Get SMART - Reading

Plan now to discuss these (Printz) books or your favorites at our annual book discussion. This year, it will be Book Buzz Brunch at Oil City Library on April 10, 2010. Tami and I spent the morning planning and we have a ton of great stuff (games, food, books, book bag project, service learning project, food, discussion and more) lined up for the day! Can't wait to see you there and hear about your favorite reads of 2009...

Stay tuned for more info on the other Get SMART workshops coming in 2010.

-Rhonda

Printz 2010

Well, I am a couple of days late with this list, but here are the award winners in YA literature for 2010:

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

2010 Honor(s)

	Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
	The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
	Punkzilla by Adam Rapp
	Tales from the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance, 1973 by John Barnes

Free Book Download

Here's a free book download from Maureen Johnson - noted YA author. (Get it before January 15, 2010.) Enjoy!

http://www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com/bulletins.html

-Rhonda

Raindrops

http://www.lullatone.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/raindrop.swf

Enjoy on another rainy day...

-Rhonda

FAFSA4caster

http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

FAFSA4caster will help you get an early start on the financial aid process by:

• Providing you with an early estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid.
• Giving you an experience similar to FAFSA on the Web
• Allowing you to transfer all of your FAFSA4caster data to FAFSA on the Web once you are ready to apply for aid.
• Providing you the option to apply for your Federal Student Aid PIN.
• Increasing your knowledge of the financial aid process, and providing information about other sources of aid.

So, not a senior or not ready to apply, but need an idea of what your aid will look like? Try this site!

We are on Facebook!

Become a fan of Clarion University Educational Talent Search by joining us on Facebook at
Clarion University - Educational Talent Search. (If you can't seem to find us, make sure to include the dash...it seems we have confused the search engine.) Use this forum to pose questions concerning programs, study skills, financial aid, careers and more. You can also send us email at this site or chat with your counselor.

Look forward to seeing you there!
-Rhonda

October 7 - Campus Visit

Tomorrow is the first ETS campus visit of the year, and we will visit Mercyhurst and Penn State University - Behrend. If you are (or aren't) visiting you may want to check below in order to find out more about these colleges and the opportunities they offer.

Penn State - Behrend: a public university that offers six associate degrees, 34 bachelor degrees, and two graduate degrees. The campus is located on 725 acres in Erie, PA and currently serves approximately 4,600 students. The college offers 110 clubs/organizations and twenty-one NCAA Division III sports program.

Mercyhurst: a four-year private Catholic college that offers 50 undergraduate programs and 67 concentrations, as well as many unique adult programs and six graduate programs. Mercyhurst is location on 74 acres in Erie, PA and currently enrolls over 3,200 students.

Juniors and Seniors - October Checklist

Juniors and Seniors - check this out and find out exactly what's up for the month of October and your college plans.

http://www.collegeandcareerpress.com/images/October_09-Planning_Guide.pdf

(There are a limited number of other free career resources available by going to the homepage and selecting the free resources tab.)

Read Banned Books!

Check out this banned books map of books that have been challenged and banned since 2007.
This article gives an overview of books banned in 2008-09, http://tinyurl.com/lkj46f and here is the banned books website, http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/ for Banned Books week - September 26 - October 3. What have you read?

Facebook and the SAT?

I just came across an interesting application in FB for studying for the SAT. Yep, so while you are chatting with your friends and visiting their pages, you can also be reviewing your SAT vocabulary. Click on applications, and in the search box enter SAT Flashcards. Lo and behold, before your very eyes, appears a flashcard application. Select easy, medium, or hard, and click on show definition to gain more information. Let me know if you give it a try!

Vocabsushi

Interested in building your vocabulary for the SAT? Check out vocabsushi which uses vocab words in real life context and even provides the source of the statement. Registration is free and one of the exercises is on the homepage and can be completed without registration.
-Rhonda

Goals 2009-2010

Goals are important. And now a word from our President...

"That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you’ll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you’ll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don’t feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.

Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it."

Start thinking about your goals for the year - we'll be checking in in the next week or two to set them in writing! See you then.

Savings Account Plan - Grants AVAILABLE for ETS Students

In cooperation with the United Way, we are offering opportunities to participate in a Family Savings Account program. The program entitles participants to receive a dollar for dollar match up to $2000 over a two year period. The monies must be used for postsecondary purposes.

In order to be eligible, participants must reside in Clarion, Forest, Venango, or Jefferson Counties. If you live in Armstrong or another county, but attend a Clario, Jefferson, or Venango County school you should still be eligible. You also must meet the following family income guidelines:

$34,450 family of 2
$38,750 family of 3
$4,100 family of 4
$51,580 family of 5
$59,060 family of 6

Participants are required to save a minimum or $10 a week with a maximum of $1000 a year in order to receive the matching monies.

If you are interested, PLEASE email me at rmcmillen@clarion.edu. Spots are filling quickly!!

-Rhonda

Helpful site for speeches

Need to know who said what in a speech? Need a speech by a certain person? Looking for an image or video or text of a speech? You have to check this site out! I am sure that at some point in school it will be VERY helpful!

www.americanrhetoric.com

-Rhonda

On our way to Washington

Information on the annual trip to DC is in the mail if you met the minimum qualification of attending two or more ETS programs or events. The turn around time is quick, so call and get registered today!

Just for fun

Have you seen this? Cardboard tube fighting - looks like fun!

http://cakeheadlovesevil.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/cardboard-tube-fighting-league/

Selling the Most Important Product...You!

July 4th is now over, you have 8 weeks until school starts again. Why not spend a day with some friends, have some fun, and get something out of it. ETS is sponsoring a day of activities for you. In the morning you will learn how to sell yourself and write a resume. The afternoon will include activities about who you are, what your interests are, discovering your talents and then what to do with all of this.

