those positions as students? To impress employers when we graduate. It’s such a nasty cycle.


Step three (optional): marriage. This is way down the line for most of us. But even this fairytale plot often requires a set of credentials — even if you fail to write them down and mail them to your potential spouse. Have you ever heard of bio data? It’s actually a term for work places to evaluate personnel, but it’s been adopted by the meat market we call dating/husband hunting/wife wanting, etc. It’s basically your resume as a potential life partner. “So, what kind of car do you drive? Where did you go to school? Oh, you’re going to be a doctor! How much money will you make?” These are all common questions you’ll find in the not-so-subtle art of figuring out someone’s bio data for the purpose of someday marrying him or her. These can all be applied to anyone, too! Multipurpose — you’ve got to love that. So you see, even in what should be a matter of the heart, we end up laying out our best qualities in the hopes that someone will accept or request. At least with a job, you can update your resume and move on  if you don’t get it (hopefully). What are you supposed to do when the rejection actually is because of your personality? Bummer, and much harder to get over.
Moral of the story? Stay impressive. Oh, and have fun along the way. If you love what you’re doing, then it’ll be no problem getting more experience to add to that list of accomplishments. If you love who you are, then someone will come along who loves that too.
Image source: capturingJenna under Creative Commons. 
Contact Erum Khan at ekhan@dailycal.org or follow her on Twitter @erumjkhan.


+++++++++++++
2013-14 Testing Dates and Deadlines


ACT
  The ACT Assessment Test assesses a high school student’s general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The ACT is generally taken by 11th Graders in the spring/summer of their Junior year of high school and by seniors retaking them to improve their scores. The ACT is also included as part of the Michigan Merit Examination (MME) and will be administered in school in March, 2012. http://www.actstudent.org

2013-14 Test Dates

Test Date                     Registration Deadline              (Late Fee Required)

October 26, 2013        September 27, 2013               September 28–October 11, 2013

December 14, 2013     November 8, 2013                 November 9–22, 2013

February 8, 2014         January 10, 2014                    January 11–24, 2014

April 12, 2014             March 7, 2014                         March 8–21, 2014

