GEAR UP Dobie

Songwriting Project in full swing!

2009-10-26T10:26:00.004-05:00

The SWP is in full swing. Students are meeting, writing, and performing every Tuesday. SWP will hold a concert on Tuesday, December 15th at 6:30 in the foyer of Dobie High School.

Volunteer Opportunity

2009-10-21T10:29:00.002-05:00

Matthys Elementary is looking for student volunteers for their annual carnival. The carnival is scheduled for Friday, November 6th from 3:30 - 7:30. If you are interested in volunteering please email Mrs. McKinney at smckinney@pasadenaisd.org or stop by the college room. Mrs. McKinney needs your name and the times you can work.

College and Career Forum This Saturday!

2009-10-12T11:36:00.002-05:00

This Saturday is the College and Career Forum at Sam Rayburn High School. This event is for all students and parents in 9th - 11th grades. There will be sessions for the students and separate sessions for the parents. It starts at 8:30 and will be over by 12:00. Hope to see you there!

Info, Info, Info

2009-09-19T07:46:00.001-05:00

Open House Monday!!!! Find the GEAR UP table for you chance to win a college t-shirt. Also, I will be out until Thursday. If you want to register for PSAT Boot Camp you will need to do it at open house or Thursday. You will take the PSAT so you need to get the prep!

PSAT Prep

2009-09-14T11:08:00.003-05:00

GEAR UP will be offering PSAT prep for 10th grade students on Saturday, September 26th. The cost of the class is $10 and will include lunch and a t-shirt. Spaces are limited. See Mrs. McKinney in the college room for a registration form and more information.

Open House

2009-09-14T11:06:00.001-05:00

Open House is scheduled for Monday, September 21st at Dobie. it will begin at 6:00 and should be over by 8:00. A meeting for parents whose students participate in Pre-AP/AP courses will take place at 7:00. Make sure you stop by the GEAR UP table in cafeteria.

Back to Business

2009-09-03T17:27:00.002-05:00

Well, school is officially back in full swing. Sports have started, the band, drill team, and cheerleaders are busy practicing and GEAR UP activities are starting once again. Here is what is coming up...

September 5 - NULITES starts
September 21 - Open House
September 26 - PSAT Prep ($10 see me for a registration form)
October 3 - Community Service Project - Armand Bayou
October 17 - College & Career Forum

In the News

2009-08-04T09:31:00.001-05:00

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/07/22/pasadena_citizen/lifestyles/072209_sj_gearup.txt

Check out this story about GEAR UP summer camp. A Dobie student made the picture!

Space School

2009-07-19T17:40:00.008-05:00

Everyone at the Space School Graduation

At historic Mission Control

At the Mars yard

On the Level 9 tour at the NBL

Building the rover

Student Advisory Committee

2009-06-18T11:11:00.008-05:00

Student Advisory Committee meets throughout the year planning parent meetings, working on teacher items, planning community service projects, and much more. This year we met on Thursday afternoons until 3:30. Students can join at the start of next school year.

The girls get ready to make ice cream floats for all of the teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Kayla, Racquel, and Kelsey get ready to present to the parents about financial aid.

Summer Camp Pictures Week 1

2009-06-18T10:49:00.014-05:00

Summer camp is officially in full swing. Here are some pictures from the first week.

Summer's here!

2009-06-08T13:14:00.003-05:00

Well school is officially out and we all survived the first year of high school. I can't believe the year is already over. It went by soooooo fast.

Here is what's in store for the summer:

Summer Camp - June 15 - 25
Pre-AP Field Trip - June 30
Space School - July 13 - 17
Leadership Camp - August 11
Pre-AP Field Trip - August 13

VIP Success Leadership Camp

2009-04-30T11:48:00.003-05:00

We are having a One Day Leadership Camp on August 11th. The cost is $10 and includes the workshop, workbook, t-shirt, and lunch. Please complete the above form to register for the camp or see Mrs. McKinney for more information.