The activities will be on Monday, July 13 on the CUP campus. Call 393-2071 (1-888-533-6487) to sign up! You can sign up for either session or both sessions and get lunch provided.

New option for students

Hi! My name is Butch Campbell, I work as a Career Counselor for Venango Training & Development Center. My job is to help young people get to where they want to be or if you really don't have any idea about what to do after high school I can help you. I work in 5 Clarion County High Schools during the school year.

On July 13th I will be at the University helping students learn more about resumes and writing them. In the afternoon we will be working on Career Assessment (learning how to combine your interest and talents into a career).

Watch for more updates. These programs will be fun and educational. What a combination.

Website...

http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/

Here's the PBS site for more information. Try out the games too!

Hey History Detectives!

Reminder to all that participated in Monday's workshop: History Detectives, PBS, 9PM, TONIGHT!!! Can't wait to hear what you think about my favorite tv program!
~Rhonda

From the Digital Photography Workshop...

Do you wish you were a better photographer?
Follow these tips:
-Look your subject in the eye.
-Use a plain background.
-Use flash outdoors.
-Move in close.
-Don't center everything.
-Lock the focus.
-Know the range of your flash.
-Take some vertical pictures.

Visit kodak.com for more tips - select the project center and click on "Learn."

Also visit: steves-digicams.com to find a review of your camera and try out some free software like Gimp or Picasa.

April is Poetry Month!

Try these sites...
-http://www.poetryfoundation.org/
-http://www.teenink.com/Poetry/

If you'd like, share your poem in the comments section...

Potential Summer Employment

Youth between the ages of 16-24 who meet specific income criteria MAY qualify for summer employment through Venango Training and Development Center. This program will be 6-8 weeks in length. If you are interested in more information, you should contact me as soon as possible for the pre-screening forms. Space is available in Clarion and Venango Counties. Those under 18 must have working papers.

-Rhonda

Attention Facebook Users

If you have any concerns about or interest in privacy on Facebook, please read this great blog post. It has excellent information on how to keep your private information - private. Review the ten settings that Nick O'Neill provides and increase control over your "stuff."

Visit: http://www.allfacebook.com/2009/02/facebook-privacy/

Spring activities at capacity

There is now a wait list available for Quiet Creek Herb Farm on May 16 and Zoo Life: A Behind the Scenes Look on March 28. You may still register, but your participation will depend on cancellations.

There is still plenty of room for the Penn State University Campus Visit on April 1, Know How 2 Go on March 14, Four Minutes to Choose a Career on March 27, and Lit Lunch - Feed Your Need for a Good Read on April 25.

Questions? Give us a call.
-Rhonda

Art Contest at Pier One

Pier One is sponsoring an art contest for their annual UNICEF card. Kids up to and including age 14 are eligible to enter. The prize is a $5000 scholarship. If you decide to enter (and are a program participant), let me know and I'll feature your art in the next ETS newsletter and on our website!
-Rhonda


http://tinyurl.com/ccn77v

Spring Dates

ETS participants - please note the following scheduling information -

Zoo Life (Pittsburgh Zoo program) - March 28, 2009

Penn State University Campus Visit - scheduled for April 1, 2009

Call or email me for more information.

-Rhonda

Second Life

Hi everyone - I am sending greetings from the chocolate capital of the world - Hershey! Anyway, I have been in technology workshops for the last few days, trying to come up with some great ideas for workshops - maybe even for this summer. Anyway, I just sat through a session on Second Life and got to visit a medical school's emergency room. If any of you (Clarion ETS participants) are doing cool things on Second Life, let me know. I'm anxious to hear what you think. Leave a comment or email me. -Rhonda

Clarion Hospital Announces Scholarships

(Note - I've fixed the link below; the link provided by the hospital does not work.)

Clarion Hospital Foundation is seeking applicants for the following:
-Dr. John E, Brooks Memorial Scholarship, $1000
-Joseph and Helen Miller Memorial Scholarships (2), $1000 each
-Fran Shope Memorial Scholarships (2), $1000 each

Students must be a graduate (or future graduate) of a Clarion County School, be accepted for a post-secondary health care education, maintain a 3.0 or better in the final three years of high school, and plan to pursue education in the medical field.

Applications are available at Clarion Hospital.

Deadline is March 31.

Venango Campus Film Series - FREE!!