June 14, 2014              May 9, 2014                           May 10–23, 2014

 

~~~~~~~~~~~


SAT
  The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college. The SAT is usually taken by 11th Graders in the spring of their Junior year in high school and retaken by seniors to improve their scores. Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing subscores for multiple-choice and the essay. 

Test Dates                   Registration Deadlines         Regular Late (a fee applies)

October 5, 2013          September 6, 2013                  September 20, 2013

November 2, 2013      October 3, 2013                      October 18, 2013

December 7, 2013       November 8, 2013                  November 22, 2013

January 25, 2014         December 27, 2013                 January 10, 2014

March 8, 2014             February 7, 2014                     February 21, 2014

May 3, 2014                April 4, 2014                          April 18, 2014

June 7, 2014                May 9, 2014                            May 23, 2014

+++++++++

AAPS News

*1. *Workshops for Middle and High School Students: Rec. & Ed. Fall 2013

Personal Finance for Teens
Grades 6-12. Middle and high school students are invited to join a team of experienced instructors for an in-depth discussion of financial life skills issues. Students will learn the fundamentals of good financial planning, strategies for avoiding debt and protecting one’s credit history, and key principles for achieving investment success.  Identity theft, insurance, and taxes will also be covered. Students will be asked to complete MoneySKILL, an online personal finance course, as homework for the course.  Instructor: Anne Bannister. 2 classes.
ID# 1343.101                                   10/21, 10/28                                                        Monday
FEE: $49                       6:00 PM – 8:30 PM                         Pioneer, WISD Computer Lab
 
 
College Application Essays that Excel
Parents and Students, grades 9-12. Learn proven techniques for writing your best college application essays and SAT/ACT essays.  Learn how to select the best commonapp.org prompt for you, how to make your essay compelling and high-scoring, and how a parent can help. We’ve been successfully coaching students full-time since 2005, with hundreds of grateful students and parents. Handouts include essay writing tips, red flags, and examples. Debbie Merion, M.S.W., author of Solving the College Admissions Puzzle and EssayCoaching.com founder. 1 class.
ID# 1339.101                                                      10/2                                                                     Wednesday
 FEE: $35                                         6:30 PM – 8:30 PM                         Pioneer, Room D117
 
Instructor:  Debbie Eisenberg Merion, M.S.W, is the owner of Essay Coaching (essaycoaching.com), which has helped thousands of students write winning college application essays since 2005.   She is the author of Solving the College Admissions Puzzle: A Guide for Students and Families About College Selection, Essay Writing and High-Stakes Testing with co-authors John Boshoven, M.S.W, and Geri Markel, Ph.D.  Debbie’s students have been admitted to Harvard, Yale, Columbia and other prominent universities. Her supportive, clear and effective techniques evolved from her experience in counseling, teaching college English, and 30 years of professional writing as an award-winning journalist and essayist.
 
 
Finding for the College that Fits
Parents & Students (Grades 9-12) together. Parents and students are faced with a myriad of choices about college. Let John help you and your student find and identify the resources in your family's search for the right college. Discussion will include what your student needs and wants from school, location, admissions possibilities and finances. This class is intended for parents and students to attend together. Instructor: John B. Boshoven, M.A., M.S.W. 1 class.
ID# 1337.101                                   10/9                                                                     Wednesday
FEE: $35                       7:00 PM – 8:30 PM                         Community, Room 213




Paying for the College that Fits
Parents & Students (Grades 9-12) together. Find out where money for college comes from and how to get your fair share. Families will learn about sources of aid, the FAFSA, the College Scholarship Search Profile (CSS), and scholarship searches. Instructor provides resources to help find financial assistance for college. Instructor: John B. Boshoven, M.A., M.S.W. 1 class.
ID# 1341.101                                   10/16                                                                   Wednesday
FEE: $35                       7:00 PM – 8:30 PM                         Community, Room 213
 
2. Reminder -  if you are an AAPS Parent - Please Update Your PowerSchool Login with the Single Sign On

This feature allows parents to see all student data for each child who attends AAPS with a single log-in instead of separate log-ins and passwords for each child. Instructions are available at http://pschool.aaps.k12.mi.us There is also a video instruction available athttp://supportremcl.net/tutorials/parentcreatesaccount/

Online: news.a2schools.org, Twitter: @A2schools, Facebook: just search for "Ann Arbor Public Schools"

++++++++++

Pioneer News from PI High (Pioneer High, that is)

For more information about Ann Arbor Pioneer, see:  http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/pioneer.home

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Rat Rap (Huron High, that is!)

 “Official Site”: http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/huron.
 
 
~~~~~
SkyHI (Skyline High, that is)
 
“Official Site: http://www.a2skyline.org/skyline.home/home
 


***********

Selective Service Information: For 17 and 18 year old men, federal law requires that you register with Selective Service within 30 days of your 18th birthday. When register, you stay eligible for federal student loans, federal job training and jobs. You may register at http://www.sss.gov or at the post office.

++++

Test Preparation Services

1. Hello! I want to introduce myself, Carla Jablonski, as the new Learning Center Manager for College Tutors.  I look forward to meeting you and other staff members at your school.  My background includes privately working with students in the areas of ACT test prep strategies, Math and Study Skills, Time Management, and College Preparation to Obtaining Employment.

Our Fall Activities include:

·         FREE ACT/SAT/PSAT/Plan/Explorer Practice Tests on

o   October 5, 2013

o   November 2, 2013

o   December 7, 2013

·         Homework help in all subjects

·         Specialist available for AP and IB classes

·         Learning Skills that include: Studies Skills, Test Taking Skills, Time Management, and Note Taking

·         College Planning, Career Assessment, or Essay Writing

·         Open House scheduled for October 5th, 2013 – 12:30-3:00pm.  Come meet our tutors.

I can be reached at (734)761-8393 or www.collegetutors.com/annarbormi.

 Carla Jablonski, Learning Center Manager

 

+++++

Dawn Farm

*We’d like to update you about a free, ongoing resource designed to educate parents, families and people who work with adolescents about how to identify and help young people who may be experiencing problems related to alcohol/other drug use.
 
