The Connection
Educational Talent Search is located at the:
University of Wisconsin-Stout – 13 Harvey Hall – Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 232-5010
www.uwstout.edu/ets
SPRING 2007 EDITION
Summer is Around the Corner!
First semester is gone and second semester is almost at an end.
Conventional wisdom says that people resist change. I disagree, at least as it
applies to our ETS staff. We embrace change for improvement! For example,
Jill Lewis decided that her Wittenberg juniors needed to better understand
the ACT. So, what did Jill do? She hired a bus, hauled juniors to Northcentral
Technical College, and jumped on their computers. Juniors took two parts of the
ACT and found a study partner to work with to improve their ACT score.
Carolyn Lockyer decided that 6th and 7th graders at Menomonie
Middle School should learn to “climb their way to success”. Carolyn hosted an
afternoon at UW-Stout Adventures challenging her students to climb the 30 foot
rock wall! Look for pictures inside.
If that is not enough, Dale Dahlke decided to take more field trips.
Dale believes more exposure to college campuses helps students make better
decisions. He has taken students to UW-Green Bay, UW-Stout, UW-Eau Claire,
Chippewa Valley Technical College, and is planning to visit UW-River Falls this
spring.
ETS Staff
Kathleen Hirsch, Director
hirschk@uwstout.edu
Jill Lewis
Senior Academic, Advisor
lewisji@uwstout.edu
Dale Dahlke, Academic Advisor
dahlked@uwstout.edu
Carolyn Lockyer, Academic Advisor
lockyerc@uwstout.edu
Bonni Falkner, Accountant
falknerb@uwstout.edu
Millie Kotulek, Grant Assistant
kotulekm@uwstout.edu
Sherissa Ludwig and Corey Rice
Student Assistants
FEATURES
Calling All High School Students
Avoid the Summer “Brain Drain”
The Importance of Math
The ETS Staff approaches life with a basic optimism that says, “Go
ahead and give it a try.” Our motto is simple: MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS, HIGH
SCHOOL COUNTS. Make the most of your precious time by making informed
decisions. We are here to help YOU find the right college or university and the
financial means to make it happen. We are inspiring, down-to-earth and up-tothe-moment there for YOU.
Preparing for ACT Tests
Where in the world is Mr.Dahlke?
Climb your way to Success
Pre-College Summer Program
Odd Jobs
Letter from a College Student
ACT Date
Throughout this newsletter, find tips and ideas to use and help you get
to where you want to go. We are confident this will happen! ETS knows that is
what change is all about. So, prove us right! Exercise that “go-ahead spirit”, and
when you need help along the way SPEAK UP. Have a wonderful summer!
Congratulations to all of our ETS SENIORS!
We will continue to see the rest of you this fall.
Kathy Hirsch, Director
Menomonie Middle School
7th graders navigate WISCareers
Calling
all
High
School
Students
What really gets you into college?
Yes, everyone knows the importance of good grades and ACT/SAT scores for getting into the
college of your choice, but what other factors should you be paying attention to?
1
SET A GOAL
If your goal by tenth grade is to attend a four-year college, you are far more likely to go than someone who doesn’t have a goal. Why is this so? Colleges don’t come to you; it’s your job to get ready
for them! By setting a goal early, you are continuously reminding yourself to study hard, keep good
grades and make good choices to prepare.
2 LEARN ABOUT FINANCIAL AID
Some students won’t go on to college simply because they think it costs too much. But those
who learn about financial aid and scholarships know that you don’t have to be rich to attend college. Explore your options!
3 MAKE MATH A PRIORITY
It’s not good enough to be good
if you have the ability to be better.
Alberta Lee Cox
Take math classes that get you on the “college track”. Both Algebra and Geometry are part of
this track. If possible, take additional math classes like Advanced Algebra, Calculus or Statistics.
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4 HAVE FUN
Figure out what you like to do and spend time doing it. Enjoy sports? Join a team. Prefer singing?
Join choir or the school musical. Like making decisions? Become class president or get involved
in student council. A well-rounded student lights up the eyes of an admissions director!
