Update: 2009-10 School Year

Hey,

Just a reminder to keep checking this blog for new content. We've revamped the blog for this new school year, and have also uploaded photos of California Institute of Technology, UC Berkeley, and Stanford University to our photos (link on left)!

Dominic

Mentorship Reminder!

Hey Mentors,

Please remember to e-mail your mentees weekly. With finals and AP tests fast approaching, there should be a lot to talk about! Don't forget to send a copy to me at iridescentbubbles@hotmail.com. Thanks!

Lauren Zack
Mentorship Coordinator

Apology

SAGERs,

If you received an email regarding a new post that was not SAGE related, sorry. A entry was accidently posted onto the wrong blog. Sorry!

Clubs: Get Involved!

SAGE,
We have over 40 great clubs available to you at DV! Get excited and involved in something you're passionate about. All the information you need is on the online club database (here's the link: http://www.tuhsd.k12.az.us/dvh/Activities/clubs.htm). Remember, academics isn't the only thing that is important in looking attractive to colleges. Extra-curricular activities are important as well, and they'll provide you with a "well-balanced" application (which is essential in today's competitive world). Of course, if you would like to start your own club, that's also very easy. Get started by talking to Mr. Snyder. What are you waiting for? Find something you like and get involved!
-Victor

Do YOU Know Who Diana Brown Is?

It is a long fabled tale of a desolate room faraway across from the bookstore, that is filled with people to help you.

BREAKING NEWS: It’s real!! And it’s called the Counseling Office!!

I know the idea may be strange but your counselors are there to help you during your high school career!! It’s their job!! Please, please take advantage of all the benefits that the counseling office offers such as college visits, meetings with your counselor, and much more!

I would like to talk to you (as Career Fields of Study Coordinator) about one lady named Diana Brown the career specialist.

Once again, her job is to help you, especially in finding or choosing the correct career that may be right for you. Tests like the ASVAB tests are available in the counseling office. One test that takes about 45 minutes on the computer can study your interests and subsequently tell you careers that may be of interest to you!

So if you’re confused at all in what you want to do with your life, there is help—and it’s name is Diana Brown :]

Why You Should Bother Taking AP Tests

We all know the College Board is after our money. I mean, seriously, it costs 45 dollars to take a standardized test that all colleges need in order to consider you for admission, and 89 dollars for an AP test...but considering the rising tuition costs just about everywhere, if you get credit for your AP test, it might be a good deal.

But if you were accepted to a school that doesn't accept AP credits, what will you do? Is there a point for you to take the AP test?

There really is no right answer. If you're a senior that's already been admitted to Stanford, Yale, or the like, you might be a little lazy when it comes time to sign up for AP, and think: "Oh, but they won't accept my credits...no point in taking the test." But colleges like Stanford and Yale like seeing you challenge yourself. They believe that challenging yourself by taking AP exams demonstrates your rigor and focus. Take AP exams anyway. It's the last time you'll ever have a chance at getting cheap credit hours...and besides, even if you are lazy, it will feel good when your scores come back and you get that 5 on AP Chemistry or AP Government. You will actually feel somewhat accomplished even if you slacked off your second semester...

If you are not a senior, please do take AP tests, because it will help you get into college, even if it might not guarantee you credit. They are really worth it, because the worst thing you can do is take an AP-labeled class and not take the AP test, because colleges expect you to have a score when they look at your transcript and see that you have taken AP Chemistry. It also demonstrates your dedication to the highest level of challenge and rigor because AP exams and classes are considered to be college-level by universities. It's a good thing.

And for those that don't want to take an AP exam, nobody can force you into taking it. That statement has the backing of the counseling department at Desert Vista. Nobody can threaten to fail you if you refuse to take an AP Exam.

So happy AP exams, and remember, the last day to sign up is next Friday, February 13! You can also pay for exams using tax credit money...

Reminders!

Here are a few reminders for the next few upcoming days:

For officers only:

1) All sage officers MUST have their forum articles sent to Brian by Friday! If you take any longer, the articles that have already been submitted will become out of date.

