Global Studies Academy
Newsletter October 11, 2021
Welcome Your New Coordinator: Ms. Skelton
My name is Laine Skelton, I was born and raised in Houston, Texas and attended Westside High School in Houston ISD. After high school, I received a scholarship to play NCAA Division 1 softball at Houston Baptist University where I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Composite Social Studies & Pedagogy in 2010.
Upon my graduation from HBU, I taught a variety of Social Studies subjects at Bellaire High School in HISD and assisted coaching the softball team. In the Fall of 2012, I came to Fort Bend ISD to serve as the Head Softball Coach and Social Studies teacher at Clements High School. I was later promoted to Campus Athletic Co-Coordinator and have been serving in this position for over 5 years.
I also hold a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Dallas as well as a Certification in Educational Leadership from the University of Lamar.
The 2021-2022 school year is my 10th year serving in Fort Bend ISD and 12th year in education overall. I am excited to begin my new role serving students as Fort Bend ISD Academy Coordinator.
GSA Fall Social Parent Volunteers Needed
A Message From Our New Superintendent
Seniors: New Graduation Requirement: FASFA/TASFA Informational Video
GSA Spirit Night!!!!!
GSA Booster Club
Why should you join the GSA Booster Club?
- Support student socials
- Plan events like the Lock-In and the End of the Year Banquet
- Assist with the student-led Global Issues Summit
- Provide transportation fees for student field trips
- Award Capstone grants
- Award travel grants for student trips abroad
- Award 2 senior scholarships (NEW this year)
- Network with other GSA parents for support and advice throughout the year
Join now through our website: https://www.globalstudiesacademy.us/learn-english
Or use this QR reader:
The GSA Booster Club needs you! We are looking for a few parents to join our team. Please email us at fbisd.gsabc@gmail.com if you’re interested or want to learn more!
- Vice President
- Spirit Wear Coordinator
- Scholarship Coordinator
- Events Coordinator
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on GSA BC happenings: https://www.facebook.com/GSABoosterclub
Join us on Remind to get Booster Club updates: @gsabooster
Thank you for supporting the GSA Booster Club! Remember our sole purpose is to help our students have a successful school year in the Travis High School GSA program!
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 INFORMATION AND PROTOCOLS
CLICK HERE FOR FBISD COVID TRACKER
CLICK HERE for more information.
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In this newsletter you will find helpful information, news from the GSA Booster Club, and some volunteer opportunities and Enrichment Opportunities.
Parents/Guardians, please make sure that you have gone into skyward and checked your email addresses. It is our main way of communicating with everyone and last week many were undelivered. If it is incorrect, please update it.
Enrichment and Volunteer Hours: You will find links in the newsletters to enrichment and volunteer opportunities for the semester. Please remember that you will need to complete two enrichments per semester for a total of 4 for the year and 12.5 volunteer hours for a total of 25 hours a year.
We would like to start highlighting our outstanding Academy students and their accomplishments in and outside of school. If your student has won an award, received a scholarship, participated in a competitive summer program, etc. please submit this form. We will post your student's accomplishment in/on the varies academy social media platforms and they may be featured in other community publication.
The name and photo associated with your Google account will be recorded when you upload files and submit this form
Bus Routes for the 2021-2022 School Year
Schoology Course Codes
Class of 2025: VPJX-CW5H-VGHTF
Cass of 2024: VT9G-5M3S-FZ88N
Class of 2023: 8JDHC-R5M8M
Class of 2022: BJVDZ-33Q9T
GSA Semester at A Glance
Enrichment Actvities
National History Day
HBCU Real Talk with College Board
If you’re so inclined, feel free to spread the word within your networks by sharing the RSVP link, this promotional video, or the attached flyer.
What makes attending an HBCU an experience like no other? Join us and find out! Real Talk is hosting a special two-night series Real Talk: HBCU Edition next week Wednesday, October 13th and Thursday, October 14th at 7pm ET/4pm PT. Over the course of two evenings, admissions representatives from 17 of the best HBCUs across the country will provide a glimpse into the admissions process, campus life, and HBCU culture. Different schools will present each night, so be sure to attend both sessions! As always, attendees will have an opportunity to ask top of mind questions in real time. All grade levels and academic achievement levels are welcome.
Event Summary
Date: Wednesday, October 13th and Thursday, October 14th
Time: 7pm ET/4pm PT
RSVP: cb.org/RealTalkHBCU OR https://globalmeet.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1499044&tp_key=d851110c45
The State of US Intelligence & the Challenges of the Years to Come (WAC)
Thursday, Oct 21, 2021, 07:00 PM
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Black College EXPO
REGISTER HERE: Tickets are between $7-&10
Saturday, Oct 30, 2021, 10:00 AM
NRG Center, NRG Park, Houston, TX, USA
Young Women's Energized Virtual Conference
YWE STEM Virtual Conference!