5 TALK TO SOMEONE
Whether it is a parent, counselor, or even your ETS Advisor, find someone to talk to about preparing for college. They may be able to give you some extra hints or direction.
6 CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS
Students with friends who plan on attending college are six times more likely to enter college
than someone whose friends do not plan on attending (www.collegeboard.com). If you aim for
college but friends don’t, getting there could be harder. After all, you’ll need to make choices
your friends may not like such as, choosing to spend more time studying, taking advanced
classes, and joining extra-curriculars.
Avoid the summer “Brain Drain”
Things you can do to keep your child’s mind in shape.
According to a study by Dr. Harris Cooper, professor of psychology at the University of
Missouri-Columbia, students return to school in the fall after a long summer vacation having
lost one to three months worth of learning. This same study also showed that students
lose the most in the area of math. But wait… all hope is not lost! Summer offers endless
learning opportunities and is a great time to learn through play. Parents, your kids don’t have to spend
summer in reverse. Here are some ways to kick off a learning-filled summer.
1. Keep lots of books around and take trips to the library. Your library may even have a summer
reading program to enroll your child in. Also, check with your school district for a recommended
reading list to start on over the summer.
2. Think about what your kids may be learning next year when you plan the family vacation. Talk
with teachers to find out what topics they’ll be covering in class. For example, a great way to get
your child interested in geology is to visit a national park. Nervous about taking a science class?
Head to your local science museum.
3. Consider summer school or tutoring. Summer is a great time to get one-on-one help in an area
your child needs additional assistance in.
4. Keep math in mind. Check local park districts and summer school courses for math-related
activities.
5. Lastly, don’t forget that it is summer, so find ways to make learning fun and exciting! Never
overlook a chance to learn whether you are taking a trip to the beach or visiting a neighborhood
park!
For more information, visit http://school.familyeducation.com
The Importance of Math
Numerous recent studies have shown American students are lagging behind in the area
of mathematics. The good news is there are plenty of ways to practice math skills daily.
Below is a list of suggestions to keep your daily math skills in check.
s Track sports statistics and keep a chart. Try your favorite sports team!
s Hang a thermometer outside to track the temperature fluctuations through one season.
Better yet, compare temperature fluctuations in a location where you might like to visit.
Graph the changes and differences.
s Make paper airplanes and measure their flight. Hold a contest.
s Cook a meal (or create an original recipe) using various measuring cups and spoons.
s Play games to enhance logic and strategizing skills like Monopoly and Risk.
s Do the grocery shopping. As you shop, keep a running “guesstimate” of the total. After checking
out, compare the actual total with your guess and calculate the percent error.
s Try “brain puzzles” like SuDoku, crosswords and wordsearches.
* http://www.brainbashers.com/
* http://www.soduko.org/
* Make your own!
http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/
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LOOK OUT!
T H E S E J U N I O R S A R E “AC T I N G ” U P !
Sophomores and Juniors- read on for an idea of how you can set up a learning group to help you prepare
next year for the ACT test that most of you will be taking next April.
In January and February, a group of WittenbergBirnamwood juniors decided to “ACT” up in a positive manner.
As a pilot program, the juniors got a jump start on studying for
the ACT. The ETS Program helped these students establish
a mini-learning cooperative group by arranging two half-day
field trips at Wittenberg’s Northcentral Technical Campus
computer lab.
The Thompson Peterson ACT prep program was
purchased by ETS. This software has enabled any students
with WisCareers access to take computerized ACT tests. Once
the student has completed a test, they are able to look at their
overall scores and then examine each incorrect question for
the reasoning behind the right answers. This technique helps
the student to get a sense of timing for the ACT and enables
them to gain a better understanding of which areas they need
to work on.
On the January field trip, the juniors concentrated on
the English and Reading portions of ACT; the February field
trip was set up for the Math and Science preparation. The field
trips were set up a month apart to allow for focus time on each
core test area. These juniors signed “ACT Together” contracts
with one another to weekly devote their study hall time for
strictly focusing on their weakest ACT test areas.
The idea behind the “ACT Together” Cooperative
Learning Group was to have these juniors hold one another
Where in the world is Mr. Dahlke?!?
