Here's something fun that may just open your eyes up to a career direction. On the careerpath.com website, you can take a color test that determines your personality type and jobs that are 'up your path'.
You can click on the website here, or down in the 'Places to go'.
www.careerpath.com/career-tests/colorcareercounselor.aspx
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
How to Help Your Child Succeed
As I posted earlier, I wanted to share a good article for parents with ADHD children. The cool thing is that, as I read the article, I could see how helpful this would be for ANY parent of ANY child. Slow down our instructions, limit choices, be consistent, eliminate distractions. These are basics in parenting and in teaching. Sometimes, with the world being as noisy as it is, we forget to simplify and clarify. Take a moment and see where you can better your child's world.
ADHD Tips from Teachers: How to Help Your Child Succeed
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, teacher attention -- and, even better, an IEP -- will help him do his best in the classroom. But you can also do your part to keep your child on track at home. We talked to Michael Belle-Isle, director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services for Amherst School District in Amherst, N.Y., to find out what his teachers recommended for supporting students when they're not in school.
Be Consistent
Establish a daily routine that kicks in as soon as your kid walks in the door. Snack, homework, dinnertime and bedtime should be as close to the same time each day as possible. This establishes a pattern and helps your kid stay focused on the task at hand.
Talk It Out With the Teacher
This is a biggie. Communication should be clear and frequent between you, your child and the teacher. Talk to your child's teacher often -- weekly, if not daily -- about what's going on in school and at home. When you have a task or directive for your kid, provide short, clear directions. Then have your child repeat what he heard back to you to ensure everything was understood.
Stay on Schedule
Post schedules around the house that outline what happens every day in the hours before and after school. They're as helpful to your child as your own schedule is to you and can keep you all on track.
Eliminate Distractions
Switching off the TV set at homework time is a no-brainer, but here's an important point: TV and video games should be off-limits for everyone when your child is hitting the books. Even if the sound is low or the video game is being played in another room, just knowing that someone's getting screen time can be very distracting to kids with ADHD.
Limit Screen Time
Of course, we all need time to unwind in front of the boob tube sometimes, but it's important to understand that for ADHD kids, TV and video games can really increase levels of distraction. Parents should be very active in limiting television time. Make it part of a positive reward system for when work is finished -- not before. (This might mean less TV time for everyone in the family, but that might not be a bad thing, either!)
Use the Folder System
Assignments have less of a chance of creeping up on your kid if you create special folders or baskets for their work and fill them right after school every day. Label one "do this" and another "done" to keep daily and weekly assignments organized.
Organize the Backpack
With that in mind, be there to help your kid empty and sort out his backpack when he get home. Between hats and gloves, gym clothes, library books and homework folders, bags can get crowded and disorganized quickly. Weed out unnecessary objects daily.
Enforce Bedtime
It's a vicious cycle: Your kid goes to bed later one night, then has a hard time concentrating the next day, then stays up later to get his work done because his focus is off. Don't let the cycle start by making sure she gets enough z's each and every night.
Stay Close
No one likes a helicopter parent -- or being called one -- but ditch the labels and recognize that your subtle supervision during homework time can really help your child. Frequent positive verbal cues like, "That assignment's really coming along!" or "I can't believe you've done that much work already!" both encourage and help your kid stay focused.
Use Charts and Checklists
But you don't have to be your child's only source of feedback. Simple visual reminders like charts and checklists can keep your kid focused on his schoolwork, even when he's at home. They allow your child to do some self-monitoring, letting him see how much he's accomplished and what still needs to be done.
Break It Down
If your child is feeling overwhelmed by something on the to-do list, help her break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, don't just list "do science project" but rather "brainstorm flow chart for science project; choose and shop for supplies for science model." Smaller goals feel much more reachable, and checking things off the list is gratifying.
Limit Choices
For kids with ADHD, too many options can be overwhelming. If you tell them they can watch TV or play their PSP or call a friend or get dessert, then focus wavers from any one task -- even if it's a fun one. Instead, help your child stay on target by limiting the this-or-that decisions.
