Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Hannukah Has Started


Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday started last night, December 20th. Upward Bound - Avila University encourages our students and their families to get familiar with holiday traditions across the globe. Below is a brief explanation of Hanukkah and what it means to Jewish faith.

Hanukkah (Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה‎, Tiberian: Ḥănukkāh, usually spelled חנוכה pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew, also romanized as Chanukah, Chanukkah, or Chanuka), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

A dreidel is played with during Hanukkah. 

The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical Menorah consists of eight branches with an additional raised branch. The extra light is called a shamash (Hebrew: שמש, "attendant" or "sexton") and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for use, as using the Hanukkah lights themselves is forbidden.


Hanukkah is celebrated by a series of rituals that are performed every day throughout the 8-day holiday, some are family-based and others communal. There are special additions to the daily prayer service, and a section is added to the blessing after meals. Hanukkah is not a "Sabbath-like" holiday, and there is no obligation to refrain from activities that are forbidden on the Sabbath, as specified in the Shulkhan Arukh. Adherents go to work as usual, but may leave early in order to be home to kindle the lights at nightfall. There is no religious reason for schools to be closed, although, in Israel, schools close from the second day for the whole week of Hanukkah. Many families exchange gifts each night, and fried foods are eaten. 

Latkes, a traditional Hanukkah food is served. Latkes is fried potatoes pancakes.

The single light each night for eight nights. As a universally practiced "beautification" of the mitzvah, the number of lights lit is increased by one each night.An extra light called a shamash, meaning "attendant" or "sexton," is also lit each night, and is given a distinct location, usually higher, lower, or to the side of the others. The purpose of the extra light is to adhere to the prohibition, specified in the Talmud (Tracate Shabbat 21b–23a), against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other than publicizing and meditating on the Hanukkah story. This differs from Sabbath candles which are meant to be used for illumination. Hence, if one were to need extra illumination on Hanukkah, the shamashcandle would be available and one would avoid using the prohibited lights. Some light the shamash candle first and then use it to light the others. So all together, including the shamash, two lights are lit on the first night, three on the second and so on, ending with nine on the last night, for a total of 44 (36, excluding the shamash).

The lights can be candles or oil lamps. Electric lights are sometimes used and are acceptable in places where open flame is not permitted, such as a hospital room. Most Jewish homes have a special candelabrum or oil lamp holder for Hanukkah, which holds eight lights plus the additional shamash light.


The reason for the Hanukkah lights is not for the "lighting of the house within", but rather for the "illumination of the house without," so that passersby should see it and be reminded of the holiday's miracle. Accordingly, lamps are set up at a prominent window or near the door leading to the street. It is customary amongst some Ashkenazim to have a separate menorah for each family member (customs vary), whereas most Sephardim light one for the whole household. Only when there was danger of antisemitic persecution were lamps supposed to be hidden from public view, as was the case in Persia under the rule of the Zoroastrians, or in parts of Europe before and during World War II. However, most Hasidic groups light lamps near an inside doorway, not necessarily in public view. According to this tradition, the lamps are placed on the opposite side from the mezuzah, so that when one passes through the door he is surrounded by the holiness of mitzvoth.

Generally women are exempt in Jewish law from time-bound positive commandments, however the Talmud requires that women engage in the mitzvah of lighting Hanukkah candles “for they too were involved in the miracle.”

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Upward Bound Offices Closed

Due to the winter break at Avila University, the Upward Bound offices will be closed from December 22 until January 2.

Emails will be checked.

We do hope that everybody enjoys their winter break and we will see you all in 2012!

- Upward Bound Staff

Wristbands Are In!

Start off 2012 in style with the official Upward Bound - Avila University wristband. For $2, you can help support the Upward Bound - Avila University scholarship fund by sporting a flashy black and purple wristband. Friends, family, alumni, and current participants are all related to Upward Bound and wearing the wristband is a good way to tell others about Upward Bound!