Menomonie High School students have been busy taking advantage
of opportunities provided through Educational Talent Search. On
February 16, thirty-five students attended UW-Stout Preview Day with
Mr. Dale Dahlke, Ms. Carolyn Lockyer, and Mr. Sam Vang. After a tour
of the campus, each student met with program directors in the area
of their choice. The admissions office provided a panel of students to
answer questions that are often on the minds of high school students.
A free pizza lunch was provided and the students ended the day with
a discussion from the ROTC representative and a Multicultural Office
representative.
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accountable and to encourage group members to
really “prep” for the ACT.
The learning co-op seems to have really
helped. Below are just a few of the comments
stated by these juniors:
• “Starting to study for the ACT in January
really makes me feel less pressured and
stressed out about the ACT.”
• “It certainly helps when you belong to a
group because you feel more obligated to
study and practice the ACT.”
• “For me, the most helpful thing about
taking the ACT practice tests was to get a
better grasp on the timing. The first time
I took the practice tests I ran out of time.
By the time I took the third practice tests, I
never missed answering a question.”
• “I especially like the fact that I learned
earlier on which areas I needed to study the
most. In doing the practice test, I was able
to see that I did not have to worry much
about the English part which allows me to
concentrate on the science questions which
I did not do as well on.”
ACT Practice Survivors - they even
have a smile on their face!
Relieved to have practiced!
Working hard on the ACT prep test
GETTING ‘R DONE a thumbs up feeling
Although the results are not yet in from
taking the real ACT, these juniors feel
confident that their scores will be greatly
improved by “ACTing up” together. If you
want or need additional information about
this site or the ACT, be sure to contact
your Advisor! Congrats, Juniors, on a great
attitude and effort!!!!!!!!!
Stressing our about the ACT?
Is it a program the ETS
will repeat….
ABSOLUTELY!
ACT Cooperative
Students teaching one another
ways to better understand the ACT
problems and questions
In March, eighty juniors met with Mr. Dahlke, Ms. Lockyer,
and Mr. Buckles to practice for their upcoming ACT exam.
Study materials, test taking tips, and examples of the writing
section were provided for the students. Time was then
provided to actually take a sample ACT which was scored
so that students could improve on their April test. Also
in March, students attended UW-Stout “Engineering and
Technology Day”.
In April, two trips were taken to CVTC, one on April 3rd for
Minority Student Day and one on April 17th, for sophomores
to tour the CVTC campus and to meet with program
directors. On April 19th, ETS students were invited to
Working hard to bring up those ACT
scores
attend a special exhibit at the Minnesota Science Museum, entitled
“Race”. Students were motivated by the topic and were encouraged
to share their thoughts in a facilitated small group discussion. The
OmniMax presentation on Hurricane Katrina completed a tremendous
experience.
Scheduled for the end of April was a Community Service Day to
provide ETS students with the opportunity to return some of the
benefits that they have received to the community. April 21st
commemorated Earth Day, and MHS students were involved in tree
planting and stream restoration projects on Gilbert Creek.
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“Climb Your Way to Success”…a SUCCESS!
In February, 15 students in the ETS Program
from Menomonie Middle School attended the
first “Climb Your Way to Success” Night filled
with food, prizes, indoor rock climbing, and a
presentation about making smart choices to
be a successful student. Topics presented
included goal-setting, leadership, attitude and
teamwork.
Thank you to all who attended! Keep climbing
your way to the top!
2007 Pre-College Summer Program
“REACH FOR EXCELLENCE” is the title of the 2007 Pre-College Summer Program at UW-Stout for
Multicultural students entering grades 8-12 in the fall of 2007. The primary date for students
living in the Chippewa Valley area is June 17-23. However, programs are available July 8-14 and
July 15-21. “Reach For Excellence” will:
1) Allow students to sample college life and develop new friendships.
2) Help students learn about fun and unique careers.
3) Encourage students to explore areas of learning through hands on activities.
4) Explain for students how to choose and pay for a college education.
5) Allow students to express themselves and have fun.