The Clarion University–Venango Campus Independent Film Series, which features films from independent filmmakers from Germany, France, Ireland, Afghanistan, South Africa, and the United States, is free and open to the public. All films will be shown in the Robert W. Rhoades Center Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. For questions regarding the series or any of the films, please contact Emily Aubele at 676-6591, ext. 1269.
February 7 – The Kite Runner PG-13 – The plot of the movie follows that of the novel by the same name. It tells the story of Amir, a well-to-do boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul, who is tormented by the guilt of abandoning his friend Hassan, the son of his father's Hazara servant. The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events, from the fall of the monarchy in Afghanistan through the Soviet invasion, the mass exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the United States, and the Taliban regime.
February 14 – The Son (Le Fils) – The practice of work is central to Le Fils (The Son), a deceptively complex movie about revenge and redemption. The film seems straightforward enough: Olivier, a carpenter, takes on a young man named Francis as an apprentice. Francis is newly released from juvenile detention, and Olivier slowly discovers that Francis played a part in the death of his son some years earlier. Francis is unaware of the connection he shares with Olivier, this asymmetrical relationship investigates the ideas of forgiveness and vindication… The Son is ultimately a Christian allegory of one man's inchoate desire to return good for evil. French with English subtitles
February 21 – The Great Debaters PG-13 – The film, based on a true story, revolves around the efforts of debate coach Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington) at historically black Wiley College to place his team on equal footing with whites in the American South during the 1930s, when Jim Crow laws were common and lynch mobs were a pervasive fear for blacks. In the movie, the Wiley team eventually succeeds to the point where they are able to debate Harvard University.
March 14 – Margot at the Wedding R – Margot (Nicole Kidman) is a successful but neurotic writer who brings her 11-year-old son Claude (Zane Pais) to spend a weekend visiting her free-spirited sister Pauline (Jennifer Jason Leigh) on the eve of her wedding to Malcolm (Jack Black). Margot disapproves of Pauline's choice of fiancé, which causes tension between the two sisters. In short order, the storm the sisters create leaves behind a mess of thrashed relationships and exposed family secrets.
March 21 – Memento R – Memento chronicles two separate stories of Leonard, an ex-insurance investigator who can no longer build new memories, as he attempts to find the murderer of his wife, which is the last thing he remembers. One story line movies forward in time while the other tells the story backwards revealing more each time. A memory inside a memory, Memento is a complicated head spinning adventure.
March 28 – The Wind That Shakes the Barley – Winner of the PALME D'OR at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, The Wind that Shakes the Barley is a sympathetic look at Republicans in early 20th century Ireland, and two brothers who are torn apart by anti-British rebellion.
April 4 – Cashback R – When art student Ben Willis loses his girlfriend, he develops insomnia. To pass the long hours of the night, he starts working the late night shift at the local supermarket. There he meets a colorful cast of characters, all of whom have their own “art” in dealing with the boredom of an eight-hour-shift. Ben's art is that he imagines himself stopping time. This way, he can appreciate the beauty of the frozen world and the people inside it—especially Sharon, the quiet checkout girl, who perhaps holds the answer to solving the problem of Ben's insomnia.
April 11 – The Visitor PG-13 – In a world of six billion people, it only takes one to change your life. Sixty-two-year-old Walter Vale is sleepwalking through his life. Having lost his passion for teaching and writing, he finds his life changed unexpectedly when he returns from a trip to find two illegal aliens living in his New York apartment. Writer-director Thomas McCarthy has created a wonderfully measured story about change and renewal and put it all on the shoulders of Jenkins, a largely unheralded but masterful performer whose time for renown has surely come
April 18 – Yesterday – After falling ill, Yesterday learns that she is HIV positive. With her husband in denial and young daughter to tend to, Yesterday's one goal is to live long enough to see her child go to school. The film realistically and sensitively portrays the plight of rural South Africans living with HIV or AIDS. Zulu with English subtitles.

Posted by University Relations on 2/3/2009 3:30:00 PM
Posted with permission.

FAFSA Completion Day - Attention Seniors

Assistance in completing the FAFSA will be offered on Saturday, February 7, 2009, from 9-noon. There will be trained professionals at two locations: Cranberry High School, Venango COunty and Clarion Free Library Community Room, Clarion County.

For more information or to register, contact the ETS office at 1-888-533-6487. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

-Rhonda

Six more weeks

Well, once again Punxsy Phil saw his shadow! That brings us six more weeks of winter. To me – the snow is beautiful, especially from my warm, cozy house.

So, since weather is on everyone’s mind, I thought I’d share A Career Guide for the Atmospheric Sciences from the American Meteorological Society.

-Rhonda

Book Awards Announced

This morning was the 2009 ALA Youth Media Awards. You can see them all by clicking here.

2009 Michael L. Printz Award

Jellicoe Road written by Melina Marchetta

2009 Printz Honor Books

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves by M.T. Anderson

Nation by Terry Prachett

Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

Newbery Award

The Graveyard Book, written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Dave McKean

Fall 2008 Newsletter

Just had the great inspiration to share a link to our Fall 08 newsletter. Click here.

Have a great weekend.
-Rhonda

FAFSA Information You Should Know - Attention Seniors

Seniors - You may apply for federal student aid as soon as possible, in order to receive federal and state student financial assistance for 2009-2010. Select one of the following three ways:

-Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Do NOT use a .com site, as these companies will charge you for this free service.

-Download,complete, and mail a PDF version from www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov.

-Request a paper FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3242).

If you are an ETS member and have questions or need assistance completing your forms. Please give us a call.

If you are a resident of Clarion, Jefferson, or Venango Counties and need help completing your forms, a free workshop is being offered on Saturday, February 7, 2009 from 9-noon. Sessions will be held at Cranberry High School (NOT restricted to Cranberry students) and at Clarion Free Library Community Room. Appointments are accepted at Cranberry. Walk-ins only at Clarion. Please call our office at 1-888-533-6487 for more information or to register.

-Rhonda

Be IN school!

When you miss school - you miss notes, lectures, assignments, discussions, and tests. Even when you make up the work, you aren't receiving all the information that you missed.

When absent - YOU are responsible for finding out what you missed and for getting your assignments and then turning in the completed work. Take time to see each teacher when s/he has time to talk with you. In other words, not during class! Find out exactly what you need to do and complete the work asap. If you know ahead of time that you will miss school, ask for assignments and complete the work beforehand.

Your attendance doesn't necessarily guarantee a good grade, but poor attendance is tied to poor grades!

Tough Passwords

This information is an excerpt from the Inside The Clarion University Libraries, Volume 4, Number 16.

Tough Passwords

Given enough time and using the correct tools, a hacker can break into a computer and access the files. Why? Because the user did not create a strong enough password. Many computer users create passwords using family pet names, favorite objects, and familiar words. This is an extremely bad idea.