Wristbands will be sold at tutoring, Saturday Session, and at the Upward Bound office. For more information, contact the Upward Bound office at 816.501.2438 or Upward.Bound@avila.edu.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Week 16 Announcements

Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE

Week 16
Week of December 19, 2011

Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events

Tutoring Reminders
  • The first day of tutoring for the second semester is January 10, 2012
  • 6 hours of tutoring is required for students NOT on probation
  • 10 of hours of tutoring is required for students on probation
  • A total of 12 hours of tutoring are available at both Grandview HS and Ruskin HS
  • Additional individual tutoring held at Avila can be scheduled with the Upward Bound office with 24 hrs notice.
Saturday Session
The first Saturday Session for 2012 is Saturday, January 14 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Students that arrive early will have priority to select February activities. 


New for Saturday Session: Students should arrive at Whitfield Center, not Hodes Center. It is important that students arrive early to get to their workshops. 

Stipend
Students who do not pick up their monthly stipends at Saturday Session can pick up their stipends at tutoring the following week. Grandview students can pick their stipends up on the Tuesday after Saturday Session and Ruskin students can pick their stipends up on the Thursday after Saturday Session. After those dates, stipend will be returned the business office at Avila. 

Snacks
To help with raising funds for the Upward Bound program snacks will be sold at Saturday Sessions and weekly tutoring.

Cheez-It, Pop-Tart, fruit snack, doughnut (Saturday Session only): $1

Orange juice, Gatorade, water: $1

Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.

Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437
EmailUpward.Bound@Avila.edu
Websitewww.avila.edu/ub
Twitter@UpwardBoundAU
FacebookFacebook.com/AvilaUpwardBound
Blogavilaupwardbound.blogspot.com

Happy Holidays From Avila University

As we come to the end of 2011, Avila University would like to wish everybody a Happy Holidays with the video below.

Changes To Pell Grants



As many of our students are preparing to go to college in the upcoming years, one of the resources that allows to pay for college, Pell Grants, are taking a cut with new eligibility standards. Read more about the changes here at the Huffington Post.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Week 15 Announcements

Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE

Week 15
Week of December 12, 2011

Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events

Tutoring Reminders
  • The last day of tutoring for the first semester is December 15, 2011
  • The first day of tutoring for the second semester is January 10, 2012
Snacks
To help with raising funds for the Upward Bound program snacks will be sold at Saturday Sessions and weekly tutoring.

Cheez-It, Pop-Tart, fruit snack, doughnut (Saturday Session only): $1

Orange juice, Gatorade, water: $1

Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.

Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437
EmailUpward.Bound@Avila.edu
Websitewww.avila.edu/ub
Twitter@UpwardBoundAU
FacebookFacebook.com/AvilaUpwardBound
Blogavilaupwardbound.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Occupy Wall Street: A Generation Of 20-Somethings Airs Its Grievances, Its Frustrations

In the last several weeks, you have probably turned on the news or read the newspaper and have seen something about Occupy Wall Street. You may or may not know exactly what it is, but you know that it is the buzzword around the United States.


The Huffington Post's Amanda M. Fairbanks takes a look at what Occupy Wall Street means, how it affects people nationally and what does it mean moving forward.


To read the article, check it out here.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Dodgeball!

On Saturday, December 10th after the first workshop of Saturday Session, dodgeball will be played to end the first semester of the '11-'12 academic year. Punch and treats will be served. Dodgeball will be played in Avila's new pavilion, which opened this past fall. 

Saturday Session is 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and is required of all students.

The Pros and Cons of City Schools & What It's Like to Go to One

When looking for the right college, one of the decisions we have to make is whether or not we want to go to a school in a city or in a small town. HerCampus.com takes a look at some of the positives and negatives of going to a school in a city. To check out that article, click here.

Week 14 Announcements

Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE
Week 14
Week of December 5, 2011

Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events

Saturday Session
On Saturday, December 10th from 9:00 AM—12:00 PM, we will be having our fourth Saturday Session of the academic year. It is required that everybody attends. For the holiday season, we'll be having treats and games for the second workshop.

Snacks
To help with raising funds for the Upward Bound program snacks will be sold at Saturday Sessions and weekly tutoring.

Cheez-It, Pop-Tart, fruit snack, doughnut (Saturday Session only): $1

Orange juice, Gatorade, water: $1

Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.

Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437
Email: Upward.Bound@Avila.edu
Website: www.avila.edu/ub
Twitter: @UpwardBoundAU
Facebook: Facebook.com/AvilaUpwardBound
Blog: avilaupwardbound.blogspot.com

Saturday, December 3, 2011

The 45 Most Powerful Images Of 2011

As the year comes to a close, BuzzFeed.com takes a look at some of the most powerful images of events that took place in 2011. From the tsunami in Japan to the Occupy movement riots, some of these images have a great impact on our society. To view the images, click here

Friday, December 2, 2011

10 Schools With The Worst Dining Halls



Between selecting a major and a roommate, one of the most important factors in selecting a college has to be the quality of food. The Princeton Review recently named the 10 schools with the worst dining halls. To check out those schools, click here.

Coming Soon: Dodgeball

Announcement Coming Soon.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

World Aids Day: About World Aids Day


What is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.


Why is World AIDS Day important?

More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.


What should I do on World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today - you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding. Click here to find out the facts.

You can also show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness.

World AIDS Day is also a great opportunity to raise money for NAT and show your support for people living with HIV. If you feel inspired to hold an event, bake sale or simply sell red ribbons, click here to get started. If you'd like to see what other events are taking place — click here and find out more.


But what about after World AIDS Day?

Although World AIDS Day is a great opportunity to get the public talking about HIV and fundraise, we need to remember the importance of raising awareness of HIV all year round. That's why NAT has launched HIVaware— a fun, interactive new website which provides all the information everyone should know about HIV. Why not use what you have learnt on World AIDS Day to Act Aware throughout the year and remember, you can fundraise at any time of year too — NAT is always here to give you suggestions and ideas.

Information in this post was taken from http://www.worldaidsday.org/


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Protect Funding for Our Nation's Most Vulnerable Students!


Currently, more than 800,000 students – from sixth-graders to doctoral candidates, from military veterans to displaced workers – rely on TRIO Programs for support in their pursuit of a college degree. Despite the fact that TRIO has become a staple in our local communities and has a long history of producing remarkable results at our institutions, Congress cut TRIO by $26.6 million this past spring. All told, more than 100,000 students have lost access to TRIO since the beginning of the Obama Administration. Meanwhile, the need for educational supportive services has continued to grow. If we want to solve the debt crisis, cutting programs that help our nation’s most vulnerable citizens is not the answer. We urge the White House to take a strong stance to defend TRIO students and funding.

To sign the petition, click here to get started!

The 10 Biggest Colleges in the Country & What It's Like to Go There



Have you thought about attending a large university with thousands of people, tons of dining halls and a variety of housing options? If so, Her Campus showcases the 10 biggest colleges in the United States and how it would if you were to attend there. To check out that article, click here.


Her Campus is the #1 online magazine for college women, individualizing its content college-by-college by establishing My Campus branches at schools across the country. With national content on Style, Beauty, Health, Love, Life, and Career, supplemented by campus-specific content produced by teams of students at 200+ colleges across the country, Her Campus serves as a hub for everything college women need to know about today.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Week 13 Announcements

Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE
Week 13
Week of November 28, 2011


Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events


October Stipend
If you didn't attend receive your October stipend at November's Saturday Session, below are dates that you can pick them up. It is very important that you pick up your money as soon as possible. After two weeks, money will be returned to Avila's Business Office.
  • Grandview HS: November 29th tutoring
  • Ruskin HS: December 1st tutoring
  • Non-Target: Arrangements should be made with the Upward Bound office for pick up

Snacks
To help with raising funds for the Upward Bound program snacks will be sold at Saturday Sessions and weekly tutoring.
  • Cheez-It, Pop-Tart, fruit snack, doughnut (Saturday Session only): $1
  • Orange juice, Gatorade, water: $1

Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.


Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437
Email: Upward.Bound@Avila.edu
Websitewww.avila.edu/ub
Twitter@UpwardBoundAU
FacebookFacebook.com/AvilaUpwardBound
Blogavilaupwardbound.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thanksgiving Traditions

With Thanksgiving coming up this Thursday, November 24th, it is a perfect time to take a look at some of the cool traditions around the United States in the past and in the present:

A portrait depicting one the first Thanksgivings
  • Since 1924, in New York City, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is held annually every Thanksgiving Day from the Upper West Side of Manhattan to Macy's flagship store in Herald Square, and televised nationally by NBC.
  • Thanksgiving was originally a religious observance for all the members of the community to give thanks to God for a common purpose. Historic reasons for community thanksgivings are: the 1541 thanksgiving mass after the expedition of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado safely crossing the high plains of Texas and finding game, and the 1777 thanksgiving after the victory in the Revolutionary War Battle of Saratoga.
  • In the United States, certain kinds of food are traditionally served at Thanksgiving meals. Firstly, baked or roasted turkey is usually the featured item on any Thanksgiving feast table (so much so that Thanksgiving is sometimes referred to as "Turkey Day"). Stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet corn, various fall vegetables (mainly various kinds of squashes), and pumpkin pie are commonly associated with Thanksgiving dinner. All of these are actually native to the Americas or were introduced as a new food source to the Europeans when they arrived.
  • American football is an important part of many Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States. Professional football games are often held on Thanksgiving Day; until recently, these were the only games played during the week apart from Sunday or Monday night. The National Football League has played games on Thanksgiving every year since its creation; the tradition is referred to as the Thanksgiving Classic. The Detroit Lions have hosted a game every Thanksgiving Day since 1934, with the exception of 1939–1944 (due to World War II).
  • The modern Thanksgiving holiday traces its origins from a 1621 celebration at the Plymouth Plantation, where the Plymouth settlers held a harvest feast after a successful growing season. This was continued in later years, first as an impromptu religious observance, and later as a civil tradition.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

From Upward Bound - Avila University, we wish everybody a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Monday, November 21, 2011

KC P&L Plaza Lights 2011

One of oldest traditions in Kansas City is the Plaza Lighting Ceremony. Below is information about the ceremony. The information is taken from the official Plaza Lighting Ceremony website.

The 82nd Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting CeremonyThanksgiving Night (November 24, 2011) on the Plaza
5:15pm: Pre-show Performances
6:00 - 7:00pm: KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony
6:50pm: Flip of the switch by “Modern Family’s” Eric Stonestreet

Kansas City native and Emmy Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet, who currently stars as Cameron Tucker on ABC’s comedy series “Modern Family”, will be the honored guest at the Plaza Lighting Ceremony. Teaming up with Eric Thanksgiving evening will be KSHB-TV’s Chief Meteorologist Gary Lezak, along with his dog Stormy, to illuminate thousands of sparkling lights at the 82nd Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony. The ceremony is held on Thursday, November 24th, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on the Country Club Plaza.
The program begins at 6:00 p.m., with the flip of the switch at 6:50 p.m. by Stonestreet. Festivities will take place at the main stage in front of XXI Forever, at Nichols Road and Wyandotte on the Country Club Plaza. Fireworks displays begin immediately after the flip of the switch, above the main stage and atop The InterContinental Hotel. The ceremony wraps up at 7:00 p.m.
Incredible community performances will fill the ceremony from beginning to end. Choirs from KSHB-TV’s “Sounds of The Holiday” will kick-off the entertainment with holiday favorites. The Starlight Theater STARS of Tomorrow will also perform throughout the show. Along with them will be finalists from the KC Superstar singing competition, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center. All songs will be enhanced by the accompaniment of dancers from Jody Phillips Dance Company.
Kansas City Power & Light is pleased to bring such a beloved tradition to Kansas City for the twelfth year. KCP&L employee volunteers will be on hand to assist the Salvation Army Season of Giving. Listen for that familiar sound of jingling bells.
Follow the KCP&L Plaza Lights on Facebook and Twitter all season long to stay connected with Plaza Lighting Ceremony details, holiday trivia, contests and promotions. Facebook.com/KCPLPlazaLights or @KCPLPlazaLights.
KSHB-TV is the new broadcast partner for the lighting ceremony. KSHB-TV will broadcast live from the Plaza starting with the evening newscast at 4:30 p.m., with the full hour-long ceremony shown in its entirety from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The KCP&L Plaza Lights shine daily from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., Thanksgiving through Sunday, January 15, 2012. All Plaza parking garages will be open and accessible for the lighting event.

