ACT Prep Post #3: How to Get a Perfect ACT Score

This is less of a "post", and more of a reference to a great post on the PrepScholar Website (an ACT prep company).  So, head on over and read the AMAZING post:  How to Get a Perfect ACT Score

Also, check out the previous posts I've written on this subject:

ACT Prep Post #1: Mental Stamina
ACT Prep Post #2: Best Websites and Books.

Don't STOP before you START!

I just read a great post on the NMMI Blog (NMMI:  New Mexico Military Institute) about helping students START their education.  It's important to have both students and parents involved in this, because it often takes BOTH parties working together.  This is critical so that students don't get caught in limbo with the many things that must happen for them to not only apply to college, but to also figure out how to pay for it, register for classes, attend orientation, and begin this whole new adventure.  From watching seniors go through this process many times, I've seen many students have great hopes of attending college--but sadly never got started.  Either the parent or myself...or BOTH of us can help students on this path to success!  You really can't have too many people who are on your side to help, especially with new beginnings!

Just yesterday I spent an hour with one of our seniors planning out her college schedule.  We sat at my computer, navigating the college website, finding the General Education requirements, and understanding the program to register online.  At first, I was clicking on all the buttons--and then I turned it over to her.  I was right there to help, but she began to see how the process worked, and felt better that she could go forward on her own.  She understood how to register, what a "credit" meant, and how building a college schedule actually worked.  We had a great time, and I love to be a part of this as much as any other part of my job!

This student didn't know how to register for classes--but she knew to ask for help!  She simply sent me an email that said, "Mrs. Krim, I don't know how to register, and orientation isn't for another month.  Can you help me?"  That was it--just a simple request for help.

In the previously mentioned post from NMMI, it shows a parent asking for help  (if you didn't click on it before--click here to read it now!).  The important part in this post and the student at our school is that they each ASKED FOR HELP.  Starting is the hardest part of any task, and college is not exempt from that rule!  It's okay--and advisable--to ask for help!

I've been impressed lately by how many 8th and 9th graders have made an appointment to see me, and said, "I know I need to get started...I've been meaning to come see you!"  It's just awesome when students can take this step and reach out for help and guidance.  I hope to see many more students, because these one-on-one appointments can create an individual plan that really focuses on a student's interests and goals.

To make an appointment, just head to the Counseling Office and ask Mrs. Cash for help scheduling one.  Or, send me an *email and I can set up a time as well!  Either way, the important part is to ask for help, and be sure to not "stop" yourself before you ever get started!

*Email Addresses for Mrs. Krim
krim.scholarship@gmail.com
brooke.krim@davinciacademy.org

You can use either one!

The Perks of Advisory!

I have been around DaVinci Academy since it opened in 2004, which is long enough to see many phases of Advisory.  I've seen it combined with lunch, the 30-minute daily Advisory, the 20-minute twice a month Advisory, the 10 minutes combined with 1st period, and a few other schedules.  DaVinci has dabbled in quite a few different schedules, which has affected the length and focus of Advisory as well. I'm happy to report that no matter what schedule we have--the Advisory curriculum for grades 7-12 dealing with career exploration and college prep is here to stay!  This has been our best year yet with Advisory, and I just want to review some of the things we've changed--as well as what to look forward to next year.

• Specific Grade Level Lessons  We have differentiated the lessons by grade so that each grade receives age-appropriate lessons.  For example, 7th grade Advisories deal more with interest exploration, career exploration, and study habits.  10th grade Advisories deal more with scholarship research, building a resume, and researching colleges.  It's been great to see how positively the students are responding to this leveled teaching.
• Guest Speakers  Each month, students hear from a presenter in a whole-grade Advisory.  They have heard from people in various fields, including a Flight Attendant, an Electrician, an Author, and a Home-Decorator.  We are excited to continue to bring in more speakers--so that students are exposed to many different careers and work perspectives.
• Focused Help  Each grade has also had the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Krim in both whole-grade presentations and individual classes to hear more about college and scholarship topics.  The 8th - 11th grades learned how to research and organize scholarships, as well as how to "Be RAD".  These focused lessons are vital for students, allowing them to learn techniques to apply for scholarships as early as possible, and be prepared for the whirlwind of senior year!  

I sometimes hear parents and students say, "What should I be doing for college?  How do I find scholarships?  How can I get better grades?"  These are the topics we cover in Advisory!  We have the resource--every student simply needs to take advantage of these lessons and apply them!  If they apply each month's lessons, they really have all the tools they need for success both here at DaVinci and in College! 

Looking ahead, we'll continue with the class-lessons and whole-grade presentations.  We have some GREAT lessons from this year that are now ready to roll every year!  We'll add some more study habit lessons for 7th grade and 8th grade, and college exploration helps for 9th and 10th grade.  And don't forget the guest speakers!  We'll be hearing more from individuals in various fields, including Engineering, Performing, and Music!

Thanks to all the Teachers for all the support this year with Advisory--it's been our best year yet!