Summer Reading

2009-04-27T11:09:00.004-05:00

Summer will be here soon. Check out our Summer Reading blog to keep updated on everything that is going on with summer reading!

http://dobiesummerreading.blogspot.com/

Summer Camp

2009-04-27T11:06:00.001-05:00

June 15-25
Monday - Thursday
8:30 - 1:30

Only a few spots remain:
Criminal Justice - 2
Auto Technology - 1

If you would like to attend, please bring $20 to Mrs. McKinney to register.

Students Attend Duke Scholars Weekend

2009-04-24T12:12:00.004-05:00

On April 18th - 19th, 6 Dobie students attended the Duke Houston Scholars Weekend at the University of Houston Honors College.

Spring Parent Meeting Tomorrow

2009-04-20T11:44:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow, Tuesday April 21st, we will have a parent meeting. The meeting will cover financial aid, testing, and summer programs. The meeting will take place at Dobie in the cafeteria and will begin at 6:00 p.m.

See you there!

End of the 5th Six Weeks

2009-04-15T14:03:00.001-05:00

The end of the six weeks is fast approaching. This Friday is the end of the 5th six weeks. Students...talk to your teachers about missing assignments. Just one more 6 weeks left!!!!

Summer, Summer, SUMMER!!!!

2009-04-06T14:53:00.002-05:00

Finally...we have a plan for GEAR UP Summer Camp. Brochures and registration forms can be picked up from the college room. The cost is $20 and must be paid in cash. Registration will begin April 14th!

Future Engineers

2009-03-31T09:48:00.007-05:00

On Friday, March 27th, 19 students visited Rice University to learn more about Engineering.

Students take time to pose with their "roller coaster" designs.

Let the competition begin...

Art Car

2009-03-31T09:31:00.002-05:00

If you like art...you need to help build our Art Car. This group meets on Thursdays after school until 3:30 in Ms. O'Connor's portable. Contact Mrs. McKinney or Ms. O'Connor for more information.

College 101 Workshop

2009-03-31T09:26:00.003-05:00

On March 14th, we had our 1st College 101 Workshop for students at the Painted Potter. We learned a lot, ate pizza, and painted a tile.

GEAR UP Students Learn More About Zoo Careers

2009-03-31T09:21:00.005-05:00

On March 10th, 20 GEAR UP students visited the Houston Zoo. They attended a presentation about zoo careers and were able to visit all of the animals.

Summer Programs

2009-03-31T09:17:00.002-05:00

I know many of you are wondering "What is coming up this summer?" I promise, we are working on it! I have a meeting this Wednesday afternoon. After that meeting I hope to be able to give you some definite information.

Here is what I do know:

University Summer Program applications are available in my office (college room). Programs include engineering camps, science camps, math camps, art, film, and many more.
Space School - July 13 - 17 all day...Applications due April 9th. Come pick one up in the college room.
GEAR UP Summer Camp - @ San Jacinto College Central during June

Explore UT

2009-03-13T10:32:00.004-05:00

On March 7th, 9 students and a parent attended University of Texas' Explore UT. It was a LONG day, but I think (hope) everyone had a GREAT time and learned a lot!

It's a Great Day Houston!

2009-02-24T09:40:00.002-06:00

On January 16, students from Dobie and Sam Rayburn attended a taping of Great Day Houston and visited the School of Communication at the University of Houston.

GEAR UPdate

2009-02-24T09:29:00.002-06:00

Future Aggies

2009-02-24T09:24:00.004-06:00

On Saturday, February 21st, 4 Dobie students attend Aggieland Saturday at Texas A&M University in College Station. The students were able to visit various colleges and learn more about majors and careers available in fields such as business, engineering, agriculture, meteorology, architecture, and many more.

Career and Education Day - This Weekend!!!!

2009-02-06T11:53:00.002-06:00

College 101 Student Workshop

2009-02-06T11:52:00.003-06:00

SAC

2009-01-28T10:29:00.005-06:00

The GEAR UP Student Advisory Committee met this week to put together notes for the students that made honor roll.

