March 2023

Women’s History Month (or as I like to call it, HERstory Month) began in March of 1987. The point of it is to celebrate the contributions women have made in the areas of politics, education, work, and health throughout history.

• Politically, women in the United States didn’t have much say. The 19th Amendment, passed in 1920, is what first gave women the right to vote. I know it seems like a long time ago now, but when you realize that our country was founded in the 1700s and other minorities were given the right to vote long before this, it is a little astonishing that it took quite that long. This of course, led to women running for office and, hopefully, will soon lead to a female president.

• In education, women were excluded for most of history. My grandmother (born in 1908) earned an eighth-grade education before she had to go work in the paper factory to help support her family. Her desire for education is one of the reasons I became a teacher. I believe, because of what I learned from her, that we ALL, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, etc. deserve an education. It has been denied to so many for so long.

• Women in the workforce is an extension of women in education. Good jobs can, much of the time, be out of reach for people without an education. Even young girls were forced to do menial work for menial pay. Jobs that paid better wages belonged to men because education belonged to men. Even today, women in the workforce are paid, on average, 83% of what men are paid (Glynn & Boesch, 2022).

• Healthcare is also an area in which women have grown throughout history. Gynecology, reproduction, mental health, and breastfeeding rights are all gender-specific areas of concern. We are currently in an area where this is rapidly changing and expanding. What healthcare rights are all human beings entitled to, regardless of their gender identification?

For more info on Women’s History Month, check out this website: https://womenshistorymonth.gov/

Ms. Oldershaw

Glynn, Sarah J., & Boesch, Diana (2022, March). Connecting the dots: "Women's work" and the wage gap. US Department of Labor, (), . https://blog.dol.gov/2022/03/15/connecting-the-dots-womens-work-and-the-wage-gap#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20the%20latest%20year,every%20dollar%20paid%20to%20men.

Spring Break: March 13-17
Yay! Spring break is coming soon. Here’s the great part. Spring Break is an excellent time to catch up on your classes, reduce missing attendance, and take a break. Make sure to relax and refresh, as well as reduce stress by catching up on school!

State Testing: State testing begins on March 20 and lasts until April 27. There are three assessments we need to complete. First, the Aspire. This is an exam given to 9th graders only. Aspire is an awesome way for you and your teachers to see what you have mastered and what you can continue to work on. For Juniors, AZSci (science assessment) and ACT are required. These assessments help your teachers know what you have learned over the last three years. It’s so important to do your best, take your time, and use all the knowledge and test-taking skills you have to score your best. Make your school and teachers as well as yourself look good!

Tips for surviving the ACT/Aspire/ AzSCI
Do your best
Eat breakfast
Get some sleep the night before
Be on time
Use ALL the time
Read the question and possible answers twice- misreading the question is the biggest thing that causes incorrect answers!
You got this! Make us proud!

Executive functioning is a term used to describe a set of mental skills that are essential for planning, organizing, and completing tasks. These skills are crucial for success in school, work, and everyday life, and they can have a significant impact on your academic and personal success.

There are several key components of executive functioning, including:

1. Planning and prioritizing: This involves setting goals, creating a plan of action, and deciding what tasks are most important.

2. Organization: This involves keeping track of your belongings, your schedule, and your commitments.

3. Time management: This involves managing your time effectively to ensure that you have enough time to complete all of your tasks.

4. Working memory: This involves holding information in your mind long enough to use it in completing a task.

5. Emotional regulation: This involves managing your emotions, staying calm under pressure, and maintaining focus and attention.

6. Flexibility: This involves being able to adapt to changing situations and adjust your plans and strategies as needed.

If you struggle with executive functioning, you may find it difficult to complete tasks on time, stay organized, or manage your time effectively. You may also find it hard to regulate your emotions, which can lead to stress and anxiety.

Fortunately, there are many strategies you can use to improve your executive functioning skills. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of your schedule and deadlines.

