NASA OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR 'INSPIRED' HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

High school students in the United States are invited to participate in NASA's Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience, or INSPIRE, through the program's online learning community.

Applications are being accepted from Monday, May 3 through Wednesday, June 30. NASA will make selections for the program in September.  Selectees and their parents will participate in an online learning
community with opportunities to interact with peers, NASA engineers and scientists. The online community also provides appropriate grade level educational activities, discussion boards and chat rooms for participants to gain exposure to careers and opportunities available at NASA.

Students selected for the program will have the option to compete for unique grade-appropriate experiences during the summer of 2011 at NASA facilities and participating universities. INSPIRE is designed to encourage students in ninth through 12th grades to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. The summer experience provides students with a hands-on opportunity to investigate education and careers in those disciplines.

INSPIRE is part of NASA's education strategy to attract and retain students in the STEM disciplines critical to NASA's missions. For information about INSPIRE, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education/INSPIRE

To apply for the program, visit: https://inspire.okstate.edu/index.cfm?liftoff=login.LoginForm

For information about NASA's education programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education

POSH GiRL Events - "Party with a Purpose"

POSH GiRL Events cordially invites the senior-class female students at your school to "Party With A Purpose" this Saturday, April 24 at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner, where we will be donating approximately 100 prom dresses to high school ladies in the Washington area, courtesy of the Brunell Family Foundation/Caitlin's Closet (founded by New Orleans Saints Mark Brunell and his wife, Stacy). High school ladies in need of prom dresses receive complimentary admission to Party With a Purpose. Ticket information for all others is below.


"Party With a Purpose" is a fashion and accessories showcase, being presented by the founder of POSH Couture Jewell Green, wife of Pro-football Hall of Famer Darrell Green, through her philanthropic and social event division, POSH GiRL Events. This event will be from 12 to 5 p.m., on April 24 at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, located at 1700 Tyson's Blvd., in McLean, VA 22102.

Please share this invitation with students, organizations, individuals and friends whom you feel can benefit from the donation of prom dresses, and a fashion, health and wellness showcase. There will also be a POSH pamper room and an extraordinary NFL meet and greet to celebrate the NFL Draft, featuring Darrell Green and several players from the Washington Redskins. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the National Football League Players Association's pledge to "One Team 4 Haiti," to support relief efforts through the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund.

To purchase your $20 advance ticket, visit www.poshpartywithapurpose.eventbrite.com/ or email info@poshgirlevents.com for more information.

We hope to see you and all the special ladies in your life at "Party With a Purpose!"

Sincerely,
Natasha Brown
Public Relations Consultant
POSH GiRL Events

Prince George's County National College Fair

The Prince George’s County National College Fair will be held on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and on Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Maryland. Sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and hosted by the Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC), this event is free and open to the public.

There will be representatives from more than 200 colleges and universities present.  There will also be informational sessions offered.  If you have a high school student please make plans to attend.  There will be colleges doing onsite acceptances for current seniors.  If your student is a senior be sure to have them come prepared with copies of their transcript, letters of recommendation and personal statements.

Opportunities for Minority Male Teachers

Black Male Teachers


Do you know any Black males who are seniors in high school who want to go to college out of state for "FREE" ? Several Black Colleges are looking for future black male teachers and will send them to universities/colleges for 4 years FREE.

The 'Call Me MISTER' program is an effort to address the critical shortage of African American male teachers particularly among South Carolina 's lowest performing public schools. Program participants are selected from among under-served, socio-economically disadvantaged and educationally at-risk communities.

The program is a collaboration between Clemson University and four historically black colleges in South Carolina : Benedict College , Claflin University , Morris College and South Carolina State University .

The project provides:

• Tuition for admitted students pursuing approved programs of study at participating colleges.
• An academic support system to help assure their success. A cohort system for social and cultural support.

Visit http://www.clemson.edu/hehd/departments/education/research-service/callmemister/index.html for more details and the online application or call (800) 640-2657.