For starters, don’t choose a password that is in the dictionary. It takes password cracking software about 10 seconds to crack a word that is in the dictionary. For more effective passwords, try taking two or three words, slicing them at random points and then crunching them together. For example, I could use house and railroad. My outcome might result as “houroad,” which is not in the dictionary. Although this method of password creation is better, it is not the best way to go. Eventually, it will be cracked, probably within nine days or so. If you are locking important information, this is not good enough.

The best password that a user can create is by mixing upper and lower case letters with numbers. An example of this would be “5xBM34z.” This password would probably take around 238 years or so to crack. (I don’t know a single hacker who would want to wait that long). These types of passwords are hard to memorize, but are the hardest to crack.

The length of the password is a major factor as well. The longer the password, the longer it takes to crack. To make the most complex password, a user can also add symbols to their password. Again, the greater the complexity of the password, the greater the time it takes to break it.

MLK Day Celebration at Clarion

A 2009 Conversation with Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks
featuring Dr. Todd Pfannestiel and Dr. Cahndice Matthews

Friday, January 16, 2009
6 p.m.
Gemmell Multi-Purpose Room
13th Annual Community Celebration - Free event

Program Features: The Buffalo Soldiers of Vision Quest and
Lift Every Voice Gospel Family, along with poetry and food

Speed Reading and Comprehension

Hello and welcome to 2009! I hope your year brings you many blessings.

Anyway, interested in knowing your reading rate or comprehension level? Try this free online assessment - http://www.readingsoft.com/index.html#results No need to purchase the software, but try out the "speed reading test" and let me know what you think.

I think my rate is slower on screen than in print - just as the page indicates. Enjoy
-Rhonda

Happy New Year!

Here's a little New Year's fun - see how to say Happy New Year in multiple languages...

Fund Your Dream Essay Contest

Here is a great opportunity from author Lisa McMann and Simon & Shuster. In 500 words or less, write about the greatest obstacle that you have overcome. This is not a fiction contest - this is based on your own real experience. Share your story for a chance at a $1000 award. Visit http://lisamcmann.com/html/contest.html for full details. Contest is open until March 2009.

-Rhonda

Dr. Seuss says...

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss

Survivor Island

Coming this Friday....

Survivor Island is filled to capacity and it should be a great time! There is now a waiting list, so it is very, very important to cancel if you can not attend. Make sure and call us 1-888-533-6487 if you can't attend. Even if it is after hours or over the weekend, voicemail is available!

-Rhonda

Sudoku fans

calling all Suduko fans... have you tried Color duko? Perhaps you don't like Suduko simply because it uses numbers and reminds you of math. Then try this...same idea but with color!

http://colordoku.com/

Let me know which you like better!
-Rhonda

National Book Award Winner

I missed the announcement, but here it is...


WINNER: Judy Blundell, What I Saw and How I Lied (Scholastic). For an interview with the author - http://www.nationalbook.org/nba2008_ypl_blundell_interv.html.

Agreement - CUP and BC3

Clarion University to start accepting community college credits
By The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Clarion University of Pennsylvania will accept credits earned at Butler County Community College under an agreement announced Friday.
The agreement was signed by Clarion President Joseph Grunenwald and Nicholas Neupauer, president of the community college.
Grunenwald said the pact allows students at the community college to move more freely to Clarion.

Free Book Download on the Constitution

Check out http://www.point941.com/pointweb/adventurefront.htm for a free downloadable 54 page booklet on the Constitution. Sorry, I didn't find this before the election - it would have been more timely. However, check it out - it is a pretty good resource.

Birds of Prey - Free Event

The Clarion Wildlife Society will be sponsoring a presentation on Birds of Prey on Thursday, November 13th in Pierce Auditorium with Jen Brackbill of the Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. The presentation will feature LIVE BIRDS and lots of interesting facts!

The event will be free of charge, but Wildlife Society will also be holding a bake sale at the event as a fundraiser. This event isopen to the public.

Come out Thursday night for an encounter with wildlife that you won't soon forget!

Visit The Wildlife Society webpage:
http://jupiter.clarion.edu/~clariontws/"

More Scholarship Scams

Here's another site to try - the Federal Trade Commission site -never pay money to receive money!

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship/index.shtml

Scholarship scams

About this time each year, scholarship search firms begin to appear with their message that millions of dollars in scholarships go unawarded each year (along with other outrageous statements.) Here is a message about scholarship scams and a link to the Federal Trade Commission consumer web site. Go to:

http://www.ednow.org/id43.html

ETS participants - Regis College

Hey ladies and gents - I received a very nice poster of Regis College in Boston. If this is a school you are looking at and would like to have the poster - it can be yours! Just put a post in the comments or email me at rmcmillen@clarion.edu (remember this offer is good for ETS participants only.)

GPA - Grade Point Average

GPA is the average of your grades. Most high schools use a 4.0 scale with A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, and E=0. For example, students with all A's have a 4.0. Students with half B's and half C's would have a 2.5 GPA.

Some school shave "weighted" grades for honors, AP, or college credits. For example an A - in AP ENglish may be worth 5 vs. the traditional 4.

Have a question about your GPA? See your guidance counselor or ETS counselor for more information or for help calculating your personal GPA.

-Rhonda

International Night at Clarion

“FROM THE CORNERS OF THE WORLD…” will be presented by the Clarion International Association on Friday, November 7, 2008 @ 7:00 PM in Gemmell Multi-Purpose Room. Everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of cultural entertainment and a tasting of international foods. Please come and share the excitement. Admission is free; donations are appreciated to help defray costs.

ETS families: Please let us know if you plan to attend. This is a popular event, so arrive a little bit early!