Drawing For a Laptop Computer and Many Other Prizes!
Hear from Experts in STEM!
Tune in from 9am-1:30pm on Saturday, October 23 for this can't miss event!
This year's event is virtual and not to be missed! Register today!
Join Young Women Energized for another exciting program designed to inspire high school girls and support their career ambitions, with a focus on the benefits of studying STEM!
Tune in from 9am-1:30pm on Saturday, October 23 for this can't miss event!
Click here to register.
See you at the event!
Volunteer Hours
TUTOR CHILDREN VIRTUALLY WITH TEENSGIVE
TeensGive volunteers are high school students who want to use their skills to give back. So, what better way than through helping younger children learn? We offer three options to our members:
- In-person tutoring at our network of after-school programs
- Virtual volunteering: tutor children from Title 1 schools online on our platform
- Teach our entrepreneurship curriculum, Counting Cupcakes, which teaches math and business skills in a fun and delicious way!
"https://teensgive.org/about-us/"
TRANSLATE TED TALKS VIRTUALLY
TED Translators are a global community of volunteers who subtitle TED Talks, and enable the inspiring ideas in them to crisscross languages and borders.
Volunteer Roles: Apply HERE
The TED Translators program encourages the growth and advancement of all of our volunteers. There are specific roles volunteers can achieve to engage in the program and develop their skills:
Translator / Transcriber
Translators and transcribers are volunteers who create subtitles on CaptionHub. New volunteers should work on one assignment at a time before claiming a new video to subtitle.
Qualifications:
- Fluent in both source and target languages (note: transcribers should be fluent in the transcription language)
- Passed onboarding application quiz
- Reviewed all TED guidelines and best practices
Virtually National Archives Transcription and Tagging VIRTUALLY NATIONAL ARCHIVES TRANSCRIPTION AND TAGGING
Topics that the National Archives is looking for help with include: Sign up Here
- Homestead Final Certificates 18-63-1894
- African American History Documents
- The American Soldier
- African American Civil Wars Soldiers
- and Many more
- At the bottom of this page, they have documents categorized by beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
ZOONIVERSE VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
THS Volleyball Concessions 2021
Volleyball needs your help! Please consider donating your time for volunteer hours to support Travis Athletic Booster Club and Volleyball! Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
Note: 6:30-8:30 time allotment could run early or late depending on the matches played.
Location: THS Competition GymSecond Mile
Whether you love to work one-on-one with people in need or to work diligently behind the scenes, we have a place for you. People like you give their time and talents to help us serve our neighbors through the most devastating moments of their life. We could not do this work without generous volunteers. Volunteers ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Before your volunteer session and for a quicker check-in, complete this online volunteer application: https://secondmile.keepntrack.com/apply/index.html?db=secondmile.
- Please be sure to sign in at the volunteer kiosk and sign out after volunteering. We will not be able to process your volunteer records without these steps.
Mask Mandate Update (August 2021)
In accordance with the latest CDC guidelines and with the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases, masks are required for all individuals who enter Second Mile.
Thank you for your help in supporting this ministry while prioritizing the health of our community.
Project C.U.R.E
Please join us in saving lives by preparing medical supplies for shipment to hospitals and clinics in need around the world. Activities may include organizing warehouse inventory, sorting medical supplies, supporting administrative efforts, pulling for and loading containers, or other projects to be accomplished for the day. This will be a fun, engaging, and hands-on experience.
Project C.U.R.E. was founded in 1987 to help meet the need for medical supplies, equipment, and services around the world. Project C.U.R.E. builds sustainable healthcare infrastructure by providing the medical supplies and equipment needed to deliver healthcare in communities. Since its inception, Project C.U.R.E. has delivered medical relief to people in need in more than 130 countries.
- Go to this link: https://projectcure.volunteerhub.com/lp/houston/
- Scroll to the calendar and select a date which you are available (Make sure to go fast, spots are filling up!)
- Select “Sign Up” and “Create new account”
- Once you have created your account, you will be emailed a confirmation
- Students below 18 must print/ fill out a waiver form signed by their parent/guardian and bring it to the event *The waiver will be in your email confirmation
- New volunteers must arrive 10-15 minutes early to their volunteer slot for an orientation
Important Information:
Thank you for volunteering to serve with Project C.U.R.E.
Project C.U.R.E.’s Houston facility is located at 8303 Kempwood Drive, Houston, TX 77055. We are located in Spring Branch near the intersection of Bingle and Kempwood.
Before arriving, please review the safety guidelines in this video.
Also, please keep the following in mind:
- Volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes in the warehouse.
- Please dress comfortably and wear weather appropriate clothing - the warehouse can be warm in the summer and cool in the winter.