Summer Tuition Assistance

2009-01-20T14:04:00.002-06:00

2009-01-07T07:46:00.004-06:00

This is a great website that you can use to search for volunteer opportunities in your community... http://volunteerhouston.org.

Volunteer Opportunity

2009-01-05T13:08:00.001-06:00

Dobie GEAR UP is "adopting" the Souper Bowl of Caring for the HEB located at the Beltway and Blackhawk. Student and parent volunteers are needed to help with this event. The event takes place on Saturday, January 31st and Sunday, February 1st. Shifts start at 8:00 a.m. and are 2.25 long. Students will receive community service hours for participating in this event. Please see or contact Mrs. McKinney (smckinney@pasadenaisd.org) to sign up.

Welcome Back!!!!

2009-01-05T11:58:00.002-06:00

Hope you all had a wonderful break! Don't forget about the upcoming field trips. Students will receive the following update in homeroom. Just want to keep you updated.

See you in 2009!!

2008-12-19T11:39:00.006-06:00

Wishing you
Merry Christmas,
Happy Holidays,
and Happy New Year!
See you in 2009!

When I...

2008-12-17T08:35:00.004-06:00

Okay Longhorns, you finish the sentence.

When I graduate from Dobie, I plan to...

Okay Class of 2012...

2008-12-17T08:31:00.001-06:00

It's time to start blogging! The first 10 students to post a comment on the "When I" posting will receive a prize. Make sure you leave your name so I can find you at Dobie. Be sure to check the blog regularly for field trip opportunities, chances at prizes, and much more.

SAT Question of the Week

2008-12-15T12:00:00.000-06:00

Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The world, accustomed to ------- whenever governments change hands, expected rioting and bloodshed; but the transition of power was remarkably ------- .

A. turmoil . . chaotic
B. harmony . . orderly
C. ceremony . . solemn
D. violence . . uneventful
E. splendor . . unpopular

Last week's answer:
Choice (B) is correct. To be firmly convinced of something, whether it is true or not, is to be certain, or to possess “certitude.”

Field Trip Opportunity!

2008-12-15T09:54:00.003-06:00

On Friday, January 16th, I will be taking 10 students to see a taping of Great Day Houston and to the University of Houston to visit the School of Communication. We will leave Dobie at 7:00 a.m. and should return by 3:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Students must be passing all of their classes. Please let Mrs. McKinney know if you are interested in attending. This field trip is first come first serve.

Did you know?

2008-12-15T09:48:00.003-06:00

Rice University owned Yankee Stadium from 1962 to 1971, a gift from 1927 graduate John William Cox. The university eventually sold the ballpark to the city of New York for $2.5 million.

To find out more about Rice University visit www.rice.edu.

SAT Question of the Week

2008-12-08T11:36:00.001-06:00

Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The test of truth is not ------- , for we have often felt firmly convinced of many things that were not so.

A. implication
B. certitude
C. originality
D. impartiality
E. moderation

Last week's answer:
Choice (B) is correct. The market “seems” to have been opened long ago, but the term “Although” indicates that it was not. The market must have opened “recently.”

Starlight Movie Nights

2008-12-04T10:07:00.005-06:00

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs or just sit on the turf to enjoy a free family movie on the jumbo screen of the Rice Stadium scoreboard. Starlight Movie Nights may be canceled due to weather or moved to Reckling Park on dates when Rice Stadium is in use. Notices of schedule or venue changes will be posted at www.rice.edu/movie at least two hours prior to show times. Please reconfirm before traveling.

Starlight Movie Nights Holiday Series presents...

NOW SHOWING

Friday, Dec. 5 Rice Stadium6 p.m. Field Access Begins 7 p.m. "The Polar Express " Rated G; 99 minutes, 2004 FREE!

Friday, Dec. 12 Rice Stadium6 p.m. Field Access Begins7 p.m. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"Rated G; 25 minutes, 19667:30 p.m. "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Rated G; 85 minutes, 1982 FREE!

Friday, Dec. 19Rice Stadium6 p.m. Field Access Begins7 p.m. "A Christmas Story "Rated PG; 95 minutes, 1983FREE!

