February 2013

Volume 13, Issue 2

Adventures in Math & Science

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Director’s Chair .................... 1

Greetings from Gail .............. 1

Coordinators’ Corners .......... 2

Career Profile........................ 3

10 Things You Can Do to Get

Into College .......................... 4

Parents’ Corner ..................... 5

February Birthdays .............. 6

Diva vs. Songbird…………………7

Dreamgirls Info…………………..7

Schedule-At-A-Glance………...8

AIMS TIMES

DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

Greetings AIMS Family!

It is once again that time of year…sweetheart’s monthJ!!!! Make sure to enjoy

your Valentine’s Day with the loves of your life (mother, father, sister, brother,

significant otherJ)!!! If you have an extra box of chocolates or cupcakes or roses

you need to give away…send in my care!!! On a more serious note, I pray that

each of you are on target with your grades and class work. Remember that

online tutoring is available daily. However, if you do not have easy access to a

computer, please let us know ASAP so we can work with the people in your area

to get you access to the Internet outside of school time.

There are several exciting activities happening this month, in addition to the

programs surrounding Black History Month. Please make sure to check the cal-

endar for these events. Remember to send us any of your accomplishments so

we can post them in the newsletter. I look forward to seeing many of you this

month at the Scholars Bowl/Bridge Workshop! Take care…until we meet again!

WÜA WÉÜ|á VÄtÜ~@ftÜÜ

A MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Hi Everyone!

February is here already… just proves that time waits for no one or anything.

I just want to simply remind you to get all of your completed and mailed. As you are

well aware, it takes time to get everything prepared for your arrival and the paper-

work plays a crucial role in this task.

I don’t have much to say except people seem to talk more about love throughout this month, but let’s be different from the rest and love each other every month. Let me be the first to say: Happy Valentines Day! Looking forward to seeing you at Orientation!

Gail Woolridge

“Don't think that because you haven't heard from me for a while that I went to sleep. I am still here, like a spirit roaming the night. Thirsty, hungry, seldom stopping to rest.” Spike Lee

Hey everybody!

I hope you are all doing well. I’m great; thanks for asking J Please PLEASE do not forget to tell your friends about AIMS! We are obviously not at your schools nearly as much as you are so help us out! Thanks in advance! Good luck to those who are taking the ACT this month. Remember, you CAN study for the ACT. You should’ve gotten the power point from the AIMS ACT workshop a while back. There are LOTS of tips in it…even tips about what to do the night before and the day of. I’ll put them on Facebook to make the information easy for you to access.

To those going to the Academic Bowl this month: LET’S DO THIS! You can study for that, too….and you definitely should have been already. We did good last year, but we have to do even better this year. I’ve got a good feel-ing!!

Be sure to let us know what we can do for you. Please don’t forget about tutor-ing at your school, through AIMS online, and the many other free resource online. Do the work, see the rewards!

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell

EvanO’Neal

COORDINATOR’S CORNER—AIMS I

COORDINATOR’S CORNER—AIMS II

Happy February AIMS Family!

I’m amazed how quickly the semester

seems to be flying by, but I am also excited

as we prepare for your arrival this

summer! We have been interviewing

AIMS Staff for the summer and I just

know you are going to love some of the

new as well as returning folks who will be

coming on board for the summer. Very

excited to include some new faces and

members to our AIMS Family!

I will be seeing some of you in your

schools very soon. Please help us get some

of your friends involved in AIMS. You

have always been our biggest recruiter so

please feel free to help us spread the word

about our program.

Bridge students, if you have missed meet-

ings and dates and intend to be a Bridge

Participant this summer, you must contact

me. This is your responsibility. As always,

I look forward to hearing from you and

feel free to hit me up via email or

Facebook!

Much Love,

Stephen D. Keene

2

MATH, SCIENCE, AND COMPUTER STUDENTS: THE

ENERGY SECTOR WANTS YOU BY DAVID HATCH

A technology revolution reshaping the energy sector through streamlined operations,

increased production, and improved distribution will create ample job opportunities for

college graduates over the next decade, energy and labor experts say.

Public utilities and oil and gas companies were sometimes dismissed in the past by col-

lege grads as too lumbering and old-school. That view is rapidly changing as energy com-

panies deploy technology-laden smart grids, establish high-tech mission control centers,

and embrace wireless sensors, predictive intelligence, and other cutting-edge innovations.

While much of the energy sector's hiring over the next decade will involve skilled and

unskilled labor to operate drill rigs and tractor trailers, college grads with technical and

advanced degrees will be needed to fill lucrative positions as engineers, scientists, and

technicians. "I think the percent of [energy] jobs that are technology-related is just going

to continue to rise," says Rick Nicholson, group vice president at IDC Energy Insights. As

a result, students with math, science, and computer backgrounds are in "high demand"

from energy producers, and colleges and universities are placing a greater emphasis on

preparing grads to fill entry-level positions at these companies, he adds.