-Rhonda

Saturday's VOTE 101

Planning on attending this Saturday's ETS program at Venango Campus? Make sure that you call by lunchtime tomorrow to register. We need to have a few more attendees in order to host this program. Hope you can come! - Rhonda

National Book Award Finalists Announced

Use this link to view all nominations: http://www.nationalbook.org/nba2008.html

YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE

Laurie Halse Anderson, Chains (Simon & Schuster)
Kathi Appelt, The Underneath (Atheneum)
Judy Blundell, What I Saw and How I Lied (Scholastic)
E. Lockhart, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (Hyperion)
Tim Tharp, The Spectacular Now (Alfred A. Knopf)

Campus Visits

Seats are still available for:

Saturday, October 25, 2008
Allegheny College and Edinboro
Pick-ups set for New Bethlehem, Clarion Mall, and Cranberry Mall

Seniors - Edinboro is offering Clarion ETS students FREE application fee waivers, just for attending.


Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Point Park University and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Pick-ups set for New Bethlehem Clarion Mall, and Cranberry Mall

Parents are welcome to attend.

You must register, by calling 1-888-533-6487. Hope to see you there!

Awesome Autumn

Looking for some outdoor fun? Try a couple of these fall activities:

• Rake the yard and body surf in the pile. (You are never too old for this!)
• Visit a pumpkin patch. Carve a pattern, logo, or squiggles.
  
• Create a scarecrow and put him in your yard.
• Simmer a batch of hot cider - nothing smells better!
• Play hide 'n seek outside with your friends.
• Have a marshmallow roast (with parental help, of course.)
• Make an autumn journal. Add photos, leaf rubbings, and more.
  
• Take a trip to the local apple orchard. (Yes, there are plenty in Western PA.) Bake a pie or make applesauce.
  
• Plan a hayride!
• Take a walk or hike and enjoy the day!
  

Principle Principal

As I read your goals this year, one specific goal keeps "popping" to the forefront.

So, I am sending out this reminder that,“The principal is your pal.” So, you want to be on the principal's list, not the principle's list. Principal is a noun and/or adjective referring to someone or something with rank or importance. (You also earn interest on the principal -the important part.) Here's an on-line definition from Webster's: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/principal

Principle is a noun, dealing with law or doctrine. In fact, here's the definitionfor it too: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/principle

Brick Walls

Each year we have a quote at the top of the letter that goes home with the goals that you have set for the year. This year's quote is by Randy Paush, late professor at Carnegie Mellon.

"Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something."

I'd like to share with you his "Last Lecture." (Please be advised that there is some mild profanity.) I'm sure many, many of you have already watched it or seen parts of it. His lecture is available at http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/. There are also abbreviated versions on YouTube. His lecture is all about having dreams and achieving them!

Register NOW for Fall SAT

The first SAT of the fall will be given on OCtober 4, 2008. The regular registration deadline is September 9, 2008. Go online to check it out here.

Don't forget if you need financial assistance, your guidance office has available fee waivers. If you need assistance give us a call.

Cliff Notes - FREE!

Cliff Notes are now available on-line - free! Now, reading the book is still very, very important. However, Cliff can certainly help you to understand content and find answers to your questions. Here is the link http://www.cliffsnotes.com, just click on the literature tab. The site offers other useful information also.
-Rhonda

Back to School

Can you believe it? I can't. This summer seemed even faster than usual, but for many of us it is back to school this week. OK, I know, some of you don't have to report until after Labor Day - but WOW! Time does fly.

Here's a back to school website for you...http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/. It has a number of good articles to get you started thinking about school, the future, and college! Let me know which article you think is the most helpful!

-Rhonda

PA TRAC

In July 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) began implementing a seamless statewide transfer and articulation system required by legislation. Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges and the 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education adopted mandatory equivalency standards for the purpose of creating at least 30 hours of foundation courses that can be easily transferred to any of the participating institutions and to establish an electronic portal for providing public access to transfer information. As of Spring 2008, Lincoln University, Lackawanna College, Seton Hill University and St. Francis College have joined PA TRAC as participating institutions bringing the total to 32.

The Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (PA TRAC) was created as a one-stop shop for transfer students, administrators and advisors/faculty. The web address for PA TRAC is www.patrac.org.

The site contains the following information:

• Information about the 30 hours of foundation courses (referred to as the 30 credit transfer framework);
• Transfer course equivalencies;
• College profiles for the participating institutions;
• Searchable databases such as Search by Institution and Search by Course; and
• Planning for Transfer Guidance.

Transfer Credit Framework

Students who successfully complete courses from the approved transfer credit framework will have their credits transferred and counted towards graduation at any of the participating colleges and universities. The transfer credit framework goes into effect for students matriculating Fall 2008.

(Information released by the Registrar, Clarion University)

Harrisburg - Here we come!

Thanks so much to Venango County Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Board for funding our incentive trip this year. Unfortunately due to the crazy transportation costs we've made our trip a little closer to home. Fortunately, we have a great state capitol to visit! On August 8th we are heading to Harrisburg. Check out the website for more information. The bus is filling fast!
-Rhonda

Need for healthcare workers

Are you interested int he healthcare field? Here is an article from the LA Times that you may want to check out.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-shortage27-2008jul27,0,7015815.story

-Rhonda

trivia

Went to the movie... guess what I learned?

There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.

No, I didn't try it, but it's pretty cool!

-Rhonda

Communication changes

Hello! Hope you are enjoying your summer.

I just wanted to share some information - the clarionets and venangoets listservs for ETS participants in grades 9-12 will be discontinued this summer. Please check here at the blog for all reminders and updates!

