Advanced Academic Services is part of the Austin Independent School District. This blog provides information, activities, and events regarding advanced academics and high ability children and teens. Smart without compromise. Potential without limits.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

National Youth Science Camp Applications Open! (deadline to submit 2/28/19)



Thank you for your interest in attending the National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)!

For more information about the program, please visit the NYSCamp's web site at http://www.nyscamp.org. More information about the organization that raises support for NYSCamp, the National Youth Science Foundation, visit http://www.nysf.com

APPLICATIONS to attend the 2019 NYSCamp opened on November 1, 2018. The deadline to submit applications is 6:00 PM EST on February 28, 2019. To be selected, you must be a graduating high school senior in the United States (Two each from every state and Washington, D.C.) and students 16-18 years of age in selected other countries (see below). The 2019 NYSCamp will be held from  June 27 to July 20, 2019; you must be able to attend the entire program - no exceptions.
For state-specific information, please contact your state's selection coordinator.

TO APPLY: Go to the top right of this Page and Select "Register." The following screen will allow you to create a login with E-mail or login with Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin to access the Online Application. Once you have created an account, you will be able to login to begin your application and then access it at whichever point you have saved it.

To be eligible to attend the NYSCamp:
You must be a resident of:
  • One of the fifty United States,
  • Washington, DC, or
  • Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, or Trinidad and Tobago.
Students representing one of the fifty United States or Washington, DC, must graduate from high school between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019.
International delegates must be between 16 and 18 years of age on July 1, 2019, have strong skills in spoken English, and be eligible for a J1 Visa to enter the United States of America. Do not apply for a J1 Visa at this time; if selected, the U.S. Embassy in your country will provide assistance. International students should not apply through this online portal; your application may not be considered. An application link will be provided soon.
Additionally,
  • You must have documented superior academic proficiency, including recognition in mathematics or the sciences. 
  • You must have documented leadership abilities and social maturity through involvement in school or community activities. 
  • You must have documented skills and achievements outside the realm of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and outside the realm of academia.
  • You must demonstrate a curiosity and an eagerness to explore many and varied topics.
  • You must intend to pursue higher education and a career in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics related field.
  • You must be willing and able to participate in the entire NYSCamp program.  The 2019 NYSCamp dates are tentatively June 27 - July 20, 2019.
NOTE: The following states DO NOT currently use the Online Application, see links below for additional information on their process or contact Andrew Blackwood, NYSC Director, andrew.blackwood@nysf.com:
TO APPLY: (please read follow these instructions carefully for full consideration)
If you are having any technical difficulty with any aspect of submitting your information or your teacher/mentor submitting their letter of recommendation, please immediately contact sarina.parker@nysf.com. We will respond to your email as soon as possible. If we are not aware of your issue before the deadline and the the appropriate selection committee is not notified in time, your application may not be considered.

There is no guarantee or obligation for an incomplete application to be considered by any selection committee, regardless of the reason it is incomplete. It is your responsibility to confirm that you have completed all aspects of the application and that the person writing your letter of recommendation has been notified of your request and then they must upload it to the site. Only then, you may make your final confirmation to submit your completed application.

Monday, January 28, 2019

Why take Advanced Placement Courses?

Why take Advanced Placement (AP)?

It's choice sheet time of year! Deciding to take an AP course lets colleges and universities know that you have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment. When admissions officers see “AP” on your transcript, they know that what you experienced in a particular class has prepared you well for the challenges of college. Taking AP is a sign that you’re up for the most rigorous classes your high school has to offer. Read more at   https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap


Thursday, January 24, 2019

College Planning Workshop (hosted by the Austin Public Library) January 26, 2019 @ 11:15 am



College Planning Workshop
Scholarships and Financial Aid
man standing against a wall
Join Access College America's Dale Price, MBA for a free college planning workshop series.
Open to all high school students and parents. In this workshop families will find out our favorite websites that award thousands of dollars in merit aid. When is the best time to apply for scholarships? Hint: it's not the senior year!

11:15 AM
Saturday
January 26, 2019
North Village Branch
2505 Steck Ave.
512-974-9960

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Spanish-English Storytime / Hora de cuentos en dos idiomas






All ages story-time which uses both English and Spanish to present books, rhymes and songs. It differs from a traditional bilingual story-time in that some material is presented in English while other material is presented in Spanish, allowing for a natural transition between stories and activities and exposing children to both languages in an inviting environment. Program length can vary.
Esta hora del cuento es para niños y niñas desde bebitos hasta de edad escolar y para sus padres. Se presentarán libros, rimas, y canciones en inglés y en español. Difiere de un programa tradicionalmente bilingüe en que el material no va a ser traducido de un idioma al otro, sino que presentaremos algunas cosas en inglés y otras en español empapando a los niños en los dos idiomas. De esta manera ellos se sentirán cómodos usando los dos idiomas. Recomendado para niños y niñas menores de 5 años.
Programs begin on time, for best experience we recommend you do too! Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. Note that in some locations, free tickets (available in the branch on the day of the program) will be required for admittance. Contact individual branches to arrange group visits of 5 or more children to story-times.
Recomendamos que llegue a tiempo, ya que las horas de cuentos comienzan precisamente a la hora programada. Para asegurar tener asiento, por favor llegue unos cuantos minutos antes del comienzo. En algunos locales se requiere tener boleto para entrar (lo puede obtener gratuitamente el mimso día del programa en la sucursal). Llame a la sucursal para hacer arreglos para traer grupos de 5 niños o más a la hora de cuentos.