"I am very bullish on the energy sector as an area of job growth in the U.S. over the next

decade," says John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the nation's oldest

outplacement consulting firm. New career opportunities with energy firms are

"inevitable" as the country weans itself from Mideast oil and taps more domestic re-

sources, he says. He also sees global opportunities with energy companies, particularly for

college grads with strong foreign-language skills.

Much of the job creation will be driven by domestic production of shale. These under-

ground deposits of oil and natural gas are found in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, where

the Marcellus Shale straddles an eight-state region, as well as in North Dakota, where

energy companies are racing to tap the Bakken Oil Field that extends from Montana to

Canada. For college graduates willing to venture to Canada, Ft. McMurray in northern

Alberta is a booming, though remote, center for the production of tar-like petroleum

deposits called oil sands.

MATH, SCIENCE, AND

COMPUTER STUDENTS

CONTINUED

Job-growth projections from

2010 to 2020 released by the

Bureau of Labor Statistics pre-

sent a mixed view of the energy

sector. The BLS foresees an

increase of 23,000 oil and gas

extraction jobs over the next

decade, largely due to the rise in

shale production, but a decrease

of 47,000 jobs with electric

power and natural gas utilities.

"New technologies, along with

newer and larger facilities, have

led to more efficient [utility]

plants that require fewer work-

ers," the BLS explained in its

2012 employment outlook.

Skills for energy jobs of the

future will vary widely, from

high school diplomas to two- or

four-year college educations to

advanced degrees, depending on

the level of expertise required.

Here's a snapshot of opportuni-

ties through 2020:

Oil and gas: The dramatic

increase in domestic oil and gas

exploration and production will

create demand for information-

technology specialists. Job titles

will include petroleum, reser-

voir, and software engineers;

database administrators; field

service technicians, who test

and maintain equipment such as

pumps and compressors; wire-

line operators, who collect data

and perform other tasks; and

geologists, geophysicists and

geoscientists, who help pinpoint

energy reserves and guide op-

erations. Demand could be

strongest for skilled labor, in-

cluding drill-rig operators; me-

chanics and welders, to handle

extraction and refining; and

unskilled labor, such as truck

drivers, to haul equipment and

fuel.

3

MATH, SCIENCE, AND

COMPUTER STUDENTS

CONTINUED

Environmental protection: Pro-

fessionals with environmental and/or

technical backgrounds will be needed

to fill positions as occupational health

and safety technicians to ensure that

energy producers comply with fed-

eral, state, and local regulations.

Demand could grow if increased

domestic-energy production sparks

more controversy over environmental

consequences. Major energy produc-

ers and the dozens of oil field service

companies that contract with them

will conduct the hiring.

Renewable fuels: While most solar

panel manufacturers are overseas,

especially in China, demand for solar

panel installers in the United States

could skyrocket over the next decade

as the technology improves and

equipment prices drop. A 2011 census

by the Solar Foundation documents

rapid near-term hiring for installers,

with 24,000 positions projected to

have been added from August 2011 to

August 2012. Nicholson also sees

career prospects for engineers and

architects to plan the next generation

of wind turbines and wind farms. If

the electric vehicle market takes off,

IT specialists will be needed to design

the circuitry and components.

Smart grids/utilities: Although

increased automation of energy grids

is expected to result in a net loss of

positions over the next decade, new

ones are still being created, particu-

larly in the area of information tech-

nology, Nicholson says. And there's

always a need for technicians to

install meters and engineers to design

and maintain electrical systems, he

adds. Nicholson anticipates stronger

growth among the IT companies that

develop smart-grid technology, such

as the ABB Group, GE, IBM, Oracle,

and Siemens. Tech-savvy college

grads might want to consider Silicon

Valley-inspired software startups like

Arlington, Va.-based Opower and

Boulder, Colo.'s Tendril and Simple

Energy that specialize in new online

tools to manage home-energy output

and access energy-usage data.

10 THINGS YOU CAN DO THIS SUMMER TO GET INTO

COLLEGE

Whether you are a rising senior or an

incoming freshman, summer is an ideal

time to amp up your college preparation. I

know, I know, summer break is your fa-

vorite time to be UNproductive. And I am

fully supportive of some rest and relaxa-

tion. But why not enjoy your break while

also getting a few steps ahead in the col-

lege game? Take a look at our list of 10

easy things you can do NOW to increase

your chances of getting into college:

1. Volunteer: Get involved in some com-

munity service doing something you love.

Volunteering doesn’t need to be a bum-

mer. It can actually be really fun and ful-

filling. Find an organization, group, or

cause you are passionate about, and help

them out. Volunteering even once a month

at the same organization will look great for

college applications.