2. Break tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps.

3. Set aside dedicated time each day for studying or completing assignments.

4. Use mnemonic devices or memory aids to help you remember important information.

5. Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help manage stress and anxiety.

Seek help from a teacher, coach, or para if you're struggling with a particular subject or assignment.

By practicing these strategies and focusing on improving your executive functioning skills, you can become a more effective and successful student. Whether you're looking to improve your grades, get into a top college, or succeed in your future career, executive functioning is a critical skill set that can help you achieve your goals.

School Incentives’ Winners

Grace Thompson
Kelsey Knight
Anais Sesma
Kayleigh Ruiz
Adamary Celara Contreras
Alexander Hoskins
Melanie Preddy
Stephen Bunes
James Walters
Hera Surber
Nolan Gayan
Abbee Chavez

Wireless Keyboard & Mouse

1. Marcia Solis Garcia

2. Kamryn Glennie

Wireless Earbuds

1. Tiana Healy

2. LeKyah Richie

Webcams

1. Marcia Solis Garcia

2. Mattais Smith

Sugarwish Boxes

1. Melanie Preddy

2. Kamryn Glennie

If you're a high school student planning to attend college, you may have heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. But what exactly is FAFSA, and why is it so important?

The FAFSA is a form that students fill out to determine their eligibility for financial aid from the federal government, as well as from many states and colleges. This aid can include grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans, and it can be a crucial source of support for students who might not otherwise be able to afford college.

The FAFSA application process can seem daunting at first, but with a little preparation, it's actually quite straightforward. Here's what you need to know:

1. When to apply: The FAFSA opens each year on October 1st, and you can submit your application any time between then and the federal deadline of June 30th. However, many states and colleges have earlier deadlines, so it's important to check with your school to find out when you need to apply.

2. What you'll need: To complete the FAFSA, you'll need to provide information about your income, your parents' income (if you're a dependent), and any assets you or your family have. You'll also need your Social Security number and information about the colleges you're interested in attending.

3. How to apply: You can complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov. If you need help or have questions, you can contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center or your school's financial aid office.

4. What happens next: Once you submit your FAFSA, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that summarizes the information you provided. The colleges you listed on your FAFSA will also receive your information, and they'll use it to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

It's important to remember that the FAFSA is a critical step in the college application process. Even if you don't think you'll qualify for financial aid, it's still a good idea to fill out the form – you never know what kind of assistance you might be eligible for. And if you're not sure where to start, don't hesitate to reach out to your coach or teacher.

Ultimately, the FAFSA is an important tool that can help you achieve your dreams of attending college. By taking the time to complete the application and explore your financial aid options, you'll be taking a major step toward securing your future and realizing your full potential.

Wondering what you would enjoy doing after High School Graduation?

Career Onestop is an excellent resource for helping you find a career that you’ll like, that you are good at, and that will support your lifestyle. Click on the link below to:

1. Learn about occupations that are a good match for you

2. Decide where you need more training or experience

3. Identify the skills you bring to a job

4. Write more personal, detailed resumes and cover letters

5. Consider careers you may not have thought about before

https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Assessments/self-assessments.aspx

This site has tons of information to help you consider careers you may not know exist. The link to the Interest Survey is:

https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/interest-assessment.aspx

To find out what skills you have that would work well in your career, follow this link:

https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/Skills/skills-matcher.aspx

To Explore careers and find out more information. Follow this link:

https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Learn/learn-about-careers.aspx

VIP Events

VIP is an awesome way to meet new friends, have some awesome food, and learn something too. This club is for EVERYONE! The more people who attend the more fun we will have!

Here are some upcoming events:

March 8, 10:00-12:00 at HHS “Money Matters Workshop”. When you attend, you will learn about budgeting, buying a car, taxes, and whatever "money" you want to know! You want to become a millionaire by the time you retire, right?

Look for upcoming information on a visit to Phoenix College! Keep checking back for an event at Great Skate! That sounds like fun!