September 2017 Newsletter
Welcome Eagle Scholars!
We especially want to welcome our brand new 6th grade Eagle Scholars, who are already getting rave reviews from the teachers at Pierce. They may be the "small fish in a big pond," but they're showing that they're up to the challenge.
On the other end of the spectrum, our seniors are already busy filling out applications to places like Michigan State, U of M, UCLA, Northwestern, and Harvard. Several students got a jump on their college essays at our first ever Eagle Scholars College Essay Boot Camp on campus at U of M Ann Arbor. We've also got three seniors - Mackenzie Gajda, Charles McCants, and Antony Gordon - taking part in the Michigan Student Caucus, a course at U of M that provides young people a voice in state politics.
We have a lot of big things planned this year, including a service project, multiple college visits, and increased funding for the Eagle Scholars award. Of course none of this would be possible without the amazing teaching and administrative staff and, of course, the parents.
Finally, I've included an introduction below for those of you whom I have not met and would like to put a video with a name!
Rory Hughes, Eagle Scholars Program Coordinator
Thurston Updates
Key Information
Our first Eagle Scholars Meeting is on Wednesday, September 27th during Advisory, in the auditorium. Attendance is mandatory.
Weekly study sessions begin Thursday, September 14th in the media center from 2:45 - 4:00 pm. Attendance is mandatory for students new to the district and those on probation.
Seniors
- The early decision deadline for U of M Ann Arbor is November 1st. Details here.
- If you have questions about scholarships, read this blog post from my brother-in-law, who is a college counselor.
- Contact me if you would like to take part in a College Essay workshop after school.
- In order to be on track for Eagle Scholars distinction, you should have taken at least five AP courses by the end of this year.
Juniors
- Make sure you're getting your free SAT practice at Khan Academy.
- In order to be on track for Eagle Scholars distinction, you should have taken at least three AP courses by the end of this year.
Sophomores
- If you're feeling overwhelmed in your AP course (s), come to Thursday study sessions so you can get some help from Mr. Hughes and/or those who have been through it.
- In order to be on track for Eagle Scholars distinction, you should have taken at least two AP courses by the end of this year.
Freshmen
- In order to be on track for Eagle Scholars distinction, you should have taken Honors English, Honors or AP US History, and Honors Physical Science by the end of this year.
College Essay Workshop - August 3rd, 2017 at U of M Ann Arbor
August 3rd College Essay Workshop
August 3rd College Essay Workshop
August 3rd College Essay Workshop
Pierce Updates
Eagle Scholars Study Session
Welcome Interim Assistant Principal Mr. Martin
Pierce does Advisory
Eagle Scholars Leadership Team
The leadership team is settling back into school and will begin meeting very soon. We've had a lot of discussion before school was let out, about what sorts of things we'd like to do this year. A few ideas include an Eagle Scholars Day of Service, a car wash fundraiser, and an end of the year field trip to ZapZone for our Eagle Scholars who have been in good standing all year. If there are any suggestions for things you'd like to see from the leadership team, please contact Mr. Parsons at Tony.Parsons@southredford.org
Representing 7th grade for the 2017-2018 school year:
Jenacy Cardwell
Elle Hubbard
Representing 8th grade for the 2017-2018 school year:
Bethany Carter
Jewel Chattam
Any 6th grade students interested in joining the Leadership Team? If so, please see Mr. Parsons for an application!
Study Tips (revisited)
- Make sure your child has a quiet, peaceful place to study Sunday through Thursday.
- Encourage your child to study in 25-30 minute increments broken up by 5 - 10 minute breaks.
- If possible, make sure your child's phone is turned off and in another room.
- Have your child complete "off-line" homework, then online homework.
- If possible, have your child study at a desk, free of clutter, with a desk lamp.
- If your child prefers to study with music, make sure the music is instrumental. Some background here. While students often say "It helps me concentrate," they are often fooling themselves.
- If possible, make sure your child is not in front of any screens one hour before bedtime.
Requirement Reminder
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA in core classes
- Display exemplary citizenship
- Complete minimum of 5 hours of community service per academic year
Thurston
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Participate in at least one extracurricular activity beginning 10th grade
- Take five AP courses (one of which must be AP Lang & Comp)
- Apply to at least four 4-year institutions
- Complete a capstone project
Academic Support
Pierce
Weekly Study Session
Wednesday in the Media Center 3:15-4:15 pm
Homework Clinic
Monday - Friday, 7:50-8:20 am
Mondays and Thursdays, 3:15-4:10 pm
Thurston
Weekly Study Session
Thursdays in the Media Center, 2:45-3:45 pm
After school tutoring
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in Room 505, ` 2:45 - 3:45 pm
Advisory (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:33 - 11:17)
Silent study time on Mondays, travel to your teachers in the classes in which you are struggling on Wednesdays and Fridays)
Pierce and Thurston Schedule an appointment with Mr. Parsons or Mr. Hughes Make an appointment at this web address: goo.gl/05Wo2h Mr. Parsons is an alumnus of the program-class of 2012; he’s been in your shoes and he wants to help! He can help with homework, study skills, organization, etc.
Online Resources for Academic Support
Quizlet: Flash card website with content from every class and level on the academic spectrum
Khan Academy: Free educational videos covering a wide variety of math and science concepts from grade K-12
Hippocampus.org: Free educational videos and tutorials for students struggling with every subject between grades 6-12.
GoConqr: Social media site created for students to connect with other students working on similar topics, and to help each other study and provide tips.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."- African Proverb
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