Start Your Scholarship Search

2008-12-02T07:29:00.004-06:00

Go ahead...register...start your search. http://www.collegeanswer.com/paying/scholarship_search/pay_scholarship_search.jsp

Here are two scholarship opportunities that were sent to me. Even if you are not eligible to apply, look over the application so you can see what types of things you will need to have to fill out the form.

Frank Kazmierczak Memorial Migrant Scholarship
Each year since 1998, the Frank Kazmierczak Memorial Migrant Scholarship has awarded scholarships to migrant students with teaching as a career goal. This scholarship was established as a living tribute to Frank Kazmierczak, an educator who dedicated many years to helping migrant students. The deadline for submitting applications for this scholarship, administered by the Geneseo Migrant Center, is February 1, 2009. For more information, including application form and guidelines, please click on the following link, http://www.migrant.net/migrant/sch-kazmierczak.htm.
Albert Lee Wright, Jr. Memorial Migrant Scholarship
Applications are being accepted for the Albert Lee Wright, Jr. Memorial Migrant Scholarship, which honors a student who is a migrant farmworker and, preferably, interested in pursuing a career in journalism, the teaching of journalism or in political science. This scholarship, sponsored by the National Association of State Directors of Migrant Education (NASDME), is named in honor of the late Al Wright, a migrant education leader, advocate and NASDME consultant who used his talents as journalist, migrant education leader and NASDME consultant to advocate for and serve our migrant children and youth. The application deadline is March 16, 2009. For more information, including application form and guidelines, please click on the following link, http://nasdme.org/AlWrightScholarship09.doc.
SEA Scholarship Contest - To encourage students to learn more about current science policy issues. Applicants must be high school, undergraduate or graduate students in the United States. They must add factual, non-partisan information to the SHARP wiki in order to participate. Prizes are given for the top two contributors as well as a prize for the most interesting information added. Applicants must send an email with their name and SHARP user name to the SHARP Network via their contact page at http://sharp.sefora.org/contact/ .
National High School Essay Contest - Sponsored by: United Nations Association of the United States of America. Applicants must submit an essay of no more than 1,500 words on a designated topic. The contest is open to all students in grades 9 to 12. Applicants must submit essays to a local chapter for the first level of judging. http://www.unausa.org
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest - Applicants must be in grades 9 through 12 in public or private schools or be home-schooled and write an essay about politics as it relates to John F. Kennedy's book "Profiles in Courage." Essays must have source citations. Applicants must register online before sending essays and have a teacher help with the essay. The winner and teacher will be invited to the Kennedy Library to accept the award, and the winner's teacher will receive a grant. http://www.jfkcontest.org

Important Dates for Your Calendar

2008-12-01T10:43:00.007-06:00

Here are a few upcoming events:

February 3, 2009 - Financial Aid Night (Dobie High School)

February 7, 2009 - Houston Hispanic Forum (George R. Brown, Houston) *

February 21, 2009 - Aggieland Saturday (Texas A&M Univ., College Station) *

March 7, 2009 - Explore UT (University of Texas, Austin) *

March 28, 2009 - College and Career Forum (Dobie High School)

*A parent must attend this trip with the student. If you and your student are interested in attending please send an email to smckinney@pasadenaisd.org with Field Trip as the subject.

SAT Question of the Week

2008-12-01T07:28:00.000-06:00

Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole. Although it seems to have been a fixture of the square since the city’s origin, the produce market actually opened only ------- .

A. enthusiastically
B. recently
C. frequently
D. illegally
E. graciously

Last week's answer:
Choice (B) is correct. It makes sense to say that despite his “limited”—but apparently applicable—experience, the hiring manager feels that David is “qualified for” the job, or competent to undertake it.

Did you know?

2008-11-21T08:34:00.001-06:00

Did you know Shannon Miller, the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history, is a UH Bauer alumna? Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing & entrepreneurship in 2003 and credits Bauer with helping her launch her first business venture and a non-profit organization.