Additionally, over the next couple of months, Clarion will be rolling out a new website. This may result in some changes and delays in use of the site. If there is information or anything that isn't working, please let us know! You should be able to continue to access us at www.clarion.edu/ets. The changes won't take place for a while, but I thought you'd want to know!

Thanks. - Rhonda

Web2.0 application

Here is another one...Evernote.

"Evernote allows you to easily capture information in any environment using whatever device or platform you find most convenient, and makes this information accessible and searchable at any time, from anywhere."

Sounds great. I haven't tried it yet, but you may want to check it out too at http://www.evernote.com/

Let me know if you do.
-Rhonda

Just for fun

Here is a new Web2.0 application that my friend Donna sent to me. It is called Wordle and it allows you to take a passage and create a graphic from the words. I chose to do it with my del.icio.us bookmarks and the result said a lot about me! What could you do with this - use it for a report cover? What else? Send me your ideas...

www.wordle.net

-Rhonda

Matching majors with schools

Today I found an amazing wiki - it has every major I could think of and then lists of schools that offer that major. It also has links to websites where you can do a free college search - this provides a customized result list based upon the answers to questions personalized for you!

http://collegelists.pbwiki.com/

Also, if you are not familiar with wikis (quick in Hawaiian), then click on the bottom right on the above website for a link explaining about wikis. It will link you to a great short video entitled "Wikis in Plain English." If that doesn't answer your questions, leave me a comment below or email me and I'll try my best to help you out!

-Rhonda

Cricket Chirps

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting the Weather Capital of the World - Punxsutawney, PA. I also got to see Phil and visit Gobbler's Knob. Good thing for me that it wasn't Groundhog Day, as 25, 000 people is way more than fits my comfort zone. One of the neatest things that I did learn is that there is truth to the tale that the number of cricket chirps in a minute is a predictor of temperature. Here is a cricket chirp temperature calculator - check it out!!

http://www.csgnetwork.com/crickettempcalc.html


-Rhonda

Internet Public Library

Writing a paper? Getting ready for finals? Need some homework help? Have some poetry to share? Check out the Internet Public Library's Teen Spaces at http://www.ipl.org/div/teen/.

Book List

The list of student recommended books has now been posted on the Book Brunch wiki. Just go to the site below and the select the book recommendations page. Feel free to add books and insert authors where I did not know them.

-Rhonda

Book Brunch

We had an awesome Saturday morning discussing books and completing some projects... If you tried to get on the wiki though, you may not have been able to. It seems I neglected to change the setting to public. OOPS! Well, it is now accessible at http://bookbrunchets.pbwiki.com/

I'll be adding a page with the books we all recommended. Now you have a summer reading list!

-Rhonda

Happy Administrative Professional's Day

Let me tell you something...and it isn't a secret. Things would not run they way they do around here without our amazing assistant. So, if you talk to Joni on the phone, tell her thanks for the great job!

Happy day, Joni!

--ETS

Activites that promote fitness

I am participating in Shape Up PA - through Clarion U. We get a weekly newsletter with some interesting tidbits and since today is such a beautiful spring day, I wanted to pass along a few!

• Are you engaged in activities that promote fitness, but not into walking? Check out this convertion table at http://moonwalk.palmpeoria.org/logMiles/conversions.asp.

• Also, 2500 steps = 1 mile (dependent on stride length.)

If I find more interesting facts, I'll send them your way!

-Rhonda

Earth Day

Here are some websites in celebration of Earth Day 2008. check them out at your leisure!

-Government related sites http://www.earthday.gov/kids.htm
-Crafts and more http://holidays.kaboose.com/earth-day/
-Check out the photos from across the nation http://earthday.envirolink.org/

Plant a tree, conserve our resources, recycle and more. Have a neat project you did? Leave it as a comment, so that we can all share in your knowledge or experience!

-Rhonda

Math SAT

Attached are the powerpoint and links from the SAT workshop on Saturday. Feel free to use this information! - Rhonda

http://del.icio.us/mctoth/SAT

(OK - I'm still working on attaching the powerpoint)

A Few FAFSA Pointers from My Friends in FA

When filing on-line:

-The save button appears sporadically, throughout. When it is there, use it. Progressing to the next page, does not automatically save your application.

-Do not use the back button.

Again, DO NOT PAY FOR THIS SERVICE! Filing your FAFSA is free. Make sure you are on the .gov site!

Get your FAFSA filed today! Remember May 1 is the PA deadline.
-Rhonda

Important Date Changes!

Due to some craziness in our office, bad weather, travel and just about everything else, it seems we need to make a few changes in the spring schedule.

Our VisionQuest date for rock climbing and the ropes course has been set for June 12. (It was tentatively June 11.) There will be limited transportation from Clarion. Also, you will need to bring your lunch, as this year we'll be paying a fee to use the facility!

The date for Taking Care of Me: Mind, Body and Soul will be May 10th. This workshop is at the Clarion YMCA.

Don't forget to call and register for these great days. There is also limited room on the two junior high trips, so call and register and send in your permission slips! Need more info, visit us at www.clarion.edu/ets and click Upcoming Events.

Rhonda

Seniors - FILE YOUR FAFSA @ .gov

I've pulled up this post from last year, to remind you of the importance of getting you FAFSA filed this month!

Attention seniors or anyone planning to enroll in postsecondary education in Fall 2008:

It is time to file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) Applicants are encouraged to file online, but there are still paper versions available through Trio offices. (Call us.)

Meanwhile, if you do decide to file online, make sure you use the government website at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Do not use any of the look-a-like sites that charge a fee. Filing the FAFSA is free. Here are some of the sites not to use (The links are not active - just check out the names.) : http://www.fafsa.com/, http://www.fafsa.us/, http://www.fafsaonline.com/, http://www.fasfa.com/. They are designed to confuse. I am sure there are even more out there - so feel free to share them in the comments.

