GEAR UP Happenings
October 2015
THANK YOU!!!
My sincerest thank you to all that helped chaperone/coordinate/transport our students to the App State Campus Visits! I feel so blessed to work with each of you! Without your willingness to open your schools and classrooms to GEAR UP, none of this would be possible! I truly believe our students left each of these visits with a better understanding of post secondary education as well as a greater desire to pursue it themselves! I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together with our students in the years to come.
--Laura
December Oversight Committee Meeting
The GEAR UP Oversight Committee will be meeting on Thursday December 3rd, 2015 at 11:30am at WCS Central Office. Lunch will be provided. If you are a committee member please mark your calendar.
Updates & Reminders
- Math resources from Grant Year 1 (GeoModel Folding Shapes, Hands-on Equation Kits, Hands-on Equations for SMART Board, Marilyn Burns Fraction Kit and accompanying teachers guide, Hands-on Equation Verbal Problem book)
- Hands-On Equations Refresher PD (Date & Time TBD)--Look for an email soon!
- ASU Guide Weekend Retreat November 20-23
- Discovery Education Workshops for faculty (free) *See Additional Information Below
- In-school Mentoring Program
- Cultural field trips for 8th grade students
- ***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
- New procedures for funding requests
College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC)
Our regional CFNC Representative, Skip Watts, created a fantastic middle school presentation on CFNC and the resources it offers. If you are interested in asking him to present to your class, please fill out the GEAR UP Grant Year 02 request form and I will work to coordinate a visit. His services are free of charge.
True Colors
Interested in learning more about your students learning styles, personalities, etc? GEAR UP ASU has several trained facilitators on staff that would love to facilitate a True Colors activity in your class. Email Laura for more information if you are interested!
Discovery Place Education Professional Development for GEAR UP Teachers
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!
Resource Request Procedures
Per our discussions at middle school team meetings last month, each school has $2,500 available to purchase non-consumable math and science resources and $1,500 to purchase non-consumable Social Studies and ELA resources for grades 6th-8th. Additionally, you will submit the form I emailed you to your principal and then send it to me with his signature. I will notify you once the request has been approved by all parties listed. You can then hand over the completed form to your school's bookkeeper for ordering.
September Recap
ASU Guide Pilot Weekend
15 students from across our four school were invited to attend the inaugural ASU Guide Weekend Retreat. Students participated in campus tours, team building and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Over the course of the 3 days students worked in teams to create and present a product targeting middle school students. Students were required to develop a 3-minute elevator presentation as well as a catch phrase. The Director of Entrepreneurial Education at ASU, ASU GEAR UP Director as well as retreat leaders were on hand to help student prep and present their products. Watauga students will have the opportunity to participate in another ASU Guide Weekend November 20th-22nd. This weekend will host up to 40 students.
Jellybean Chair
"The sweetest thing you'll ever sit on!"
Readem' and Eat
"The one thing teachers don't know!"
Push Pal
"We always have your back!"
Snack Shack
"Didn't pack a snack? Welcome to the Shack!"
Magna-Pack
"The bag so nice, it sticks to you!"
7th Grade
On September 9th, all GEAR UP 7th graders met on App State's campus for team building with ASU Education majors. Students then enjoyed lunch in the main campus dining hall. A student panel, representing various aspects of campus life, facilitated a discussion with the entire 7th grade. Lastly, several students had the opportunity to watch the Zululand Choir from South Africa perform in the Student Union!
6th Grade
6th grade GU Students participated in an Introduction to Arts on App State's Campus on September 15th. Each student had the opportunity to create their own Cyanotype with Josh White, experience the Art of Light with Travis Donovan and spend time discussing what it means to be a student at App State. Additionally, students worked in small groups to complete the Marshmallow Challenge. To top off the day, everyone enjoyed lunch at the Roess Dining Hall.
8th Grade
8th grade students experienced a college panel discussing, why go to college, 5 ways education pays and the App Experience video. Students were then divided into four groups-each comprised of students from the four schools. These groups participated in a iPad scavenger hunt which crisscrossed campus; thus, allowing students to have the full App State experience! Lastly, we ended our day with a refreshing lunch in the dining hall.
Tutor.com Video
Tutor.com for Appalachian State GEAR UP Students
WCS GEAR UP
Email: turnerl@watauga.k12.nc.us
Phone: (828)773-1948
Twitter: @LauraqTurnerWCS