PLEASE FORWARD TO AS MANY FRIENDS, FAMILY CHURCH MEMBERS AS POSSIBLE, SO THAT THEY CAN ALSO SPREAD THE WORD

Patriots 13th Annual Youth Summit on Technology

The Patriots Technology Training Center is sponsoring their Annual Youth Summit on Technology at Bowie High School 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715 on Saturday, April 24, 2010. 

Registration for Students is $35 before April 16th and $40 after April 16th.  The registration fee includes:
Mix & Mingle, Continental Breakfast, Lunch-Sponsored by the Dept of Defense, Workshops & Exhibits, Patriots T-shirt-Goodie Bags & Door Prizes and a 2010-2011 Patro-Tech Science Club Membership.

Workshops offered for students include: Computer Building, Robotics/Lego, Web Page Development, Computer Games, Networking Technologies, SeaPerch Robotics, Patriots Roadmap to College and much more.

Registration for Parents is $10 before April 16th and $20 after April 16th.  The registration fee includes: Mix & Mingle, Continental Breakfast, Lunch-Sponsored by the Dept of Defense, Workshops.  Workshops for Parents include: Partnering with Federal Agencies to Pay for College and Gain, Employment During and After College and Finding the Right Software to Help Your Student Improve their Classroom Skills.

Obtain a registration form from http://www.patriots-ttc.org/ or contact the Patriots at 301-925-9350 for additional information.

Parent and Student Survey's available online

Students please visit the school website to complete the Student Survey.  This survey will help us better to incorporate your interest and views.  This is an opportunity to let your voice be heard, don't allow it to pass you by.

Parents we have added a Parent Survey to the Parent Page of the school's website.  Your opinions and views are invaluable.  Please take the time to complete the Parent Survey.  As you are aware the Parent Liaison position is being eliminated at the end of this school year.  We want to be certain that there are programs and services in place to keep parents actively engaged in our school building.  We are trying to determine how to move forward with certain services and your input will assist us in doing so. 

We are requesting that both students and parents complete the survey before April 6th. 

Gwynn Park High School Mission Statement

Parents and stakeholders we want you to be excited about and familiar with the mission of GPHS.  Our students are encouraged to memorize and have a complete understanding of the school mission.  Students have been exposed to and are encouraged to participate in a contest to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the school mission.  Parents and stakeholders we would like to invite you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the school mission as well.  Parents and stakeholders will have opportunities to show their school spirit by demonstrating knowledge of the school mission, so make sure you're ready.

Gwynn Park High School Mission

"With pride, perseverance, respect and responsibility Gwynn Park High School prepares students for college and careers through a rigorous and engaging curriculum"

District II COPS to Host Spring Break Edition of “Kids Empowerment Camp”

Prince George’s County, Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s District II COPS office, continuing their partnership with the Cops and Kids program, will be hosting the Spring Break Edition of the “Kids Empowerment Camp”.


This four-day camp is a unique way for teens age 13-18 to have positive interactions with law enforcement. Campers will meet a gang awareness speaker, representatives from Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MAAD) and the States Attorney’s Teenage Victim Advocate Office, take a tour of the Prince George’s County Upper Marlboro Court House and more. After completing a community service project, the teens will receive 7 hours of community service during the camp. Other activities will include bowling, skating, and a fun day at Adventure Park USA indoor amusement park.


The camp will run March 30, 2010-April 2, 2010, between the hours of 9:00a.m-4:00p.m. Pick up and drop off will be at the District II (Bowie) Station. Campers are responsible for providing their own bag lunch for 3 of the 4 days of camp. Coolers will be on hand to keep items cold. On Thursday April 1st, there will be a pizza party after completion of the community service project. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase at the bowling alley, skating rink, and amusement park.


The camp will be completely staffed by Prince George’s County Police Officers all of whom are CPR and first aid certified. The cost for the camp is $30.00 per camper, which covers all activities (bowling, skating, pizza party, and amusement park admission).


For more information or to register for this event, please contact the District II COPS office at (301) 390-2101.