Remember- the FAFSA is filed FREE and it is a .gov website!

Rhonda

Did you check?

Here's Google's prank for April 1st - go to Google and click on Gmail! Did you know you can now back date your email. Get those assignments in on time...

New! Gmail Custom Time TM
Ever wish you could go back in time and send that crucial email that could have changed everything -- if only it hadn't slipped your mind? Gmail can now help you with those missed deadlines, missed birthdays and missed opportunities.
	Mobile access Read Gmail on your mobile phone by pointing your phone's web browser to http://gmail.com/app. Learn more
	Lots of space Over 2757.272164 megabytes (and counting) of free storage so you'll never need to delete another message.

Also, here is the NASA link - check out the robot in today's photo! -Rhonda

Dreaded PSSAs

Well, unfortunately (imho), it's time for the PSSAs in western PA schools. All kids in grades 3-8 and 11 are subject to this week long battery of assessment.

Here is some basic info on the tests for those interested-
There are three sections of items for each of the reading and mathematics assessments.
There are multiple choice questions and open-ended questions.
The reading assessment requires responses to fiction and non-fiction passages to evaluate comprehension and reading skills.
The math section assesses five categories, which vary according to grade level.

Students should follow all good test taking behavior - go to bed on time, eat a healthy breakfast, use the process of elimination in multiple choice questions... So, keep up the good work - review those ETS study packets, and call us if you think you need specific help with your test taking. Most importantly - relax!

So go forth and be proficient!
-Rhonda

April Fools!

As April Fools fast approaches (less than six hours away) - I decided to do a little quick research and see what I could find out about this day.

It seems the history of April Fools Day is in question, but it is believed to have begun in Europe. Check out this site for a number of theories and some interesting stories - http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/aforigin.html.

But the neatest information I found just may be this blog entry from a tech blog I monitor. Josh Cadone's entry is the Top 10 Places to Get Fooled on April 1st. I know what I'll be checking in the morning - Google and then NASA for sure!

-Rhonda

Looking for Fun on Saturday

We have a great workshop planned for this Saturday and still have room for a few more students! So, grab the phone and call our toll free and sign up for Extreme Makeover - Self-Improvement Edition. We have some great things going on from lunch (I know you like food) to Zoomba, to Twister, to a local doctor talking about skin care. We'll be at the Health Science Center from 9-2 and have a treat bag with your name on it! I'll be there - hope you will too!
-Rhonda

Readergirlz

Hey Reader Girls - here is a site for you. Read about and join others in discussing favorite books and authors - this issue talks about and with author Sarah Dessen. If you liked "Just Listen" or any of her other books, check out the link:

http://www.readergirlz.com/issue.html

It's Pi Day

Any other math lovers out there? Ok, anyone like math or just curious? Today is Pi Day, March 14, 2008. Check out the site to find out more!
http://www.piday.org/

Youth Radio - Election 2008

I'm home on a short medical leave and was spending some time searching the Internet and catching up on a couple blogs that I "attempt" to monitor. I thought this might be of interest -it's certainly current and produced by teens from a teen perspective.

Here's the blurb from the website and the link:

Youth Radio is following Election 2008 around the country, through the perspectives of young people who are getting a close-up view of the process. Check out their thoughts, and watch for more to come.

www.youthradio.org/election2008/

Young Epidemiology Scholars (YES) Competition

This competition is a great opportunity for budding scientists and research oriented students to earn some major scholarship money. Each year, up to 120 students will share as much as $456,000 in college scholarships, with the top two national winners each receiving a $50,000 college scholarship. Scholarships can be used for educational expenses at accredited colleges or universities in the United States. Get your thinking caps on! Deadlines for submissions have traditionally been in early February of the competition award year.

The Young Epidemiology Scholars (YES) Competition for original student research is designed to inspire talented students to investigate behavioral, biological, environmental and social factors that affect health and to identify ways to improve the health of the public. YES awards up to 120 college scholarships each year to high school juniors and seniors who conduct outstanding research projects that apply epidemiological methods of analysis to a health-related issue. If you care deeply about the environment, world policy, or the world’s emerging health issues here is your opportunity to save lives.

YES will select up to 120 semifinalists; up to 60 will receive scholarship awards of $1000, completing their participation in the competition. The other 60 —up to 10 from each of six regions —will advance to the Regional Finals. The students advancing to the Regional Finals will receive an expense-paid trip to the YES National Event in Washington, D.C., April 2008, to compete with other students in their region. Regional Finalists will be judged on the basis of their written research reports, as well as an oral presentation and question-and-answer session. Forty-eight of the Regional Finalists will receive scholarship awards of $2,000, completing their participation in the competition. Twelve Regional Finalists—two from each of the six regions—will go on to compete at the National Finals.

The 12 students advancing to the National Finals will be judged by a national panel of judges on the basis of their written Research Project Reports, oral presentations and question-and-answer sessions.
YES college scholarship awards to the 12 National Finalists:
Six will receive scholarship awards of $15,000 each.
Two will receive scholarship awards of $20,000 each.
Two will receive scholarship awards of $35,000 each.
The top two national winners will receive scholarship awards of $50,000 each.
For more information about the YES Competition visit www.collegeboard.com/yes/.
~Tami

Web 2.0

Tonight at New Bethlehem Area Free Public Library

What to do with your ipod...

Have an iPod? Listen to music? What else do you use it for? Well, take a few minutes and check out this link I have attached. What a great resource, 100 Ways to Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better! WOW!

Let me know what you think, or if you have others to add to the list!

Gliffy.com

Ever need to make a flowchart? Need to draw a plan? Try www.gliffy.com. This web based program allows you to select from many pre-designed shapes to create the chart that you need. The blog provides entries to help you better use the program. Check it out for help - even how to move the flowchart to your Word document!

2008 SAT Dates

Had a request for SAT dates, so I wanted to send out a reminder:

SAT dates remaining for Spring 2008 include - March 1, May 3, and June 7. Get registered!

Visit http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html to register. Remember there are limited fee waivers available. In most cases if you qualify for free and reduced lunches, you qualify for a College Board waiver. However, you must visit your high school guidance counselor to access this service. If you have any questions or problems, contact your ETS counselor!

Stay warm!

Read the '08 Caldecott Winner

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of reading Brian Selznick's book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. It was the winner of the 2008 Caldecott Award. The Caldecott Award is presented annually "to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children", according to ALA. (Check out http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal.htm for more information and past award winners.)

Well, this book isn't a traditional picture book. It incorporates text, photos, drawings, and movies. In fact it has over 300 pages of pictures. Need something interesting to read; need something to grab your interest; need something new and different? Then check it out; I don't think you'll be disappointed!

This website gives you more details, historical information, and a preview. I'm excited to hear what you think! (http://www.theinventionofhugocabret.com/about_hugo_intro.htm)

ALA 2008 Printz Winner Announced

ALA has announced the 2008 award winners for young adult literature:

Winner: The White Darkness, by Geraldine McCaughrean

Honor Books:

Dreamquake: Book Two of the Dreamhunter Duet, by Elizabeth Knox

One Whole and Perfect Day, by Judith Clarke

Repossessed, by A.M. Jenkins

Your Own, Sylvia: A Verse Portrait of Sylvia Plath, by Stephanie Hemphill

As always, I am excited to hear what you think of these books. Let me know or bring your opinions to the Book Brunch on April 26th. It should be a lot of fun, especially since I'm cooking!

Admission Terms

Just a few terms for those of you planning on heading to college-

AP - Advanced Placement - credit for passing certain courses and exams can be then used for college credit.

Common Application - form used to apply to more and more colleges, http://www.commonapp.org/.

Conditional Acceptance - acceptance as long as specific requirements are met by the student.

Matriculate - move from high school to college.

Open Admission - accepts all applicants that meet basic requirements.

Wait List - not accepted or rejected, waiting on an opening.

FAFSA Means FREE

Please remember:

The URL for the official FAFSA site is www.fafsa.ed.gov . There are many for-profit FAFSA filing web sites - they will charge you! These sites are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education. Students should file at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

FAFSAs should be filed online. If you have specific circumstances prohibiting this and are an ETS participant, please contact me ASAP as I have a few paper forms for your use.

PHEAA will be holding free workshops throughout the state on Saturday, February 9. One will be held from 10-1 at Brother Bean Coffee Shop, Rte 257, Cranberry (Venango County). Another will be held from 10-1 at Clarion Free Library (Community Room), Main Street, Clarion.

Clarion County Youth - BUSTED!

BUSTED! Youth Reorganization Meeting
Compliance Recruitment/Training and PIZZA Party!
Kids Age 14– 18 needed

Clarion County Drug and Alcohol would like to invite you to take part in Tobacco Free Advocacy Activities: Compliance Checks, Prevention/Awareness Activities, Educating Legislators, and Fun Recruitment Activities.

Come learn more about Clarion County BUSTED! Youth
February 13, 2008 from 4:30-6:00 PM
Clarion County Drug and Alcohol Office
214 South 7th Avenue, Clarion PA

For more information call Vicky Hilborn at 226-5888 Ext. 522 by February 11, 2008.

In Their Shoes

Let’s face it; we have all done it. We’ve tried on mom or dad’s shoes; just to see how it feels. Mom’s high heels may have given your confidence a boost, or those polished wing tips may have made you feel so important. It’s not a bad idea to walk in someone else’s shoes for a day. The Internet is amazing and has opened up the world, but it can’t replace experiencing the real thing. Job shadowing is a great way to actively learn about or explore careers. You can actually walk in someone’s shoes for the day, witnessing first hand the work environment, equipment, and people and technical skills needed to be successful at their job. You have an expert at your fingertips to ask all those burning questions like, how long did you have to go to school? Where did you go to school? What salary can I expect? Are there lots of job opportunities in this field?

Job shadowing can provide high school students an opportunity to explore a broad range of jobs and increase career awareness. Senior high students can narrow interests and test out job suitability. You can even participate in hands-on activities to test the your compatibility to the job. Shadowing can show you how to apply textbook information to the real world. It is a valuable way to make contacts and could lead to a job offer. Even if you decide the job doesn’t fit, look at the experience as an opportunity to meet new people.

Junior Achievement has turned Ground Hog Day into National Job Shadow Day. So why not plan to join the big event by arranging to shadow someone on Friday, February 1, 2008. If you plan to follow in mom or dad’s footsteps, Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day is Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Tips for a Positive Job Shadowing Experience:

Get the appropriate permission from parents, school, and mentor.
Dress neat and accordingly for the job site. (Maybe polish your shoes!)
Be on time.
Be courteous and respectful at all times.
Go prepared with interview questions.
Write a thank you note to your host and key staff.

Good Luck!
-Tami

Changes in PA High School Diploma for Class of 2014

Earning a high school diploma in PA, just became more complicated. Starting with the class of 2014 (this year's sixth grade), students will have to pass a series of tests - the Graduation Competency Assessments. The state is to create ten tests in math, science, English, and social studies. Students will be required to pass six in order to receive their diploma.