- Some of our tasks can be physically demanding but are always optional
- Minimum age to volunteer is 15 (under 18 requires parent/legal guardian signed consent in advance).
We look forward to working with you soon! Thanks for your interest in helping in our mission of "delivering Health & Hope to the world!"
The safety of our volunteers and staff is our top priority. We are taking all possible precautions. During your volunteer time, we will be following CDC recommendations and all volunteers and staff are required to follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask and gloves. If you have your own mask, please bring it to your volunteer session. Disposable masks will be provided if needed. Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer throughout your volunteer session. Please do not come volunteer if you are feeling ill or have been in contact with someone feeling ill. Your support in maintaining a safe facility is tremendously appreciated!
Please keep in mind the following:
- Attire: Volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes. We recommend comfortable, weather-appropriate attire that you don't mind getting dusty. The warehouse is colder in winters and warmer in summers.
- Timing: Please arrive on time. You will be led by a Volunteer Leader and they will need adequate time to explain to you what will need to be done.
- Food/drink: You are welcome to bring water and small snacks with you if you wish.
- Age: The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years old; volunteers younger than 18 years old will need parent/legal guardian consent signature.
- Cancellation concern: If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration so we do not schedule staff unnecessarily.
We look forward to working with you soon! Thank you for helping us in delivering health and hope to the world.
Target Hunger
Target Hunger depends upon the support of the community to fulfill our mission. A vital aspect of that support is volunteerism. Each year, Target Hunger welcomes hundreds of volunteers who donate their time to help children, families, and seniors in need of food assistance. If you are interested in volunteering with Target Hunger, please register below.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Drive-Thru Food Distributions
Volunteer to help pack bags filled with food and place into the trunk’s of cars.
Register to Volunteer at a Food Distribution
Community Garden
Do you enjoy working outdoors? Do you want to share your passion for gardening with others? We welcome both novice and experienced gardeners to volunteer at our Garden. Volunteers work together to grow 6,000 pounds of nutritious produce that is distributed through Target Hunger Pantries and Food Fairs.
Community Garden Volunteers: Missouri City
The Lettuce Live community garden is in Buffalo Run Park in Missouri City, Texas. We have shifts every Saturday from 8:15am - 11:30am to help maintain the Lettuce Live community garden. We're looking for energetic volunteers to join us to harvest, weed, paint, plant seeds and have fun.
Sign up to volunteer at https://signup.com/go/zVzgXUQ
We have precautions in place to ensure the safety of our volunteers. These include outdoor space to maintain at least 6 feet of social distance, using gloves to handle produce, and wearing of masks or protective coverings over the nose and mouth in spaces where sufficient social distance cannot be maintained. We recommend volunteers bring their own drinking water to the garden and ask that you stay home if you are not feeling well.
Scholarships
Young Women's Energized Scholarship or Senior Girls
Scholarship Eligibility
Eligible applicants are female, graduating high school seniors from the Greater Houston area with exemplary academic records and demonstrated leadership potential. Eligible applicants must plan to attend an accredited four-year university or accredited two-year community college in the Fall of 2022 as a fulltime student. A letter of acceptance, proof of registration and payment instructions from the university must be presented to WEN’s scholarship panel prior to disbursement of awards.
Application Deadline
The scholarship application submission period for 2022 scholarships opened on May 21,2021. Thank you in advance for your interest. Recipients of this prestige scholarship will be notified on or about October 30, 2021.
Application Submission Package
- Transcript - Official copy of applicant's high school transcript(s) emailed to houscholarship@womensenergynetwork.org from a school official or mailed to Young Women Energized - Scholarship Chair Attn: Deb White P.O. Box 680086 Houston, TX 77268.
- Essay – Applicant must submit an original 250-500 word essay which discusses a current event in regards to energy and shares the applicant’s thoughts (i.e. gas prices, alternative fuel sources, global warming, politics and energy.
- Letter of Reference – Applicant must submit one letter of reference from a high school or community leader to houscholarship@womensenergynetwork.org which discusses the applicant’s scholastic ability, character and/or leadership characteristics.
Instructions: All materials must be emailed to houscholarship@womensenergynetwork.org on or before the deadline on 10/23/2021. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. A link for the 2022 YWE Scholarship Application can be found here. Women Energy Network (WEN), strongly recommends that ALL Scholarship Applicants attend the YWE STEM Conference on October 9, 2021. The YWE Scholarship Committee will issue additional points to your overall scholarship application for attending, plus you will learn about other scholarship opportunities and hear from expert essay writers on how to win any scholarship you apply for.
Notification and Presentation of Award
Winners will be contacted by the Scholarship review panel and presented at the 2021 Scholarship Awards Ceremony on TBD (1st or 2nd week in November). ALL winners are required to attend and must prepare an oral acceptance speech that will be professionally videotaped live.