Week 12 Announcements

Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE
Week 12
Week of November 21, 2011


Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events


Tutoring Reminders
There's no tutoring this week (11/21-11/25) due to the Thanksgiving holiday.


October Stipend
If you didn't attend receive your October stipend at November's Saturday Session, below are dates that you can pick them up. It is very important that you pick up your money as soon as possible. After two weeks, money will be returned to Avila's Business Office.

  • Grandview HS: November 29th tutoring
  • Ruskin HS: December 1st tutoring
  • Non-Target: Arrangements should be made with the Upward Bound office for pick up

Snacks
To help with raising funds for the Upward Bound program snacks will be sold at Saturday Sessions and weekly tutoring.

  • Cheez-It, Pop-Tart, fruit snack, doughnut (Saturday Session only): $1
  • Orange juice, Gatorade, water: $1

Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.


Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437
Email: Upward.Bound@Avila.edu
Website: www.avila.edu/ub
Twitter: @UpwardBoundAU
Facebook: Facebook.com/AvilaUpwardBound
Blog: avilaupwardbound.blogspot.com

Monday, November 14, 2011

Penn State Controversy

In the past week, there has been plenty of coverage of Penn State University and their football team about alleged abuse of young boys. The CNN Student News video below goes into detail who are the main people involved and what's going on. 




Week 11 Announcements

Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE
Week 11
Week of November 14, 2011

Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events

Tutoring Reminders
  • There's no tutoring the week of 11/21-11/25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
  • If you would like to schedule additional tutoring at Avila, 24 hours notice is needed. With proper notice, we're able to secure tutors in a timely matter.

October Stipend
If you didn't attend receive your October stipend at November's Saturday Session, below are dates that you can pick them up. It is very important that you pick up your money as soon as possible. After two weeks, money will be returned to Avila's Business Office.
  • Grandview HS: November 15th tutoring
  • Ruskin HS: November 17th tutoring
  • Non-Target: Arrangements should be made with the Upward Bound office for pick up
Snacks
To help with raising funds for the Upward Bound program snacks will be sold at Saturday Session and weekly tutoring.

  • Cheez-It, Pop-Tart, fruit snack, doughnut (Saturday Session only): $1
  • Orange juice, Gatorade, water: $1
Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.

Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Week 10 Announcements


Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE
Week 10
Week of November 7, 2011

Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events

Saturday Session
On Saturday, November 12th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, we will be having our third Saturday Session of the academic year. It is required that everybody attends. New for 2011-2012, Saturday Sessions will be workshops for academic enrichment. Students will earn $5 of monthly stipend for attending and actively participating in Saturday Sessions.

Snacks
Beginning with November’s Saturday Session, donuts and juice will be sold at Saturday Session. Proceeds will go towards to Upward Bound’s scholarship fund. Donuts will be sold for $.50 and juice for $1.00. 


Activities
If you're not attending an activity, please make sure that you notify the Upward Bound office immediately. If you are unsure about what you or your child is signed up for, check this out.



Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.

Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Week 9 Announcements

Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE
Week 9
Week of October 31, 2011


Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events


Saturday Session
On Saturday, November 12th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, we will be having our third Saturday Session of the academic year. It is required that everybody attends. New for 2011-2012, Saturday Sessions will be workshops for academic enrichment. Students will earn $5 of monthly stipend for attending and actively participating in Saturday Sessions.


Activities
If you're not attending an activity, please make sure that you notify the Upward Bound office immediately. If you are unsure about what you or your child is signed up for, check this out.


Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.


Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437
Email: Upward.Bound@Avila.edu
Website: www.avila.edu/ub
Twitter:@UpwardBoundAU
Facebook: Facebook.com/AvilaUpwardBound
Blog: avilaupwardbound.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

American Royal Rodeo Activity

American Royal Rodeo Activity

On Saturday, October 29th, students that are signed up for the American Royal Rodeo activity will need to meet at the Hodes Center at 1:00 PM. Students will return to campus between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Lunch and dinner will not be provided.


