Feb. 9: This week's best tips, resources and events for Sonoma Valley parents, students and teachers
The entire Sonoma Valley school district has a new 'ZPass System' for student bus passes. Every student who rides a bus has been issued a new card with a yellow lanyard. Students now place the card on a scanner when they get on the bus. The time, date and location is logged and can be accessed from any web-browser with a new Ground Traffic Control application. In the near future buses will have small tablets to provide more info to the driver about the students' bus stop – such as whom to release the student to or any other special requirement.
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The Club at Maxwell Village shopping center is offering teen Future Focus workshops on Thursdays. On Feb. 11, HGTV star Danielle Colding will talk about becoming a designer. On Feb. 18, America West Bank will be hosting a financial literacy workshop. On Feb. 25, teens will practice using the career exploration tools of the Naviance computer program. Contact Johanna Perdomo of the Boys & Girls Clubs at jperdomo@bgcsonoma.org or call 931-6961 for more information.
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The Sonoma County Center for Climate Protection Youth Advisory Board seeks new teen members. The group meets bi-monthly. Students interested in environmental action issues should send a letter of interest to eco2school@climateprotection.org. (climateprotection.org)
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The Napa California Highway Patrol is offering its 'Start Smart' class from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 18 at 975 Golden Gate Drive in Napa. Start Smart addresses traffic safety issues directly affecting new teen drivers and makes teens and their parents or guardians aware of the responsibilities they face. The class intended for parents/guardians and their teen to attend together. The free class is held every third Thursday of the month. Call 253-4906 to reserve a spot. The CHP is seeking a Sonoma Valley location where it can hold a local class. If you have any ideas, call 253-4906.
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Students who experience test anxiety can be helped in the following ways:
1. Using music to relax and to help a student to feel strong and energized (think 'We Will Rock You').
2. Identifying with a celebrity can help with self-esteem. ('Justin Timberlake has ADHD and it didn't stop him from achieving his dreams.')
3. Using powerful posture and sitting up straight to feel more confident. Teach your child about body language.
4. Some kids can feel better with a 'lucky charm.'
5. Cute images (think baby animals) can make a child calmer and more productive.
6. Taking a moment to list or remember past achievements can give children the confidence they need to move forward in tough circumstances.
7. The simple act of smiling can slow a child's heart rate when they are anxious.
Read more at tinyurl.com/jdjrbyr.
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Because Los Angeles is one of the largest school districts in the country, the decisions made there are closely followed elsewhere. Single-sex schools, expanded choices of foreign language programs and a greater emphasis on science and math education are among the initiatives that the new superintendent there is expected to pursue. tinyurl.com/zsrgbwh
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Justin-Siena High School in Napa is celebrating its 50th anniversary by unveiling 'its first academic renovation plan.' The school says it has the funding in place to break ground on the renovation of its academic wings to include air conditioning, new doors, windows, restrooms and new adaptable classrooms.
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The second annual HWY 12 scholarship program for college-bound Sonoma Valley High School FFA (Future Farmers of America) is accepting applications now. Hwy 12 will be awarding either one scholarship for $3,000 or two scholarships—one for $2,000 and a second for $1,000—to an FFA student or students who plan to pursue a degree in agriculture at a 2-year or 4-year college. Applications are available through the College & Career Center at Sonoma Valley High School and must be returned to Lisa Conner there by Feb. 24.
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Sonoma Valley High's College & Career Center is starting up its spring series of college planning workshops for sophomore and juniors. Topics range from the basics of applying to college to tips for athletes who hope to be recruited. I kick things off today, Feb. 9, with a workshop for sophomore and juniors on free and low cost summer programs that can enhance a college application or help students discover where their passions lie. Students interested in attending should get a pass for the A+ period from their teacher.
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If you have a sophomore or junior who just got PSAT scores back (Preliminary SAT) you might have been surprised by the following changes:
1. The scale has changed. Perfect on a section is no longer 800. It's 760.
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