This story, written by Joanna Batt, originally appeared on Parenting.com.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Prospero Ano Nuevo
It's such a slippery slope for me when Thanksgiving comes around. After that major (and filling!) holiday come a few frantic weeks of finishing the semester, gearing up for Christmas and filling the month of December with 'busy-ness'. All of a sudden, it's January. Yikes!
January brings all kinds of things to mind for me: finalizing the FAFSA forms for seniors readying themselves for college, laying the groundwork for a second semester with new teaching formats, reminding parents that this nine-week period is one of the hardest in the school year, sending out transcripts for seniors to their chosen college...the list goes on. I'm going to address a few of these as reminders.
*FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. All current high school seniors and any returning college students need to fill out a FAFSA form after January 1st with your 2010 tax information. For most students, this means that your personal tax information and your parent's tax information are needed. When you receive your W-2 forms, you may start finalizing the forms. Some of you may have already started with the FAFSA4caster. The sooner you get your form in, the better your chances to get some of the federal aid out there. Many schools have a due date, so check with them to find out your final deadline for the FAFSA.
What is the importance of the FAFSA? If you want to further your education after high school, you will want all the financial help possible. In order to receive any scholarships, grants or loans, you need to fill out the form. Then, your college/university plugs into this site, as needed, for information. Remember, scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid. To get started, go to the Places to Go on this website and click on Federal Student Aid.
**Now that the second semester is starting, I want to remind seniors that colleges will be wanting their first semester transcripts. Please fill out a transcript request form, complete with address, and give it to me or to the office. We can't send out any transcripts without these forms.
***For some reason, perhaps due to the fact that this is the coldest, darkest nine-week period, or that it's the third in a line-up of four, or that it's after too much sugar-filled holiday action...this period of academics usually takes a dive grade-wise. Sometimes, it's quite hard to bring up one's grades after these winter months. For that reason, I want to encourage parents to do more physical activities with their children, to limit the students' time on electronics (computer, tv or cellphone), and to ensure that everyone gets proper sleep. Later, I will be posting an article about parents helping their ADHD students succeed better in school. Interestingly, the tips given are also excellent for ALL types of students. I would suggest that every parent read the tips and take them to heart.
To be continued...
January brings all kinds of things to mind for me: finalizing the FAFSA forms for seniors readying themselves for college, laying the groundwork for a second semester with new teaching formats, reminding parents that this nine-week period is one of the hardest in the school year, sending out transcripts for seniors to their chosen college...the list goes on. I'm going to address a few of these as reminders.
*FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. All current high school seniors and any returning college students need to fill out a FAFSA form after January 1st with your 2010 tax information. For most students, this means that your personal tax information and your parent's tax information are needed. When you receive your W-2 forms, you may start finalizing the forms. Some of you may have already started with the FAFSA4caster. The sooner you get your form in, the better your chances to get some of the federal aid out there. Many schools have a due date, so check with them to find out your final deadline for the FAFSA.
What is the importance of the FAFSA? If you want to further your education after high school, you will want all the financial help possible. In order to receive any scholarships, grants or loans, you need to fill out the form. Then, your college/university plugs into this site, as needed, for information. Remember, scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid. To get started, go to the Places to Go on this website and click on Federal Student Aid.
**Now that the second semester is starting, I want to remind seniors that colleges will be wanting their first semester transcripts. Please fill out a transcript request form, complete with address, and give it to me or to the office. We can't send out any transcripts without these forms.
***For some reason, perhaps due to the fact that this is the coldest, darkest nine-week period, or that it's the third in a line-up of four, or that it's after too much sugar-filled holiday action...this period of academics usually takes a dive grade-wise. Sometimes, it's quite hard to bring up one's grades after these winter months. For that reason, I want to encourage parents to do more physical activities with their children, to limit the students' time on electronics (computer, tv or cellphone), and to ensure that everyone gets proper sleep. Later, I will be posting an article about parents helping their ADHD students succeed better in school. Interestingly, the tips given are also excellent for ALL types of students. I would suggest that every parent read the tips and take them to heart.
To be continued...
