GEAR UP Happenings
December 2015
Important Reminder
At any time, if you are using GEAR UP funds and wish to receive reimbursement, you must submit a roster of those in attendance along with all other WCS financial documentation. App State GEAR UP cannot reimburse Watauga County Schools without this information; therefore, we cannot reimburse you without this documentation! This procedure should be followed for any services when GEAR UP funds are used e.g., parent nights, field trips, guest speakers, etc.
If you have questions please direct them to Laura!
Coming Soon & Ongoing Activities
The GEAR UP Oversight Committee will meet on Monday, December 7th at 11:30am at the Watauga County Schools Central Office. All committee members will receive an email with details.
- Cove Creek & Mabel Trip to Biltmore House & AB Tech--December 11th
- Bethel & Cove Creek College Visit to UNC-Asheville--February 25th
- Mountaineer Mentoring
- Discovery Education Workshops for faculty
- Virtual Job Shadow
- Tutor.com
- Juntos Program
- YES! program with Justin Hicks
- Discovery Education Field Trip Opportunity
- Summer Camp Opportunities
- Transition Activities
- ***When traveling with GEAR UP Funds please remember you are responsible for turning in a copy of the trip agenda and student/chaperone roster to your school's bookkeeper once you return from the trip!
Mountaineer Mentors @ Lunch
On Wednesday, November 18th, 2015 WCS GEAR UP began partnering with Western Youth Network (WYN) to provide students an opportunity to meet with mentors during lunch on a weekly basis. Students have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss what college is really like with App State students or WYN staff! We will be conducting a four week pilot series at Bethel, Cove Creek and Mabel with the hopes of continuing this program through the end of App State's spring semester! Please click the link below for additional information!
Discovery Education Workshops
Through our participation with GEAR UP Appalachian Partnership Grant, we have the opportunity to participate in professional development workshops facilitated by The Discovery Place. As you will find via the link below, there are 2 categories of workshops available:
- Reserved Workshops (Only for GEAR UP Teachers across our 11 counties)
- Open Workshops (Regular workshop already offered by Discovery Place)
***Important information regarding WCS GEAR UP Policy
- WCS GU will cover the cost of mileage and substitute pay
- Please car pool and use a county car if one is available
- Prior Approval Forms must be signed by Laura Turner and your principal (Please refer to your school's bookkeeper with questions.)
- Participation in these events are dependent on principal approval
- Registration is not guaranteed until you receive a conformation email
Please contact Laura with any questions!
Below you will find an exciting new field trip opportunity provided by the GEAR UP/Discovery Place partnership. Please read carefully, as the details of this trip are slightly different than other trips. ASU GEAR UP is allotted a set number of free tickets; therefore, it is first come, first serve. If you are interested in this opportunity, please act quickly. Obtain permission from your principal, let me know and follow the directions on the link below.
Please contact Laura with questions!
YES! with Justin Hicks
Update
Have you ever watched sports and wondered how teams and players are ranked? So did we! Over the past semester, YES students examined basketball statistics taking them into the world of averages, weighted averages, objectivity versus subjectivity, and more. Each class created their own metric for player rankings and compared them against the detailed formulas used by experts. Our semester will culminate with an invitation by ASU basketball to attend their game on Dec.19 and put our metrics to the test!
Juntos Program Begins in WCS
1st Juntos Family Night
College Student Panel
Hispanic students from App State shared their college experience at our WCS Juntos Family Night.
November ASU Guide Weekend Recap
Nineteen 7th & 8th grade students from across our four school were invited to attend an ASU Guide Weekend Retreat. Students participated in team building, App State TV & Radio Station tours, presentation skills and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Over the course of the 3 days students worked in teams to create and present a product that solves a "real-world" problem. Students were required to develop a 3-minute elevator presentation as well as a catch phrase. The Director of Entrepreneurial Education at ASU, APP State Students as well as retreat leaders were on hand to help student prep and present their products.
Marshmallow Challenge
Radio Station Tour
Group Interaction Course
FAB
Students developed an App designed to help middle school age kids develop Social Skills. "With FAB Find Friends Fast."
TV Station Tour
Brainstormers
Students created an App to help individuals with mental illnesses find the appropriate care in their area. "Brainstormers: We will find the spark in you."
Water Brush
A toothbrush designed to help with water conservation. "The brush that saves water. "
Pill Time
A prescription pill dispenser with a timer, reminder and fingerprint scanner. "I only take my pills when it is half past 5."
Titanium Transport
A bike designed for low income families in inner city areas to provide transportation. With a built in solar powered cooler for trips to the grocery store! "Transportation at its finest"