For more information, visit Austin Public Library website 



Friday, January 18, 2019

Exhibit: Austin Public Library "Mirror Mirrored" January 18-February 24, 2019


January 18 — February 24, 2019

Corwin Levi’s book Mirror Mirrored provides the framework for his mixed-media exhibit featuring local, national and international artists re-imagining Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

Featured artists: Christina Coleman, Amy Cutler, Sarah Fagan, Terra Goolsby, Annalise Gratovich & Polly Morwood, Katy Horan, Julia Jacquette, Tsz Kam & Nat Bradford, Joseph Keckler, John Kelly, Sara Madandar, Anna Von Mertens, Paul Miller (aka DJ Spooky), Brittany De Nigris, Emily O’Leary, David Packer, Rachel Perry, Agustin Lucho Pozo, Denise Prince, Debra Smith, Kiki Smith, Ashley Thomas, Carrie Mae Weems, Stephanie Williams

Opening Reception: Friday, January 18, 2019 at 7 PM
Curator Talk: Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 7 PM
Central Library Gallery 
710 W. César Chávez St. | 512-974-7400

Monday, January 14, 2019

Think Labs at The Thinkery




Get the entire family diving deep into art and science topics! Perfect for families with children ages 4 and up, each educator-led Think Lab is held in a small group setting for a focused and cooperative experience. Create and collaborate side by side as you explore complex processes, use real scientific tools and investigate using unique materials.


For information on topics, dates, times, and tickets, visit The Thinkery's website!

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Kids Club at Whole Foods Lamar


Join us for Kids Club at Whole Foods Market Lamar, every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy snacks, story-time, crafts, and more! All ages welcome!
Location: 
Whole Foods Lamar, Mezzanine




   Price: 
Free

Sunday, January 6, 2019

TAGT Student Scholarship Applications Open - Due 2/23/2019



With the help of our generous donors, TAGT offers four student scholarships. By providing the right opportunities we may just spark the minds that will discover innovative answers to the most challenging questions of their generation. These scholarships have the potential to change a student’s life forever. 

The 2019 TAGT scholarship application period will open January 2019.  For any questions, please contact Justin Ables at 512.499.8248 or jables@txgifted.org.



Summer Enrichment Scholarships

Awarded to identified gifted students grades K- 12, who are currently participating in a gifted program and who want to enrich their learning experience during the summer months. The maximum summer scholarship award is $400. Students may use these scholarships to attend programs with an academic, fine arts, or performing arts focus. 

Education in Action's Lone Star Leadership Academy Camp Scholarship

Travel to the Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, or Houston/Galveston area to join delegations of other distinguished students from across Texas for a week of fun, learning, leadership development, and visits to significant Texas destinations. Participants must be in 4th-8th grade, nominated by an educator based on demonstrated leadership ability, maintain an 85 or higher average, and be involved in school/community activities. The top scoring student applying for a Summer Enrichment Scholarship attending the Lone Star Leadership Academy will receive a full scholarship to the program. 
Laura Allard Future Vision Scholarship

A $2,500 scholarship awarded to a graduating G/T high school senior who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, possesses a strong sense of purpose, clearly defined goals, and has a long-term plan for achieving these goals.

Adelle McClendon Young Leader Scholarship

A $2500 scholarship awarded to a graduating G/T high school senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership.

Since 1982, TAGT has awarded over one million dollars in assistance for gifted and talented learners. These contributions have provided scholarships to almost 4,000 students. The TAGT Scholarship Fund is sustained by donors, like you, who believe that today’s gifted youth are tomorrow’s leaders.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Rodeo! The Exhibition at the Bullock Museum Through January 27, 2019





Experience the excitement of rodeos from around the state with Texas Rodeo, a dynamic and comprehensive Bullock Museum exhibition.

Gain an insider's perspective on what makes rodeo an integral part of Texas history and imagine you're in the heart of the arena with classic artifacts spanning decades, immersive multimedia experiences, tactile activities, and first-person interviews highlighting the personal relationship Texans have with rodeo traditions.

See how five of the largest Texas rodeos and stock shows bring crowds and competitors from all parts of the world together, and explore the origins of rodeos and lasting legacy of youth education, community involvement, and historic preservation. 

For more information, visit the Bullock Museum website