For full details, go to http://local.nixle.com/alert/1370478/


Contact Information:
Cpl. Erika Ervin
District II COPS
301-390-2101 ejervin@co.pg.md.us

Future Focus Career Day

Zoom in and capture your future!
Meet 3-Star General Lieutenant General Willie J. Williams
Director of Marine Corps Staff

Talk to Specialists in Trade and Career
Planning, Education, and Hospitality

Meet Local Recruiters (Bring your Resume)
Interview Training
Financial Management
Contact Min. CJ Phillips - cphillips@eagcs.org

March 13, 2010
Continental Breakfast & Registration 8:15 a.m.
Lunch provided
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
FREE!
Evangel Assembly Youth Ministry
5900 Old Branch Avenue
Temple Hills, Maryland 20748

Summer Employment Opportunities

Agency Name: Department Of Justice
Job Location: Washington DC , DC
Job Title: Office Clerk (Student Temporary Employment Program)
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=82692047

Agency Name: Department Of Defense
Job Location: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Job Title: The DIA Cooperative Education Program
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=82437847

Agency Name: Department Of Justice
Job Location: Washington
Job Title: Clerk (Student Aide)
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob..aspx?jobid=80482903

Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: 2010 Summer Honors Law Program-1L
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85145768

Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Summer Honors College Program 2010
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85187020

Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: 2010 Summer Honors Business Program
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85146992

Agency Name: Department Of Commerce
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Student Volunteer
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=78809982

Agency Name: Department Of Agriculture
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Agricultural Marketing Assistant, GS-1199-4/7
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85300630

Agency Name: Department Of Agriculture
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Public Affairs Assistant, GS-1099, 4/7
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85300472

Agency Name: Department Of Agriculture
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: International Trade Assistant, GS-0303-4/7
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85300593

Agency Name: Department Of The Navy
Job Location: Washington
Job Title: OFFICE AUTOMATION CLERK
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85083411

Agency Name: Department Of The Navy
Job Location: Washington
Job Title: ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=84990291

Agency Name: Department Of Health And Human Services
Job Location: Rockville , Maryland
Job Title: Student Temporary Employment Program (Clerk/Office Automation
Clerk)
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=79301810

Agency Name: Judicial Branch
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Volunteer Student Intern Program
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85067146

Job Location: Washington
Job Title: Student Intern
http://jobview.studentjobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=84937286

Agency Name: Department Of Housing And Urban Development
Job Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Job Title: Management Support Clerk (OA)
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85269357
 
Search for more Federal jobs at: http://usajobs.gov/ or http://studentjobs.gov/

STEP-UP Summer Internship in Biomedical Research

This Internship Opportunity is available for students who have completed at least one year of college - please pass on to anyone you know may be interested.

The STEP-UP Summer Internship Program, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is an opportunity for underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students to participate in summer research in the areas of diabetes, nutrition, obesity, and digestive, kidney, and hematological diseases. The STEP-UP program supports students for ten full-time consecutive weeks of basic or clinical research with experienced faculty. The research experience begins on June 1, 2010 and is completed by August 8, 2010. The program culminates with an all expense paid trip to the Annual Undergraduate STEP-UP Conference in August 2010 in Atlanta, GA. Students will present their summer research to peers, mentors, and experts from the scientific community.



Who is Eligible?


Undergraduate students, including African American, Hispanic American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islanders, who have completed at least one year of college by June 1, 2010. Students must be U.S. Citizens, non-citizen nationals, or legal permanent residents.


What does STEP-UP provide for me?


- Student Participation Allowance of $4000 directly to you.
- Research Training Orientation program in May 2010.
- Travel expenses to the Annual Undergraduate Scientific Session and Research Presentations on August 4-7, 2010 in Atlanta, GA.
- Students must arrange their own summer housing using the allowance provided. Housing is available at some STEP-UP coordinating institutions. Contact the Program Coordinators for additional information.


Where would I do my internship?


Your research project can be done in the laboratory or clinic of NIH-funded investigators nationwide. STEP-UP coordinators will work with you to identify a location where you would like to work and a project in a research area that interests you. Students are matched with a research mentor at the institution or location of their choice whenever possible.


How do I apply?