Friday, November 5, 2010
Some November Notes
1. Just a reminder:
* Your best search engine to find college/university opportunities is the internet. Type in the university that interests you; almost every higher-ed institution has web pages now.
* If you want to get some up-to-date information on career research and planning, (What's the major for you?, Where can you study it?, What can you do with this major?), I have several VERY LARGE books you may peruse. The Enhanced Occupational Outlook Handbook and the CollegeBoard Book of Majors are at your disposal.
2. If you're considering attending Washburn University of Topeka, KS, think about taking the Garvey Scholarship Exam. This is an excellent opportunity to earn a scholarship ranging from $500 to $2,000. To take the exam, students must have a minimum cumulative GPS of 3.25 and complete their applications for admission by December 17. The 2010 Scholarship Exam dates and locations are:
9 am Saturday, November 20 at Washburn University, Topeka, KS
9 am Saturday, December 4 at Sternberg Museum, Hays, KS
6 pm Wednesday, December 8 at Washburn University, Topeka, KS
For more information, call the Admissions Office at 785-670-1030 or 877-281-BODS (2637), or email admissions at http://www.washburn.edu/.
3. If you're heading towards Bethany College of Lindsborg, KS, you may be interested in competing for a full-tuition scholarship. To be eligible, seniors must meet two of three criteria:
* hold a 3.5 GPA
* score 25 or higher on the ACT composite;
* rank in the top 25% of their graduating class.
Students will be asked to write an essay and interview with faculty as part of the competition. The competitions will be held on February 5 or February 12, 2011 on campus.
4. Southwestern College of Winfield, KS is known as the "Laptop College". Students receive a Dell laptop computer when they arrive in the fall and, after two years, trade it in for another new one. The school is known for its strong leadership opportunities. In addition, they have three fifth-year master's programs that allow students to complete graduate degrees in business administration, leadership, or specialized ministry in one additional calendar year.
Interested? The college catalogue is online at www.sckans.edu/student-services/registrars-office.
5. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) is offering a new, totally free, online college guide called "WhatWillTheyLearn" at http://www.whatwilltheylearn.com/. This unique resource was launched as an independent, non-profit site dedicated to academic excellence.There are approximately 718 schools on the website. This is a forum to verify that your college-bound student will leave with the basic knowledge and skills, (eg. college-level math or American history and government), they need to be successful after graduation from a given college. After all, you're paying for it, so check out the details here.
* Your best search engine to find college/university opportunities is the internet. Type in the university that interests you; almost every higher-ed institution has web pages now.
* If you want to get some up-to-date information on career research and planning, (What's the major for you?, Where can you study it?, What can you do with this major?), I have several VERY LARGE books you may peruse. The Enhanced Occupational Outlook Handbook and the CollegeBoard Book of Majors are at your disposal.
2. If you're considering attending Washburn University of Topeka, KS, think about taking the Garvey Scholarship Exam. This is an excellent opportunity to earn a scholarship ranging from $500 to $2,000. To take the exam, students must have a minimum cumulative GPS of 3.25 and complete their applications for admission by December 17. The 2010 Scholarship Exam dates and locations are:
9 am Saturday, November 20 at Washburn University, Topeka, KS
9 am Saturday, December 4 at Sternberg Museum, Hays, KS
6 pm Wednesday, December 8 at Washburn University, Topeka, KS
For more information, call the Admissions Office at 785-670-1030 or 877-281-BODS (2637), or email admissions at http://www.washburn.edu/.
3. If you're heading towards Bethany College of Lindsborg, KS, you may be interested in competing for a full-tuition scholarship. To be eligible, seniors must meet two of three criteria:
* hold a 3.5 GPA
* score 25 or higher on the ACT composite;
* rank in the top 25% of their graduating class.
Students will be asked to write an essay and interview with faculty as part of the competition. The competitions will be held on February 5 or February 12, 2011 on campus.
4. Southwestern College of Winfield, KS is known as the "Laptop College". Students receive a Dell laptop computer when they arrive in the fall and, after two years, trade it in for another new one. The school is known for its strong leadership opportunities. In addition, they have three fifth-year master's programs that allow students to complete graduate degrees in business administration, leadership, or specialized ministry in one additional calendar year.