When teens are in trouble in school, at home or in the community, alcohol/other drugs are often factors – and are often the last factors to be seen. Early identification and intervention with substance-involved young people can often prevent serious, sometimes irreversible consequences. The “Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do” series provides a starting point for families struggling with teen alcohol/other drug use and professionals who want to help.
 
This series, now in its fourteenth year, was developed by Ron Harrison, a social worker specializing in working with substance-involved adolescents and their families, and presented by Ron until his death in April 2011. Dawn Farm, one of the long-time co-sponsors of this program, stepped up after Ron’s death to present and coordinate the series. Since then we’ve made changes based on feedback from people attending the programs, and identified a core group of therapists from Dawn Farm and Growth Works to be presenters. I’m the Project Manager at Dawn Farm; I am also the coordinator and one of the presenters of the “Teens Using Drugs” series.
 
Programs are presented on the first (part one) and second (part two) Tuesday evenings of October, November and January through June, from  7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center, classroom EC4 (second floor,) 5305 Elliott Drive in Ypsilanti. The series is free and open to all; reservations are not required. A certificate to document attendance is provided on request. The series is co-sponsored by Dawn Farm, the Livingston and Washtenaw Regional Coordinated School Health Program Council, and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System Greenbrook Recovery Center. The program is targeted primarily to parents, but is also inclusive of other family members, teens, students and people who work with teens – anyone interested in attending is welcome!
 
We would like to ask your help in getting the word out to families and others who may be interested in or benefit from attending this program.   For more information please contact me at 734-485-8725 or tshirey@dawnfarm.org, or check the Web site at http://www.teensusingdrugs.org. We’re interested in hearing your feedback about how this program can meet the needs of the young people and families you work with. Thank you!
 
Tamara Shirey
Dawn Farm Project Manager and “Teens Using Drugs” Series coordinator
734/485-8725  tshirey@dawnfarm.org
+++++

826 Michigan

We recently tallied up our 2012-13 facts and figures and came up with a number that knocked us flat: This past year, 826michigan's programs reached 2,701 students in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and Detroit.

In the 2013-14 school year, we plan to take that number and send it through the roof with more programs in Detroit, with our brand-new tutoring lab at Beezy's Cafe on Washington Street, and (of course) with our classic field trips, creative writing workshops, and In-School Residencies.

But, as always, we need you. And this year we're asking for your help with our new fund, Ate 2 6. Ate 2 6 will support 826michigan's effort to provide healthy snacks for students in our after-school program (because everyone's brain works better with a little snack). A $10 donation to Ate 2 6 will fund one day of tutoring snacks; $40 sponsors one week.

Click here to learn more about Ate 2 6 and how you can donate to keep tutoring students full and focused.

Speaking of those 2013-14 programs, here are some dates you might like to know.

September 23: First day of tutoring at Liberty Street lab!
September 23: First day of Drop-in Writing at 826michigan!
 
October 1: Fall Workshop Schedule begins!
October 7: First day of tutoring at Washington Street lab!
 
 
 
 

TUTORING Drop-in tutoring does not need to be registered for, you just drop-in. Free tutoring is offered Mon. - Thurs. from 3:30 - 5:30 at 826's location of E. Liberty, behind the Robot Store. Student 8 - 18 may drop in any time to get help with any subject. Students must show up to drop-in tutoring with homework or other assignments in hand. Drop-in tutoring encourages smiling, feeling good about oneself, grades going up, enthusiasm toward learning, and positivity. The intention of drop-in tutoring is to mentor, listen to, and help students with their homework needs.
Contact  amy@826michigan.org
phone: 734.761.3463
http://www.826michigan.org

+++++++++++++++++++

The Neutral Zone                                                                                       The Neutral Zone is a diverse, youth-driven teen center dedicated to promoting personal growth through artistic expression, community leadership and the exchange of ideas. Why would 3500 teens visit Neutral Zone in a month? Programs, programs, programs (and sometimes pizza – you just can’t go wrong with pizza!)