Applicants must complete and provide:


1. The on-line application at the STEP-UP website - http://stepup.niddk.nih.gov. Applications are available beginning November 15, 2009 and must be completed before February 15, 2010. The application requires a brief personal statement of research interests and career goals.
2. Two Letters of Recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your academic abilities and accomplishments. Students should request Letters at least one month in advance of the application deadline.
3. An official college transcript.

Credit Repair – Watch Out for Scam Artist

There are advertisements everywhere offering you help with your credit. You will find claims in the newspapers, on the radio, on T.V., on the Internet and even calls from telemarketers, all willing to help you for a fee. You’ve seen the promises:

• “Credit problems? No problem!”
• “We can erase bad credit – 100% guaranteed”
• “Create a new credit identity – legally”
• “We can remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit forever!”


It is in your best interest to save your money. Don’t believe all of the headlines and catch phrases regarding what can be done in a few weeks to save your credit. Repairing your credit takes time, effort and a personal debt repayment plan. Now there may be items that can be removed from your credit, but these are items that are erroneous or that should have already been removed because you have satisfied the time frame with regards to the credit reporting guidelines.

Watch for warning signs! If you decide to use a credit repair service, beware of companies that:


• Want you to pay for the services before the services are provided;
• Do not tell you of your legal rights and what you can do on your own;
• Recommend that you do not contact the credit bureau directly;
• Suggest that you try to invent a “new” credit report by applying for a Employer Identification Number (EIN) to use instead of your Social Security Number; or
• Advise you to dispute all information on your credit report or take any action that seems illegal, like creating a new credit identity.
Remember following illegal advice and committing fraud may make you subject to prosecution.

Under the Credit Repair Organization Act, credit repair companies can not require you to pay until they have completed the services promised.  No one can legally remove accurate and timely negative information from your credit report. However, the law does allow you to request a reinvestigation of information in your file that you dispute as inaccurate or incomplete. There is no charge for this. Everything a credit repair company can do for you, you can do for little or no cost on your own. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can:

• Obtain a free copy of your credit report, once a year or if you have been denied credit, denied insurance, or denied employment within the last 60 days.
• Dispute mistakes or outdated items for free. Simply ask the credit reporting agency for a dispute form or submit your dispute in writing, along with supporting documentation. Do not send in your original documents.

When the reinvestigation is complete, the credit bureau must give you written results and a free copy of your credit report in the dispute results in a change. If the item is changed or removed the credit bureau can not put the disputed information back in your file unless the information is verified for accuracy and completeness, and the credit bureau gives you a written notice that includes the name, address and phone number of the provider.

If the reinvestigation does not resolve your dispute, have the credit bureau include your version of the dispute in your file and in future reports. There is no charge for a reinvestigation.

By law, credit repair companies must give you a copy of the “Consumer Credit File Rights under State and Federal Law” before requiring you to sign a contract. They must also give you a written contract that spells out your rights and obligations. Read these documents carefully before you sign a contract.
Whether you have poor credit or not you should periodically check your credit report. Checking your credit history for accuracy in advance could speed up the credit granting process if you are planning a large purchase.

To contact the credit bureaus:

• Equifax – 1-800-685-1111 – http://www.equifax.com/
• Experian – 1-888-397-3742 – http://www.experian.com/
• TransUnion – 1-800-916-8800 – http://www.transunion.com/

The Federal Trade Commission works for the consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid such practices. To file a complaint or obtain free consumer information visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free 1-877-382-4357; TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

All information provided was published by the Federal Trade Commission

Parent Liaison Effectiveness

This is a very important message regarding the Parent Liaison positions with Prince George's County Public Schools. The 2010-2011 proposed budget is available for viewing on the PGCPS website. In the proposal the Parent Engagement Division is slated to be eliminated, which encompasses 121 positions. We have prepared a Parent Liaison Effectiveness Survey that can be accessed on the right hand side of the FDHS website Main Page. We are asking parents who feel that they have been impacted by the Parent Liaison position to write a letter addressed to the Board of Education (BOE) and/or sign up to speak at one the next two Budget Meeting scheduled for February 2nd and February 8th. Parents the Parent Liaisons were employed to support you and to ensure that you were made an instrumental part as well as have a voice within the school. This is your opportunity to collectively share your position on this issue with the BOE. Please complete the online survey by January 31, 2010, fax in letters to 301-627-3377 and call 301-952-6115 to sign up to speak at one of the Budget Hearings. If you are signing up to speak, you must call by 4:00 pm. the day of the Hearing. 