UW-Stout’s 2007 Pre-College Program is free to qualified students in ETS. For more information,
pick up a brochure in the MHS counselor’s office, from your ETS Advisor, or visit www.uwstout.edu/
multicultural/precollege.shtml
Additionally, UW-Whitewater conducts the following summer camps:
Latino Institute: ....................................................... June 24-29
Native American Institute: ........................................ June 24-29
Southeast Asian Institute: ....................................... June 24-29
Reading for Success in Math and Science Institute: ..... June 24-29
ACT Preparation Camp:............................................. July 8-20
Science and Technology: ......................................... July 15-20
Arts and Humanities: .............................................. July 22-27
Visit www.uww.edu for more information.
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Odd Jobs
In the United States, where the average person
works in a 9-to-5 profession, there is still room
for unique types of employment. One of the
main objectives of ETS is to expose students to
all types of jobs and careers. You never know
what may spark your interest! Nancy Rica Schiff’s
books, “Odd Jobs,” and its sequel, “Odder Jobs,”
showcase a variety of odd jobs individuals hold
around the country.
1. Coffin Maker
What they do: Build customized coffins
2. Potato Chip Inspector
What they do: Oversee chips on an
assembly line and check for overcooked or
clumped chips to throw away
3. Wax Figure Maker
What they do: Mold wax to create (most
often) famous figures
4. Golf Ball Diver
What they do: Search the depths of ponds
and lakes to find, refinish and sell lost golf
balls
5. Egg Inspector
What they do: Examine eggs for cracks
and irregularities before stamping them
for approval
6. Snow Researcher
What they do: Collect and analyze ice
crystals for the effects of pollution
7. Dice Inspector
What they do: Study dice used in casinos
for anything that might cause error when
rolling
8. Gum Buster
What they do: Remove gum from
sidewalks, benches and other unwanted
areas
9. Dog Food Tester
What they do: Taste and analyze dog food
samples and compile results
10. Knife Thrower’s Assistant
What they do: Need you even ask?!?
For more information,
visit www.careerbuilder.com
Letter from a College Student
“College is so different from High School!” I heard
this a million times before starting college. It didn’t
mean anything to me; it was just another quote that
several students were able to relate to. But it’s the
truth; college opens your eyes to what is out there.
There are new opportunities that you’ll seek when
you get there. I thought that the hardest part about
college would be getting into college. However, with
the help of the “Stout-lady,” Jill Lewis, it was very
easy for me to get into several of the schools that
I applied for. College is different because teachers
usually don’t assign homework. They’ll probably
give you something to study, and tell you what you
need to know for the next class. College is all about
studying and preparing yourself for class. It’s not
about doing your homework five minutes before
class starts, but rather preparing yourself for class.
It’s o.k. to read the text and the chapters before
class, it’ll only prepare you.
In college, you don’t get teachers who teach class
for the whole day, with an exception of a couple of
prep-classes. In college, the professors are as much
of a student as the actual students themselves. I
learned so much from my professors. Not only
did we have class discussions about the classes
themselves, but we learned
a lot about our teachers.
College professors have to
teach class, write books, and
be on committees. There is
so much commitment they
have to make to keep their
jobs. I feel like there is a lot
of understanding between
me and my professor’s but
the first step is you, the
student, reaching out to them.
We have to stand out as a
student, if not in our grades
then in character and with
our personality. College challenges our strengths
as well as our weaknesses but it’s the road that
we’ll always remember in the future. Just be openminded and be willing to make new friends. Accept
the fact that you can be wrong sometimes and
college will become a great life experience.
Sincerely,
Mee Yang
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– ACT Date –
The final ACT test date for this
school year is June 9, 2007.
Menomonie Middle School
7th graders navigate
WISCareers
a
The regular fee for registration is due May 4th
and the final registration is due May 18th for an
additional fee.
a
ETS Seniors who have not previously had the
cost of the ACT waived by ETS may contact their
ETS advisor for a waiver of the fee.
Our Mission:
Educational Talent Search empowers students to make informed decisions on education by
connecting school success with career choices.
University of Wisconsin-Stout
13 Harvey Hall
Menomonie, WI 54751
Educational Talent Search
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