 

NZ Program Areas include:

Music & Technology
NZ holds weekend concerts and events for teens most Saturday nights. Teens also create, record and promote their own musical projects using NZ’s equipment and expertise.

Education
Neutral Zone works hard to level the playing field for all teens through free drop-in tutoring, one-on-one mentoring, and a college prep program featuring college visits, ACT/SAT preparation, coaching on applications, essay writing, and financial aid, and opportunities for scholarships.
Literary & Visual Arts.
Creative writers turn up the volume by writing original poetry and short stories, while photographers and videographers discover and explore their talents using state-of-the-art equipment in digital art classes.


Leadership
The Teen Advisory Council runs the show at Neutral Zone, while several different discussion groups offer young people an open, positive space to explore sensitive issues and just plain have fun together.
Drop-in
teens come to NZ daily to shoot pool, play ping pong, use the internet, do homework, grab something to eat, or just hang out with friends in a safe, supervised space. For gfrom Terreneral questions Contact, Lori Roddy, lori@neutral-zone.org, 734-214-9995


+++++++++

Parent 2 Parent: News of Note…*High in cars: More high school seniors hit the road after smoking pot Lori Santos NBC News contributor
Video: Researchers at the University of Michigan found an alarming number of high school students that drive after drinking and/or taking drugs. Of the seniors polled, 28 percent admitted they had either driven while impaired or had ridden in a car with an impaired driver within the past two weeks.
A growing number of high school seniors are getting into cars after smoking pot, or with someone who has, a distressing trend that reflects misperceptions about the dangers of marijuana, researchers said Thursday.
An estimated 28 percent of high school seniors reported riding in a car in the past two weeks with a driver who had used drugs or alcohol, or said they had driven after using drugs or alcohol themselves, researchers found. While driving after drinking has declined in recent years, driving after use of marijuana has increased from 10 percent in 2008 to 12 percent in 2011, according to the most recent survey data from from the Monitoring the Future project, in which 17,000 high school seniors at 135 schools nationwide are interviewed every year.
“A higher percentage of students reported driving after using marijuana than after having five or more alcoholic drinks,” the researchers wrote in a report published in the American Journal of Public Health.
“It’s a big deal… the sheer numbers,” Patrick O’Malley, a research professor at the University of Michigan, told NBC News. “It has been increasing steadily and looking down the road, it seems likely to get worse. We are concerned."
The confidential questionnaires did not ask seniors about the amount of marijuana smoked, or who they got in the car with, like a parent or friends. Another problem confounding researchers is how to determine how much marijuana is too much; there is no comparable DUI standard.
“We don’t have any good degree of impairment,” O’Malley said, adding that the country remains a long way off from setting such standards. “It’s almost impossible to say what the level of marijuana in your system is.”
The study, sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, found it didn’t matter where the students lived. The increases in marijuana use were the same in four geographic regions. 
“The behavior was fairly widespread throughout society,” the researchers reported. 
O’Malley said the trend is troubling, reflecting a softening in the attitudes against marijuana that has “got to be filtering down to the kids.” Although marijuana is illegal under federal law, Washington and Colorado permit recreational marijuana use for adults and 18 states, plus Washington, D.C., allow use of medical marijuana. 
“One of the messages is that kids don’t see these things as as dangerous as they should,” he said. “It’s distressing, certainly concerning, worrying. It’s a matter we really need to pay more attention to.”
Stephen Gray Wallace, a senior adviser for Students Against Destructive Decisions, said the report only strengthened his own group’s concern.
“I’m very concerned, when you do the math, which we did," Wallace says. "That means of 13 million driving age teenagers, as many as 3 million impaired teenagers may be on the road.”
“That’s a problem,” Wallace added, particularly with the disturbing tendency of teenagers who say they don't think pot is a problem with driving.
“It’s a real call to action for parents, they need to get young people to hold the line on the legal drinking age and know what constitutes safe driving behind the wheel.”
.
 

 

Submissions:
Please submit your articles, news, or announcements  to boshoven@aaps.k12.mi.us. John B. Boshoven, Editor.