Furniture Donation Request

Parents if you are planning renovations or preparing for Spring cleaning and planning to get rid of furniture, please consider making a donation to Gwynn Park High School.  Our teacher's lounge is in desperate need of a redesign and our interior design students are ready to get started, however we need your support.  Please contact Mrs. Agyeman, Parent Liaison to schedule your furniture donation drop off.  The following items would be greatly appreciated:

• Chairs
• Love seat
• Couch
• Magazine racks
• End tables
• Conference Style table 

Teenage Afterschool Enrichment Program

World View Christian Center is sponsoring a Teenage Afterschool Enrichment Program at the 3087 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD 20602.  You may contact World View at 301-372-0053 for additional information.

The program runs Monday - Friday from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. for a fee of $65.00 per week.  The program is offering homework assistance, mentoring, field trips, sporting activities, group socials, job readiness, cyber cafe, public speaking, music, acting and dance.  Transportation is also available.

The Enrichment Program is targeted towards student in the 7th through the 10th grade.  Students in the 11th and 12th may sign up to be mentors and receive Student Service Hours.

FAFSA Night Date Change

In an effort to help more parents complete the FAFASA, we are postponing the FAFASA Night at Frederick Douglass HS from Wednesday, January 13th to Wednesday, February 3rd.  Many employers are mailing tax documents the end of January, therefore to better assist our Senior parents we will hold our FAFASA Night on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 in the Media Center at Frederick Douglass High School beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Bring your tax information if you would like to complete the FAFASA on the spot.  Otherwise bring a notebook to take notes.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Agyeman @ 301-952-2400 x252 or Ms. Jenkins at tiyonna.jenkins @pgcps.org.

Annual Gwynn Park High School College Expo

Are brave enough to dream?  The time is now, come explore strategies to help you prepare for the journey to college...begin planning Saturday, January 30. 2010.

Business attire is encouraged - seniors to gain on the spot acceptances bring your transcripts, recommendations and personal essay.  The College Expo will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room at
Gwynn Park High School, 13800 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

There will be a host of colleges, universities, trade school and military branches present.

Individual Learning Plan (ILP)

Has your student come home and shared with you that they have established an Individualized Learning Plan?  What is an Individualized Learning Plan?  The Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is a living document that will be used throughout your student’s years in Prince George’s County Public Schools. The ILP is tailored to your student’s strengths and abilities in an effort to help guide them through their academic years and beyond. The ILP is developed with the important input from your student, along with you as the parent/guardian and with the professional school counselor.  The ILP will:

• Outline the short and long term goals for each student and the actions, strategies and modifications that will be used to address those goals
• Identify students individual needs and their learning priorities
• Revisit each student’s career plans and objectives

In an effort to assist you with helping your student to create a strong and effective Individual learning Plan we have prepared the following “Talking Points” for you to use to open a discussion with your student prior to your ILP meeting with the Professional School Counselor or to assist them with refining their ILP.


Talking Points

• What are your personal goals?
• What can you do to help you to meet your personal goals?
• What are your academic goals?
• What can you do to help you achieve your academic goals?
• What do you feel are your strengths and talents?
• What are some of your interests?
• How do you feel your academic goals impact your personal goals?
• Have you thought about life after high school?
• Do you plan to attend college?
• If yes, what do you think you want to major in?
• In not, what path do you plan to take after high school? (Trade school, military?)
• How is your attendance record at school?
• What are ways you can improve your attendance (if applicable)?
• What are your career goals?

Remember it is our goal to ensure that all of our students graduate from high school college and/or career ready.  It is imperative that our students begin to think about and refine their goals and aspirations.