Interested? The college catalogue is online at www.sckans.edu/student-services/registrars-office.
5. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) is offering a new, totally free, online college guide called "WhatWillTheyLearn" at http://www.whatwilltheylearn.com/. This unique resource was launched as an independent, non-profit site dedicated to academic excellence.There are approximately 718 schools on the website. This is a forum to verify that your college-bound student will leave with the basic knowledge and skills, (eg. college-level math or American history and government), they need to be successful after graduation from a given college. After all, you're paying for it, so check out the details here.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Mid-October notes
1. Sunflower Bank's Community Ambassadors is now accepting applications from high school seniors graduating in 2011.
The Community Ambassadors program encourages student leaders to consider their hometown community as a viable place to live and work after higher education. It is administered locally at area Sunflower Banks, with sessions featuring guest speakers and discussion topics centered around community leadership and entrepreneurship. Each class will award a $1,000, $500, and $250 scholarship at the commencement of the program. Also, all ambassadors throughout Kansas and Colorado are invited to compete for three grand $1,000 scholarships awarded by Sunflower Bank.
Each Commuity Ambassadors class will consist of at least nine participants. Program membership is limited to a small group in each market, with applicants evaluated on current class work, community activities, and a series of short essay questions.
Students may pick up applications in the guidance office, at Sunflower Bank, or apply at http://www.sunflowerbank.com/.
The extended deadline for applications is quickly approaching. Applications need to be in hand by Friday, November 19th.
The Community Ambassadors program encourages student leaders to consider their hometown community as a viable place to live and work after higher education. It is administered locally at area Sunflower Banks, with sessions featuring guest speakers and discussion topics centered around community leadership and entrepreneurship. Each class will award a $1,000, $500, and $250 scholarship at the commencement of the program. Also, all ambassadors throughout Kansas and Colorado are invited to compete for three grand $1,000 scholarships awarded by Sunflower Bank.
Each Commuity Ambassadors class will consist of at least nine participants. Program membership is limited to a small group in each market, with applicants evaluated on current class work, community activities, and a series of short essay questions.
Students may pick up applications in the guidance office, at Sunflower Bank, or apply at http://www.sunflowerbank.com/.
The extended deadline for applications is quickly approaching. Applications need to be in hand by Friday, November 19th.
2. If you have welding on the mind, check out the Missouri Welding Institute, Inc. of Nevada, MO. You can become a master pipe welder/fitter through their course. Check them out online: http://www.mwi.ws/.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Full Meal Deal
You know, I post a lot of information regarding: preparing for college, saving money, finding scholarships, and taking entrance exams. Interestingly, we need to take a breath and remember that this all has the ultimate destination of finding a good job in an interesting field. In other words, college isn't the end result; real life is. So, we need to pursue whatever path that is before us, job or college, with the same verve. Because the end result will be the same - becoming a financially independent person in an area of interest to us.
For those who choose to go directly into the work force after high school, remember to keep challenging yourselves to go bigger and better. Learning doesn't end when the school doors close; every experience that comes into your lives adds to your repertoire of knowledge. And, if you find later on that you need some college hours, don't hesitate to go forward. Take that deep breath and the next step.
We were blessed to have Oklahoma Wesleyan University send admission counselor, Mr. Danny Velez, to talk with our juniors and seniors. Make note of what he said!! Among other things, he stressed the need for five schools to have accepted you and the importance of doing ACT's/SAT's, college/scholarship applications, etc., early, so that financial packages could be in the works. Don't lose out on money options by waiting until the last minute! Hmmmm, Mrs. Gassie didn't just make this up!
A quick reminder to juniors that the PSAT is this Wednesday, October 13th. You need to be well rested and eat a good breakfast to keep your brain cells functioning! Some protein snack bars during break times are also useful.