Continue Reading “Gold Medal Olympian Shines in Business World”

Report Cards are Coming Home!!!!!

2008-11-20T17:53:00.007-06:00

Report cards will be distributed to students Friday during advisory.

Here is another way you can keep up with your student's progress:

Parent Connection is a service offered by Pasadena ISD in which you can:

View your child's current grades, attendance, and report card
Sign up to receive grade and attendance notifications via email or text message
Add multiple children to your account

For instructions and to set up access, visit http://parentaccess.pasadenaisd.org/.

Major, Money, College

2008-11-18T07:35:00.005-06:00

Last night we had Valerie Pierce, author of Countdown to College, come and speak at Dobie. If you were unable to attend, I still have books and handouts available. Please email me smckinney@pasadenaisd.org with book in the subject line and I will mail you a copy.

Below are some actvities she suggested parents can help their student with:

Major - Discover opportunities and explore career options. Have your student participate in a variety of volunteer and extra curricular activities. This will give them a sense of if they like or dislike something. Also look through the job section in the Sunday paper. Many listings show the education requirements needed for a certain career. Also check out www.monster.com and www.volunteermatch.com.

Money - Understand resources (financial aid, scholarships) and help students register online at all scholarship sites (www.fastweb.com).

College - Check requirements of the colleges the student is interested in now. Have your student print a sample application and course requirements of 3 different institutions.

College Visits - Going to the university is not the only way to tour a campus. Many universities have virtual tours on their websites, you can order videos from some campuses, and check out www.youniversitytv.com.

For more information about Valerie, please visit www.highschoolbook.com.

Student Volunteers Needed!!!!!

2008-11-17T14:23:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, November 22nd, PISD will be hosting an Employee Fall Festival for the PISD employees. They are in need of student volunteers to assist with carnival booths, cleanup, etc. Students need to report to the Phillips Field House/Memorial Stadium at 2:30 p.m. and should be picked up at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering please email your first and last name to smckinney@pasadenaisd.org. You will receive community service hours for this.

SAT Question of the Week

2008-11-17T14:14:00.000-06:00

Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

His ------- prior experience notwithstanding, David was judged by the hiring manager to be ------- the job.

A. illustrious . . entitled to
B. limited . . qualified for
C. applicable . . assured of
D. useful . . overqualified for
E. irrelevant . . perplexed by

Check back next week for the answer to this question.

United States Naval Academy Information Meeting

2008-11-17T09:49:00.001-06:00

Meeting Tonight - Monday, November 17th

2008-11-17T09:38:00.001-06:00

Where's Mrs. McKinney????

2008-11-17T09:27:00.000-06:00

I know some people may be wondering where I have been. I am still working at Dobie and still the GEAR UP coordinator for the campus. I am actually on maternity leave. When we were out for Hurricane Ike, I had a baby. She came 10 days early, so I didn't return after Ike. Her name is Erin Elissa McKinney and she is wonderful. I will be back at Dobie full-time starting Monday, December 1st.

9th Grade College Checklist

2008-11-17T09:13:00.001-06:00

This is the year students need to start getting ready for college. Here are some things you can do:
· Take the most challenging courses possible.
· Start thinking about your dream career.
· Talk to people with interesting jobs and ask lots of questions.
· Go to a career day.
· Talk about saving for college.
· Get active in extracurricular activities and community service projects.
· Attend a summer enrichment program.
· Keep your grades up.

Helpful College Websites:
www.collegefortexans.com
www.collegeboard.com
www.salliemae.com

Getting Online

2008-11-17T08:53:00.000-06:00

Since the beginning of the grant I have been begging for a website. I keep saying "this will allow us to keep in touch with our students and parents, let them know what is going on, post important information, etc". After much pleading, begging, crying, I have been unsuccessful in getting anyone to create our website . So....I decided I would start a blog. This way I can post various activities that we have coming up as part GEAR UP as well as keep you all informed about the great things going on at Dobie High School.

P.S. I will try very hard to keep this blog updated. If I start falling behind, please send me an email and remind me to update it!