2. Read: Find something to read that is

not required for school. Reading increases

your vocabulary (hint, hint – SAT’s) and

gives you material to reference in college

applications and interviews. Some college

apps ask for a list of every book you have

ever read. And a typical interview question

is “tell me about the last book you read?”

3. Contact Your Dream School: Many

colleges (especially the most selective)

track applicants’ “demonstrated interest.”

They want to know if you are truly inter-

ested in their school. They track every

email, conversation, and visit. Now, don’t

go and send them fifty emails this sum-

mer, just send one. Introduce yourself.

Talk about your passion and interest in

the school. And ask for more information.

One little email can go a long way.

4. Brainstorm Personal Essay Ideas:

Your personal essay will be a critical piece

in your college applications. And the best

essays are started early. Take 10 minutes

and write down any personal themes,

thoughts, challenges, or accomplishments

that you might eventually include in your

essay. List come up a bit short? Think

about ways to find content for your essay

by trying some new experiences. Keep this

list as a starting point to your essay.

5. Get on Facebook: I know, shock-

ing right? Facebook can help me get into

college? Well, kind of. Remember your

Facebook profile may end up on the com-

puter screen on a college admissions rep.

Be sure it is clean, professional, and rated

PG. Also, Facebook offers great groups

and fan pages to help you learn more

about your dream schools and research all

the wonderful schools out there

6. Try Something New: It is always

interesting to try something new. Maybe

you’ve been thinking about learning to

surf or paint? Maybe you want to try a

part-time job. Go ahead and give it a try.

You might find a new passion to continue

throughout high school. Or maybe the

experience is a total flop. Either way,

could give you some great content for

college apps.

7. Visit a College: The first step to creat-

ing your college list, is to begin research-

ing colleges. What better way than to step

foot onto a college campus? Get out there

and visit ANY college. Take the tour, ex-

plore the campus, and ask questions. You

will learn valuable information and can

begin exploring what factors will make a

college the right “fit” for you.

8. Stay Active: During the school year,

you are probably busy with your various

clubs, sports, groups, practices, and other

extracurricular commitments. When

these activities take a summer break, it is

easy to lose interest. Stay involved. Get a

small group together to hold unofficial

meetings or practice your craft solo. Col-

leges want to know you’ve stayed involved

throughout the summer.

4

Parents’ Corner

9. Teach Someone Something: We all have some sort of skill, talent, or hobby. And if

you don’t, let us know and we’ll help you find one! So, go ahead and teach it to someone

else. Your family, friends, and neighbors will be happy to learn a new skill. And this is a

great experience in leadership. Start by teaching one person, next thing you know, you’ll

have a whole class ready to learn!

10. Travel: Whether your budget allows for trips to Europe or trips to your neighbor’s

yard, travel experience is fantastic for college. Be creative in thinking about trips. Some of

the best trips are done by car or bus, and take place within 50 miles of where you live.

Visit some local landmarks or historical sights. Go out to the mountains and camp under

the stars. Travel experience exposes you to new things and shows college your curious

nature.

Although parents conscientiously send

their children off to school every day and

expect them to do well, they can add an

important extra ingredient that will boost

their children's success. Parent participa-

tion is the ingredient that makes the dif-

ference. Parents' active involvement with

their child's education at home and in

school brings great rewards and has can

have a significant impact on their chil-

dren's child's lives. According to research

studies, the children of involved parents:

• are absent less frequently

• behave better

• do better academically from

preschool through high school

• go farther in school

go to better schools

Research also shows that a home environ-

ment that encourages learning is even

more important than parents' income,

education level, or cultural background.

By actively participating in their child's

education at home and in school, parents

send some critical messages to their child;

they're demonstrating their interest in

his/her activities and reinforcing the idea

that school is important.

Becoming involved – laying the

groundwork in the elementary

school years

The reality is that some parents have more

time than others to become involved, but

it's important for even very busy parents

to examine their priorities and carve out

some time, even if it's brief. Some schools

are working out more flexible schedules so

that working parents have more options.

The National Education Association rec-

ommends some specific ways for parents

to become more involved in their child's

education.

At home:

• Read to your child — reading aloud

is the most important activity that parents

can do to increase their child's chance of

reading success

10 THINGS YOU CAN DO THIS SUMMER TO GET INTO

COLLEGE CONTINUED

INVOLVED PARENTS: THE HIDDEN RESOURCE

IN THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION

5

• Discuss the books and stories

you read to your child

• Help your child organize his/her

time

• Limit television viewing on school

nights

• Talk to your child regularly about

what's going on in school Check homework every night

At school: Meet with a teacher or

other school staff member to deter-

mine where, when and how help is

needed and where your interests fit in.