There are scholarships offered through the McPherson County Community Foundation. One is the Kansas American Tooling Scholarship. It is for candidates living within a 60-mile radius of McPherson. Candidates must intend to work in the plastics industry as a production worker, machinist or toolmaker, engineer or technologist/technician, business manager, or teacher of metal working tradesman. One $600.00 scholarship will be awarded to the selected candidate. The awards must be used during the 2011-2012 school year. You may get your application form from Mrs. Gassie. Applications must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2011.
To finish off these comments, I want to remind all of you that there should be no fear for your future plans. As long as you put the Lord first in your decisions, (even if the path isn't clear), the steps you take will be the right ones.
The error comes when we decide to fall on our own devices to bring a light to our decisions. The disposition of sin is not immorality and wrong-doing, but the disposition of self-realization--I am my own god. This disposition may work out in decorous morality or indecorous immorality, but it has the one basis, my claim to my right to myself. - Oswald Chambers
Thus, in these final high school years, don't be afraid to check out all options that are available to you. There is Someone who cares 100% about you; let Him have the right to yourself.
For those who choose to go directly into the work force after high school, remember to keep challenging yourselves to go bigger and better. Learning doesn't end when the school doors close; every experience that comes into your lives adds to your repertoire of knowledge. And, if you find later on that you need some college hours, don't hesitate to go forward. Take that deep breath and the next step.
We were blessed to have Oklahoma Wesleyan University send admission counselor, Mr. Danny Velez, to talk with our juniors and seniors. Make note of what he said!! Among other things, he stressed the need for five schools to have accepted you and the importance of doing ACT's/SAT's, college/scholarship applications, etc., early, so that financial packages could be in the works. Don't lose out on money options by waiting until the last minute! Hmmmm, Mrs. Gassie didn't just make this up!
A quick reminder to juniors that the PSAT is this Wednesday, October 13th. You need to be well rested and eat a good breakfast to keep your brain cells functioning! Some protein snack bars during break times are also useful.
There are scholarships offered through the McPherson County Community Foundation. One is the Kansas American Tooling Scholarship. It is for candidates living within a 60-mile radius of McPherson. Candidates must intend to work in the plastics industry as a production worker, machinist or toolmaker, engineer or technologist/technician, business manager, or teacher of metal working tradesman. One $600.00 scholarship will be awarded to the selected candidate. The awards must be used during the 2011-2012 school year. You may get your application form from Mrs. Gassie. Applications must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2011.
To finish off these comments, I want to remind all of you that there should be no fear for your future plans. As long as you put the Lord first in your decisions, (even if the path isn't clear), the steps you take will be the right ones.
The error comes when we decide to fall on our own devices to bring a light to our decisions. The disposition of sin is not immorality and wrong-doing, but the disposition of self-realization--I am my own god. This disposition may work out in decorous morality or indecorous immorality, but it has the one basis, my claim to my right to myself. - Oswald Chambers
Thus, in these final high school years, don't be afraid to check out all options that are available to you. There is Someone who cares 100% about you; let Him have the right to yourself.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tidbits of College Info
*Check out the Free Christian College Resource Center online. Visit http://www.christianconnector.com.
*Discover a Christian education through Hobsons. Go online at http://www.collegeview.com to learn more about Christian schools that meet your needs. Visit schools that interest you and search articles on topics such as student life, athletics, and academics.
*You may apply for The Prudential Spirit of Community Award if you have performed volunteer work over the past year. Ask Mrs. Gassie for information. Interested students can get an instruction sheet, apply online at http://spirit.prudential.com and then follow the instructions. The application deadline is November 1, 2010.
*Wendy's High School Heisman Award is for seniors who have 'at least' a B and play a school-sponsored sport. The online application is due by October 3, 2010 and can be found at: www.wendysheisman.com. Each student applicant must have their online application reviewed and confirmed online by a school representative.
*Are you active in your community? Have you led a project that benefits others? Have you overcome personal challenges? You may qualify for an AXA Achievement Scholarship. Learn more and download an application at: www.axa-achievement.com. Application deadline is by December 15, 2010.
*If you are a truly motivated, dedicated, involved high school senior, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is awarding $3 million a year in scholarships to 250 deserving students just like you. Apply online. For additional information and application, go to www.coca-colascholars.org. Deadline to receive completed applications is October 31, 2010.