The American Royal, one of Kansas City’s premier fall events, annually hosts the World’s largest barbecue contest, one of the Midwest’s largest and oldest livestock exhibitions and professional rodeos, prestigious horse shows and is home of the National Championship Saddlebred horse competition. The American Royal Rodeo was voted one of the top five rodeos in the country in 2004 by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and was the National Championship horse show was voted best horse show in the country in 2002, by the UPHA (United Professional Horseman’s Association)


For more information about the history of the American Rodeo, check out the video below.



Video of the American Royal moving to Sprint Center

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Week 8 Announcements

Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE
Week 8
Week of October 24, 2011


Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events


American Royal Rodeo Activity
On Saturday, October 29th, students that are signed up for the American Royal Rodeo activity will need to meet at the Hodes Center at 1:00 PM. Students will return to campus between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Lunch and dinner will not be provided.


The American Royal, one of Kansas City’s premier fall events, annually hosts the World’s largest barbecue contest, one of the Midwest’s largest and oldest livestock exhibitions and professional rodeos, prestigious horse shows and is home of the National Championship Saddlebred horse competition. The American Royal Rodeo was voted one of the top five rodeos in the country in 2004 by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and was the National Championship horse show was voted best horse show in the country in 2002, by the UPHA (United Professional Horseman’s Association)


For more information about the history of the American Rodeo, check out the video below.



Activities
If you're not attending an activity, please make sure that you notify the Upward Bound office immediately. If you are unsure about what you or your child is signed up for, check this out.


Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.


Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437
Email: Upward.Bound@Avila.edu
Website: www.avila.edu/ub
Twitter:@UpwardBoundAU
Facebook: Facebook.com/AvilaUpwardBound
Blog: avilaupwardbound.blogspot.com

Monday, October 17, 2011

MLK Memorial Dedication

This past summer, Upward Bound - Avila University had the opportunity to visit our nation's capital, Washington D.C. We were able see sights such as the Lincoln Memorial, The White House, Howard University and the National Holocaust Museum. Unfortunately, the Martin Luther King Memorial wasn't finished for us to visit.


Below is the dedication to the Martin Luther King Memorial.

Week 7 Announcements



Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE
Week 7
Week of October 17, 2011

Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events


American Rodeo Activity
On Saturday, October 29th, students that are signed up for the American Rodeo activity will need to meet at the Hodes Center at 1:00 PM. Students will return to campus between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Lunch and dinner will not be provided. 


The American Royal, one of Kansas City’s premier fall events, annually hosts the World’s largest barbecue contest, one of the Midwest’s largest and oldest livestock exhibitions and professional rodeos, prestigious horse shows and  is home of the National Championship Saddlebred horse competition. The American Royal Rodeo was voted one of the top five rodeos in the country in 2004 by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and was the National Championship horse show was voted best horse show in the country in 2002, by the UPHA (United Professional Horseman’s Association)

For more information about the history of the American Rodeo, check out the video below.




Activities
If you're not attending an activity, please make sure that you notify the Upward Bound office immediately. If you are unsure about what you or your child is signed up for, check this out

Recruiting
If you know any students that are interested in applying for the Upward Bound - Avila University program, they are welcome to apply. Applications can be found here and at the counselors office at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.

Office Phone: 816.501.2438 
Office Fax: 816.501.2437 
Website: www.avila.edu/ub 
Twitter:@UpwardBoundAU 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Week 6 Announcements

Upward Bound—Avila University
Announcements for EVERYONE
Week 6
Week of October 10, 2011

Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events

Extra Tutoring Opportunities

Upward Bound parents and students, with midterms coming up, we're providing an additional tutoring opportunity on Wednesday, October 12th at Avila University. Tutors in math, science and other areas will be made available for students with need. Time spent at Avila will go towards required tutoring hours for October.


Students that want to get additional tutoring will be picked up from their respective schools at dismissal (Ruskin 1:40, Grandview 11:35). Students can be picked up at any time but tutoring will end at 5:00.