Volunteer time. Parents can:

• Be classroom helpers

• Tutor or read with individual chil-

dren

• Assist children with special needs

• Help in special labs, such as

computer or science

• Plan and work in fundraising

• Plan and accompany classes on

field trips

• Assist coaches at sporting events

• Help out with arts and crafts

workshops

Involved Parents: The Hidden Resource (Continued)

• Assist with a special inter-

est club or drama group

• Speak to classes about

your career or special expertise

• Help write press releases

or local news articles

• Work as a library assistant;

help with story time

• Vote in school board elec-

tions – know what the candi-

dates stand for

• Participate in parent-

teacher associations and school

decisions

• Help your school set chal-

lenging academic standards Become an advocate for better education in your community and state.

The possibilities are endless.

Staying involved – the middle

and high school years

In adolescence, children be-

come more independent and

usually don’t want their par-

ents in school. In middle and

high school, students have to

deal with more courses and

more teachers in a more imper-

sonal way, so parent involve-

ment, although less direct, is

still critical. Parents can par-

ticipate in events at school,

monitor homework, provide

experiences and materials that

supplement course work, and

help children with organiza-

tional strategies. Parents can

influence their children’s aca-

demic progress by encourage-

ment, reinforcement, and mod-

eling. Children learn from their

parents’ own learning styles

and activities, such as discus-

sions, newspapers and other

reading materials, television

habits and quests for informa-

tion and knowledge.

INVOLVED PARENTS: THE HIDDEN RESOURCE

(CONTINUED)

WILLIAM COOPERMAN

BLAKE DENSON

AKELIA HIGGINS

CARLOS EASLEY

CODY EASLEY

AMANDA MARLOW

DAKOTA TUCKER

ASHLEY VELASQUEZ

ARIEL VINES

ELEALEH VINES

ZACHERY WARBRITTON

HOW PARENT INVOLVE-

MENT PAYS OFF

When parents contribute effort and time,

they have the opportunity to interact with

teachers, administrators, and other par-

ents. They can learn first-hand about the

daily activities and the social culture of the

school, both of which help them under-

stand what their child's life is like.

The child and the school both benefit, and

parents serve as role models as they dem-

onstrate the importance of community

participation. In addition to improving

academic progress, parental involvement

pays off in other significant ways. Numer-

ous studies have shown that parents' in-

volvement is a protective factor against

adolescent tobacco use, depression, eating

disorders, academic struggles, and other

problems. By staying involved with their

child and/or teenager, parents can be a

source of support, create a climate for

discussing tough issues and serve as role

models for responsible and empathic be-

havior.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS!

6

Diva vs. Songbird in a special event that you WILL NOT want to miss! Stay tuned throughout the summer for more info about this challenge. Only 1 will claim the ultimate victory!

CATCH THE DREAM! Full of

onstage joy and backstage

drama, the sensational new

production of Dreamgirls tells

the story of an up-and-coming

1960s girl singing group, and the

triumphs and tribulations that

come with fame and fortune.

With music by Academy Award

nominee Henry Krieger and book

and lyrics by Tony and Grammy

Award winner Tom

Eyen, Dreamgirls features the

unforgettable hits: "And I Am

Telling You I'm Not Going," "One

Night Only" and "Listen." This

Tony and Academy Award

winning musical sparkles like

never before!

This event is part of our cultural

experiences and will be offered to

Honor Roll Students. The event

will be held at the Carson Center

in Paducah, KY. Dinner will be

provided prior to the

performance. Stay tuned for

more information about this!

2013 SUMMER CHALLENGE

DREAMGIRLS—MARCH 23, 2013

7

VS

AIMS STAFF

February May TBA Summer Employment 4th SAT Test Date Interviews 27th Bridge Move-In Day

2nd Academic Team Meeting June (Additional Information pg.5 of this newsletter) & 1st SAT Test Date MANDATORY 8th ACT Test Date Bridge Meeting 3 10th Undergraduate Move-In Day 9th ACT Test Date 29th—July 3rd End of Summer Trip 23rd Kentucky TRiO Day Celebration/ Scholars Bowl Competition Morehead State University

March 9th SAT Test Date 23rd Honor Roll Trip: Dreamgirls Dinner TBA April TBA College Tour

13th ACT Test Date

27th AIMS Summer Orientation 9:00am—12:00pm 251 Blackburn Science Bldg

Adventures in Math &

Science

Murray State University

240 Blackburn Science Building

Murray, KY 42071

Phone: 1-877=424-6777

Fax: 270-809-4351

E-mail: murraystate.edu/aims

Dr. Doris Clark-Sarr, Director dclarksarr@murraystate.edu

Stephen D. Keene, Coordinator skeene@murraystate.edu

Evan O’Neal, Coordinator eoneal@murraystate.edu

Gail Woolridge, Adminstrative Assistant gwoolridge@murraystate.edu