HS Seniors: U.S. Presidential Scholars Program - Due Date 09/11/2015

The United States (U.S.) Presidential Scholars Program honors graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship, achievement and promise of future success. Seniors chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars are selected by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. where they will be presented with a medallion at a ceremony in their honor. While there, the students will engage with accomplished people and participate in conversations and events over issues that concern America and the world. 

TEA invites high school seniors graduating between January and June of 2016 to apply for the opportunity to be a U.S. Presidential Scholar. The Texas Commissioner of Education will nominate ten male and ten female candidates to apply for the honor.

This year, President Obama amended the program by adding a new component – recognition for excellence among students in career and technical education (CTE). Therefore, TEA also invites high school seniors who are participants of a CTE program graduating between January and June of 2016 to apply for the opportunity to be a U.S. Presidential Scholar. In addition to the 20 candidates who will be nominated to apply, the Texas Commissioner of Education will nominate five additional students who have excelled in a CTE program to apply for the honor.

Please see TEA’s U.S. Presidential Scholars Program webpage for more information: http://www.tea.texas.gov/Presidential_Scholar/

Application due date: September 11, 2015

Read It: Youth Reading Program Kickoff - 9/26/2015

SAVE THE DATE!

Breakfast Supports Learning

A breakfast high in carbohydrates and protein before school has many benefits, both mental and physical. These benefits not only last throughout the school day, but also can contribute to overall health and school performance over the long term. Read more from LIVESTRONG at 
http://www.livestrong.com/article/289854-does-eating-breakfast-help-your-performance-in-school/

Non-Academic Extracurricular Activities for Your Child

Do extracurricular activities compromise academic performance or well-being? Research suggests that the media may exaggerate the “over-involvement phenomenon,” or the idea that teens are burdened with too many activities. Click here to read more from this article posted by Duke Talent Identification Program.

Back to School Bash and Safety Fair - 8/15/2015

Back to School Bash Celebration and Safety Fair

9 a.m.–noon at the

Palmer Events Center

08/15/2015

More than 130 community and district organizations will offer exhibits for Austin ISD families to learn more about the services and programs that can help students enjoy a safe and successful school year.

Nurses from Dell Children’s/AISD Health Services will provide free vaccinations (must present their shot records) and Kids Vision for Life Central Texas may be providing free vision exams and eyeglasses.

Austin ISD students must be present to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, while supplies last.

Codeacademy

Learn to code interactively, for free.

Explore https://www.codecademy.com/ 

Life-changing knowledge should be free and easily accessible to anyone, and on Codecademy it is, with thousands of courses available for free online and yet more available for users on mobile apps for iPhone and iPad.

Nature's Treasures Citywide Treasure Hunt and Rock Fest

Keep an eye on Nature's Treasures Facebook Page for more details!

Details also in their newsletter posted online

Gifted . . . and Teeenagers, Too

Jim Delisle discusses how teens need their parents in their teen years just as much as they did in kindergarten, just in different ways. Several strategies are offered as to how to address common teenage challenges. Click here to read more in this article posted by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development.