To sign up or for questions, please contact the Upward Bound office 816.501.2438.

Shawnee Mission East High School College Clinic

On Wednesday, October 12th, we’ll be taking students to the Shawnee Mission East High School College Clinic. Students that are signed up should meet at Hodes Center at 6:00 PM. We should arrive back on campus between 9:15 PM—9:30 PM. If you are unsure if you’re signed up, call the Upward Bound office.

This college fair boasts more than 200 colleges and universities from across the country in attendance, with admission representatives available to speak with prospective students and their parents.

This college fair is the largest of its kind in the Kansas City metropolitan area and is an ideal time for high school students, specifically sophomores and juniors, to kick off their college search.

Homeless Awareness Walk

The Homeless Awareness Walk is Saturday, October 11th. Students should arrive at Hodes Center by 1:00 PM. We’ll arrive back on campus by 5:00 PM. 

Office Phone: 816.501.2438
Office Fax: 816.501.2437
Email: Upward.Bound@Avila.edu
Website: www.avila.edu/ub 
Twitter:@UpwardBoundAU
Facebook: Facebook.com/AvilaUpwardBound
Blog: avilaupwardbound.blogspot.com 

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Extra Tutoring Opportunity!


Upward Bound parents and students, with midterms coming up, we're providing an additional tutoring opportunity on Wednesday, October 12th at Avila University. Tutors in math, science and other areas will be made available for students with need. Time spent at Avila will go towards required tutoring hours for October.

Students that want to get additional tutoring will be picked up from their respective schools at dismissal (Ruskin 1:40, Grandview 11:35). Students can be picked up at any time but tutoring will end at 5:00.

To sign up or for questions, please contact the Upward Bound office 816.501.2438. 

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Week 5 Announcements

Avila University Upward Bound
Announcements for EVERYONE
Week 5
 Week of September 26, 2011
Important Upcoming Upward Bound Information and Events

Saturday Session

On Saturday, October 8th from 9:00 AM—12:00 PM, we’ll have our second Saturday Session of the academic year. We’ll have workshops for freshman—juniors and college planning for seniors. In addition to the workshops on Saturday, September stipends will be distributed. Saturday Sessions are required by every student. It is important that students are on time so they can find the right place to be on
Saturday.

 
Avila University Football Homecoming Game

For those who are signed up for the Avila University Football Homecoming Game, it will run from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. We'll have lunch immediately after Saturday Session. If you have your purple Upward bound shirt, wearing that to the game would be great to support the Eagles.

If you have any questions about the game or whether or not you're signed up, please call the Upward Bound office.

Tutoring
Students who attend Grandview or Ruskin High School will be required to attend 6 hours of tutoring a month. Students on probation are required to attend 10 hours of tutoring a month. Student can choose tutoring sessions to attend and the amount of time spent at a tutoring session. Time will be recorded in 15 minute increments. Students will earn $10 of monthly stipend for attending the required number of tutoring hours per month.           
Comfit Online Tutoring Center
In an effort to improve math and language arts skills, students will be required to complete Comfit assignments each month.  Students can login in and complete assignments at http://www.comfit.com/. First time users will need to register in our group (Avila University Upward Bound) and create a user name and password.  Our group number is 750847.
October through May, students at Grandview and Ruskin will be required to complete 2 mini lessons (6 total) with a score of 80% or better in each area (Math, Language Arts and Reading/Vocabulary) per month to receive $5 of monthly stipend.  Students at non-target schools will be required to complete 6 mini lessons in each area (18 total) per month to receive $15 of monthly stipend.       
Wednesday Study Sessions
If you cannot attend tutoring Tuesday or Thursday at either school and you want to get tutoring hours in, Wednesday Study Sessions can be an option. With at least 24 hours notice, we can get you a tutor with almost any subject. Wednesday Study Sessions are held at Avila University.
For additional information or to schedule extra tutoring, please contact the office at 816.501.2438.
Social Media
In an effort to reach students and parents, we’ve recently added different forms of media to gain more access. They’re updated regularly with information. Below are various ways to stay in contact with Upward Bound – Avila University: