Our Think Tanks sessions, conceived of by students, are designed to create an engaging learning environment where high school students come together to explore and discuss an important social, economic, or cultural issue facing our world, especially our world at Rancho. Our Think Tank on February 7 promises to be one of the most powerful yet. Our topic is “Teen Safety: Examining Consequences and Promoting Healthier Lifestyles at RBV.” We have speakers presenting on the consequences of unhealthy choices students make, especially involving drugs and drinking. After hearing the presentations, our students will be discussing possible solutions to dealing with these issues at Rancho. Our goals with the Think Tanks are to create awareness, encourage community action, and make change. This should be a great event!
Now that we have returned from a much needed break, I want to take a moment to applaud our students for their tremendous efforts this last month. On top of their academics, college applications, and extracurricular activities, our students organized and participated in our 2nd Annual Walk-A-Thon, raising almost $13,000 for the Zamar Academy in India. Because of their energy and enthusiasm, the event ran smoothly and was enjoyable for all involved. I couldn’t be prouder of them! I am also so pleased that our Honors Study Hall has already attracted many students. We have two talented Berkeley graduates who are helping to run this after school tutoring space. Students can find the help that they need with their most difficult subjects, or they can utilize the space for study groups. The Honors Study Hall is in room 113 on Monday-Thursday from 2:30-5:00 pm. It is also open on Tuesday and Thursday at lunch. I hope it continues to grow so that our students who are challenging themselves academically are getting the support they need.
The first IB Think Tank of this year will take place on Monday, October 19th, from 7:00-8:30 pm in the RBV Lecture Hall. The topic is Poverty and Education, and our speaker is Mr. Chris Megison, President and Executive Director of Solutions for Change. Mr. Megison will share his perspective on poverty and education and discuss some of the unique ways that his organization is serving the homeless population in North County. After his presentation, students will discuss how they can help to create awareness, encourage more community action and service, and make change. It should be a powerful night. All are welcome! The Think Tank ties in nicely with the focus of the 2nd Annual ONEKind Walk-a-Thon at Rancho. To get involved, please visit www.onekindfoundation.org. You can register individually or as a team.
We are off to another great start this year! I am thrilled at the level of enthusiasm of so many of our honors students, and I have been very impressed with their activities so far. We can expect to have more amazing Think Tanks. The first Think Tank will take place in October (date- TBA), and the topic will be on Poverty and its Effects on Education. This should help us all consider this important topic as we gear up for the 2nd Annual ONEkind Walk-a-thon! This year, the students have chosen to raise money to support the Zamar Academy in India. The Zamar Academy works in India to provide a free education to the children of the slums. The goal is to provide them with a building that will meet the requirements of the Indian government so that their school will be recognized. Stay tuned for more interesting information on what our students are achieving at Rancho. And check out the calendar for important dates!
Everyone is gearing up for AP and IB exams which begin May 4th and end on May 22nd. These exams will be administered all over campus, and in many cases, up to four exams will be administered on any given day. To see a complete schedule of the IB/AP exams, click on the link to the left for a printable pdf. Students need to remember to attend the Mandatory Meeting on Friday, May 1st at lunch in the gym. If they don’t attend, they can’t test any AP or IB exams. We’ll be going over rules and regulations and other pertinent information. Ask your teachers about review sessions, and check the honors master calendar for important events. Happy studying!
And most of you know what that means! AP Registration begins February 9th and is conducted until March 12th. The deadline to submit financial aid paperwork is February 20th. Forms are available in the IB office. Also, February means Ranch Revue! The talent this year is amazing, and the event should be spectacular. Come join us at the 3:30 or the 7:00 pm show for what is sure to be the best Ranch Revue yet! Tickets are $10 and proceeds go towards helping students with testing fees and for scholarships for college-bound seniors.
What does it mean to “share humanity”? Is it relevant to you? Is it relevant to our lives here at Rancho? It has been said, “Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are things which renew humanity.” Come to the IB Think Tank where you will find the tools to encourage change and a place to make your ideas heard. All are welcome to join us on Monday, November 10th at 7 pm in the PAC, to hear Naomi Zachiarias, a humanitarian working with Invisible Children, speak on this topic of “Sharing Our Humanity.” See Mrs. Golly with any questions!
Welcome to the 2008-09 school year. Already we have begun the year with some exciting events in the honors program, and there are plenty more to look forward to this year. We had our first IB Think Tank on September 10. Mr. Mark King, President/CEO of Taylormade Adidas Golf, spoke on the topic of leadership and led approximately 60 students through exercises that allowed them to consider their own leadership skills. We are planning the next Think Tank; information will be forthcoming.
I am thrilled this year to be working with an incredibly motivated, driven, and talented senior class. They are setting a wonderful standard for our underclassmen. They are currently organizing our first annual ONEkind Walk-A-Thon, Taking Steps for Education, benefiting the Visible Child Scholarship Program in Uganda. These students truly understand the concept of thinking globally and acting locally.
The Walk-A-Thon will be on October 11th from 3-7 pm at the RBV stadium. Please get involved! Students can see me for more information, or they can ask their teachers.
Be sure to check the honors calendar for meetings, events, and other news.
I’m looking forward to an exciting and fulfilling year.
IB and AP exams are around the corner. During the month of April, attend your review sessions and prepare for these important tests. Ask your teachers about dates and times for review sessions, and check the honors calendar. I will be posting sessions as I learn of them. Happy studying!
Ranch Revue is almost here. There are two shows on February 13th: 3:30 and 7:00 pm. ALL TICKETS for both shows will be sold at LUNCH ONLY on February 13th. The show will be fun and it is a great fundraiser!