*Are you considering a Career Technical degree program? If you plan on enrolling full-time (12 credit hours) in a designated vocational program in Kansas, you may apply for the Kansas Vocational Education Scholarship. Registration and testing for this program is process by the Testing Center at KSU. Information and applications are available at the Kansas Board of Regents website: http://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/640-applicationbrochure2011.pdf. The test for this scholarship is given on November 6, 2010 and March 5, 2011 in multiple sites across Kansas. Application deadlines for these tests are: October 15, 2010 and February 28, 2011.
*An exciting opportunity for young women to receive a scholarship is available with The Miss Kansas Teen USA Pageant. Applicants must be single, never married nor given birth to a child, a United States citizen and at least a six-month resident of Kansas. They must be between the ages of 14 and 18 as of February 1, 2011. Complete and enclosed information sheet, (see Mrs. Gassie), submit a recent photo, and mail the completed form by October 1, 2010. For more information, visit the web sit at: www.misskansasusa.com.
*Do you know a high school senior looking for college scholarships? Elk's National Foundation, 2011 Most Valuable Student and Legacy Awards applications are now available! MVS applications, available to all high school seniors who are U.S. citizens, are due on December 1, 2010, to the Lodge nearest the applicant’s home. The student needs to list all his/her honors and awards (major ones), leadership and extracurricular activities, and exhibits of articles/photos to substantiate what has been included. For more details and to download an application visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars/mvs.cfm.
*Discover a Christian education through Hobsons. Go online at http://www.collegeview.com to learn more about Christian schools that meet your needs. Visit schools that interest you and search articles on topics such as student life, athletics, and academics.
*You may apply for The Prudential Spirit of Community Award if you have performed volunteer work over the past year. Ask Mrs. Gassie for information. Interested students can get an instruction sheet, apply online at http://spirit.prudential.com and then follow the instructions. The application deadline is November 1, 2010.
*Wendy's High School Heisman Award is for seniors who have 'at least' a B and play a school-sponsored sport. The online application is due by October 3, 2010 and can be found at: www.wendysheisman.com. Each student applicant must have their online application reviewed and confirmed online by a school representative.
*Are you active in your community? Have you led a project that benefits others? Have you overcome personal challenges? You may qualify for an AXA Achievement Scholarship. Learn more and download an application at: www.axa-achievement.com. Application deadline is by December 15, 2010.
*If you are a truly motivated, dedicated, involved high school senior, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is awarding $3 million a year in scholarships to 250 deserving students just like you. Apply online. For additional information and application, go to www.coca-colascholars.org. Deadline to receive completed applications is October 31, 2010.
*Are you considering a Career Technical degree program? If you plan on enrolling full-time (12 credit hours) in a designated vocational program in Kansas, you may apply for the Kansas Vocational Education Scholarship. Registration and testing for this program is process by the Testing Center at KSU. Information and applications are available at the Kansas Board of Regents website: http://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/640-applicationbrochure2011.pdf. The test for this scholarship is given on November 6, 2010 and March 5, 2011 in multiple sites across Kansas. Application deadlines for these tests are: October 15, 2010 and February 28, 2011.
*An exciting opportunity for young women to receive a scholarship is available with The Miss Kansas Teen USA Pageant. Applicants must be single, never married nor given birth to a child, a United States citizen and at least a six-month resident of Kansas. They must be between the ages of 14 and 18 as of February 1, 2011. Complete and enclosed information sheet, (see Mrs. Gassie), submit a recent photo, and mail the completed form by October 1, 2010. For more information, visit the web sit at: www.misskansasusa.com.
*Do you know a high school senior looking for college scholarships? Elk's National Foundation, 2011 Most Valuable Student and Legacy Awards applications are now available! MVS applications, available to all high school seniors who are U.S. citizens, are due on December 1, 2010, to the Lodge nearest the applicant’s home. The student needs to list all his/her honors and awards (major ones), leadership and extracurricular activities, and exhibits of articles/photos to substantiate what has been included. For more details and to download an application visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars/mvs.cfm.
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