Raise.me is an innovative approach to earning money for college while in high school. Eagle Scholars have been give access to this tool, which might just change the way we look at paying for college. Watch the short video for details.

On April 10, 2017 our 6th grade scholars will travel to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor to attend the closing ceremony of the "Place Out of Time" simulation they have been working on in their Social Studies classes. This simulation is run with different schools throughout the state of Michigan in conjunction with University of Michigan students acting as mentors and moderators. "Place Out of Time" teaches students how to analyze situations and think critically. In this simulation students must assume the identity of a historical character either real or fictional and respond to different topics and ideas. Students participating in the simulation have taken on characters like Severus Snape, Ghandi, and Martin Luther King Jr.

March 15, 2017 saw the 10th annual Pierce has Got Talent competition! While we wish congratulations to all students who performed, our scholars stole the show! Tying for 1st place was Maya Cooke-8th grade, who played piano and sang a song by 21 Pilots. Coming in 2nd place was Jenacy Cardwell-6th grade, who sang "How Far I'll Go" from Disney's Moana, as well as played the piano!

Exemplary citizenship is a component of being an Eagle Scholar and on March 31, 2017 all students who have been good citizens had the chance to have a free hour of school. Our scholars routinely get to enjoy this privilege. Activities range form playing basketball in the gym, dancing in the cafeteria, or playing Foosball. Congratulations scholars on a great 3rd card marking, you've earned your reward!

While I know you are probably aware of all of these tips, I figured it couldn't hurt to share them; these all come from my own independent research, experience as a teacher, university instructor, and student. To dig a bit deeper, check out the book Making it Stick.

1. Make sure your child has a quiet, peaceful place to study Sunday through Thursday.
   
2. Encourage your child to study in 25-30 minute increments broken up by 5 - 10 minute breaks.
3. If possible, make sure your child's phone is turned off and in another room.
4. Have your child complete "off-line" homework, then online homework.
5. If possible, have your child study at a desk, free of clutter, with a desk lamp.
6. 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.
7. If possible, make sure your child is not in front of any screens one hour before bedtime.

Pierce

• 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

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.

• 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.