Summer 2018 Newsletter
Wholeness vs. Perfection
I've been reading Plotkin's work and the connections to my role as a parent and as an educator are so obvious that I sometimes can't make much progress because I'm constantly underlining passages. What strikes me is not only the poignancy of his message, but how opposed it is those so many of our kids are receiving, if not from us then from society at large.
Let's consider whether we are encouraging our students to seek perfection or to seek wholeness. The phrase "at all costs" has become so ingrained in our vernacular that I wonder if we know the cost of a 4.0, 1600 on the SAT, homecoming king, class president, 1st chair, or All-State. For some, the costs might be a sense of empathy, or peace, or self-concept, or even happiness.
As coordinator of an honors program, my job is to cultivate an environment where students experience a healthy challenge that pushes them to their potential. Knowing what is "healthy" can be difficult, but if we can focus on wholeness rather than perfection, our kids - and our world - might be better off.
Mr. Hughes
Thurston Updates
- The following seniors fulfilled the requirements of The Eagle Scholars Program and were awarded special green cords as well as an official seal on their diplomas. Bold names received a $750 scholarship from the Eagle Scholars Program. 100% received scholarship money from some source.
Lindsey Bryant - Wayne State
Caitlyn Cooper - Kalamazoo College
Gwendolyn Drake - Schoolcraft College
Jada Early - Eastern Michigan
Jasmine Early - Eastern Michigan
Mackenzie Gajda - U of M Ann Arbor
Antony Gordon - U of M Dearborn
Latrice Jackson - Eastern Michigan
Jamila Little - Tennessee State University
Charles McCants - U of M Ann Arbor
Megan Miller - Capital University
- Over 40 Eagle Scholars visited U of M Ann Arbor on May 24th and got a feel for what it takes to get into U of M and to be successful there. One major takeaway: the application essay plays a significant role in admissions decisions.
- For the first time, we will be offering summer study sessions for students to complete AP summer work. See below for details.
- We want to welcome our brand new Eagle Scholars: Jasmyn B., Tyla D., Aaliyah D., Kennedi D., Imani D., Victoria H., Kyra H., Kamarye J., Ivanah P., Loryn J. W., Morgan W., Shelbi H., Angelique P., Ilaun B., Morgan K. We are so excited to have you on the team!
- Sign up for text reminders below!
IMPORTANT SUMMER DATES
- SUMMER STUDY MONDAYS - THURSTON HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER (10 am - 12:30 pm): July 9th, July 16th, July 23rd, July 30th, August 6th, August 13th. You must email Mr. Hughes 24 hours in advance to let me know you are attending.
- ZAP ZONE KICKOFF - AUGUST 15th (6 pm - 8 pm): Zap Zone, 31506 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48336. Please email Mr. Hughes to let me know if you are attending. You will need to bring $10 to the front office by August 1st in order to secure a spot.
- 9TH GRADE ORIENTATION - AUGUST 27th IN THE MAIN GYM (8 am - 12 pm)
- JUMP START - AUGUST 29-30: 9th: 8/30 1- 3 pm; 10th: 8/30 9 - 11 am; 11th: 8/29 1-3 pm; 12th: 8/29 9 - 11 am
Sky, Joya, LaNeise, and Ms. Esbrook at U of M's cafeteria
The Diag!
Te'Nia and Angel on the sandwich press at U of M
Pierce Updates
6th Grade ESP
The end of May saw the conclusion of the Technology Enhanced Nature Study (T.E.N.S.) Program. The students presented their research questions and reports to a panel of six scientists at Indian Spring Metroparks. The panel was amazed at the level of detail and how thorough the scholars were. The Eagle Scholars Program is proud of our 6th grade scholars and expect even greater things in the years to come.
7th Grade ESP
The Eagle Scholars Program welcomes Mrs. Erin Trost and Mrs. Blaire Tedford to the Eagle Scholars Team! In September these wonderful educators will be teaching a section of 7th grade ESP Science. Mrs. DeMauriac will teach a section of 8th grade ESP Science. We look forward to the new energy and ideas generated by our new team members.
The 7th grade scholars ended the year as authors. The scholars read the Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages and were tasked with writing a new ending to the story. The scholars had to match tone, language, and story themes. Students wrote conclusions between 5-11 pages. Each one was great and offered insight into how each scholar interpreted the story.
8th Grade ESP
During the final stretch of the school year 8th-grade scholars focused a great deal of time on civil rights and liberties in the U.S. The scholars completed research projects on different leaders like Harriet Beecher Stowe, Abby Kelley Foster, and John Brown. Scholars also had great discussions about the state of our nation and why there are many problems in the world. We believe our scholars will make great leaders in their own ways as they grow up.
The Eagle Scholars Program wishes our 8th-grade scholars the best of luck in high school. We are proud of all their accomplishments during their career at Pierce and know that they will continue to do great things in the future.
General ESP
The Pierce Showcase was a great success and the Eagle Scholars stole the evening. Each of the students presented their projects and wowed parents and South Redford staff. From projects about different countries including samples of cuisine to building working rockets, to mastering a 3D printer the Eagle Scholars at Pierce continue to reach new heights. Great job!
Summer homework has been distributed to every student in the Eagle Scholars Program and it will be posted in the Google Classroom for each grade soon. Please do not wait until the last minute to begin working on it. It is recommended that scholars spread out the work and do a little each week. If you have any questions throughout the summer email Mr. Parsons. As well he will have office hours throughout the summer. Stay tuned for exact dates and times.
Have a great summer Eagle Scholars! We look forward to another great year in September!
Desmond shows his mastery of 3D Printing
Noah and his Showcase Sword
8th Grade Scholars Clean Up Well for the Dance
"Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen."-Wayne Huizenga
The South Redford Eagle Scholars Program
Email: rory.hughes@southredford.org
Website: www.eaglescholarsprogram.org
Location: 26249 Schoolcraft Avenue, Redford Charter Township, MI, United States
Phone: 313-444-2590
Facebook: facebook.com/eaglescholarsprogram