2) Attendance to officer meetings has become mandatory! Anybody who misses the next officer meeting will automatically have their position taken away. Make sure you don't miss it!

For all memebers:

1) Class registrations are due very soon! Remember the date that your class has been assigned and make sure you have all of your required signatures, such as those from your teachers and your parent/guardian! Any late submissions will automatically put you in the back of the line of people being scheduled for classes.

2) AP exam registrations are due on February 13th. Afterwards, you will still be able to pay for the exams, but you will be charged a higher price!

3) The next general SAGE meeting will be over AP registrations, and we will have extra forms if you need them. Make sure you don't miss this meeting!

~Grace

Community Service - F.A.S.T.

Hey everyone,
I just received an email about a great opportunity for community service hours.

Good Morning F.A.S.T. Clients!

We are looking for responsible teenage students that would like to do community service work by helping battle childhood obesity.

Foothills Sports Medicine and F.A.S.T. is offering a program that is designed to help children understand the importance of eating right and exercising. Our next session of the WIL (winning is losing) Power Challenge will be beginning February 9^th and we’re looking for a couple responsible students that would like to help with this program. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours, learn about the health and fitness industry, help the college resume and have fun!

You must be available M, W & F from 6-7pm beginning February 9^th – June 5^th. We do understand that some days may have to be missed, but please do not respond unless you’ll be able to make the majority of these days.

I hope some of you will be able to take advantage of this opportunity! Please feel free to pass this on to anyone that may be interested.

Take care,

F.A.S.T. staff

Please email fast@foothillsrehab.com if you are interested. For any quick questions, feel free to email me at jaredschoepf@gmail.com

Thanks

Jared Schoepf

Community Service Officer

Community Service - Relay For Life

Hey everyone,

Relay For life is a great opportunity for community service hours, and a great chance at helping raise money to fight cancer and bring awareness. This year it is at Mountain Point High school.
4201 East Knox Road
Phoenix, AZ
Starts: 4/17/09 11:00 AM
Ends: 4/18/09 11:00 AM

The event lasts 24 hours. Teams of people camp out at a Mountain Point and take turns walking or running around the track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. The event is a lot of fun and there always is a huge turn out so there are plenty of people to have fun with to pass the time. To stay overnight you must raise 100 dollars in donations, which should be quite easy as most people are willing to donate 10 to 20 dollars each. You will receive 10 DV community service hours.

The event is truly a lot of fun. To find a team, or start one, please talk to Mr. Honaker in the A building, in the ceramics room and or email him at mhonaker.dvh@tuhsd.k12.az.us

If you have any more questions, feel free to email me at jaredschoepf@gmail.com

Thanks
Jared Schoepf
Community Service Officer

Mentorship Reminder!

Hey junior and senior mentors -

This is a reminder for all of you to keep in touch with your mentees. You should be e-mailing your mentees once a week with advice and updates. Also, please check that you are copying me on all your conversations with your mentees!

Make sure your mentees are checking the SAGE blog for updates about once a week and keep them informed about meeting dates and topics. A lot of mentors are sending some great information about volunteer opportunities, how to find scholarships, useful study tips, advice specific to the teachers and classes of their mentees, and upcoming DV events. Some mentors also include SAT vocab or the SAT Question of the Day with their e-mails, which is great!

Another really important thing to talk to your mentees about, particularly right now, is scheduling. Freshman and sophomores might be struggling to figure out what classes they need and what to expect in these classes. Also, if your mentees are sophomores, now would be a great time to fill them in about AIMS. Let them know what to expect, how they can practice, and the benefits of doing well.

If you have any questions (or you forgot your mentee's e-mail address!) feel free to contact me at iridescentbubbles@hotmail.com.

Thanks!

Lauren Zack
Mentorship Coordinator

Register NOW for your AP Exams

If you are interested in taking one or more AP Exams, now is the time to register. The due date for AP Exam registration is Friday, 13 January 2009. The exams are $89.00 in price; tax credit payments are accepted. If you wish to take an exam that is not listed on the registration form or you need an alternate testing date, you will need to see Mr. White in order to confirm your request.

Mr. White