5) No screaming or shouting

in the classrooms,

hallways, or stairways.

from Rules at the Juan Marcos Huelga School (Even the Unspoken Ones)

by Lupe Mendez

New in this week's Dragon's Fire

This week we're kicking off a showcase of TCS student art with pandemic PSAs. Thanks so much to Mr. Wolk and Mr. Alex for giving us access to student art and to students for being willing to share.

Start 2021 with a gift! The CSCA seeks funds from families twice a year: the Annual Fund in the fall and the Auction in the spring are the primary ways the CSCA raises money. Last spring we had to cancel the auction because of the Covid-19 lockdown. This means that the CSCA has not raised any funds so far this year. While we're not physically in school, we use those funds to support our teachers and students in a variety of important ways. We know these are very challenging times for families, we ask you to give what you can.

It's hard to parent our teens under the best of circumstances. It can be downright baffling in a pandemic. Deborah Farmer Kris's article provides some much-needed perspective on the best ways to be there for our kids right now. Her advice includes:

Kris goes into depth on each of these topics, providing information on why they work and tips on how to implement them. Read the full article.

While it's easy to focus on all the things we can't do right now, getting outside is one of the things we all can do. And even better, there's lots of evidence that being outside is good for you! Here are some of the mental and physical benefits of getting outside:

So, the next time your teen is feeling stressed or stuck, suggest a walk outside. Among all the other benefits of being outside, walking has been shown to improve creativity. Just for kicks, check out these wonderful old words for walking. Then get out there and take a hike!

(Sources: Business Insider and Mental Floss.)

Each year TCS provides students with a Student Handbook that is included in the student planner. This year TCS opted to forgo the planner but has been working on other ways to provide students with access to an up-to-date handbook. Dr. Casey has been revising the Student Handbook as school policies and procedures have been adjusted for COVID-19 response. When revisions are complete, the TCS Student Handbook will be posted on the TCS website as well as on the Source and Schoology. We'll let you know when that happens.

Because SPS will not return to in-person instruction during the first semester, the Jan 26, 2021 school day PSAT and PSAT/NMSQT have been canceled. While these are not required tests for college admissions, the PSAT and PSAT/NMSQT help students prepare for the SAT and are offered to all SPS sophomores and juniors. Read more.

The current plan is for SPS to administer the SAT to juniors on a regular school day, Mar 3, 2021. The SAT is offered to all juniors free of charge. No pre-registration is required. Questions about specific administration details should be directed to the testing coordinator at TCS. This plan could change to ensure that Seattle Public Schools meets all established health policies and protocols. Read more.

Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology (DO-IT) Scholars prepares Washington State high school students with disabilities for success in college and careers. Scholars attend summer study sessions, held during three consecutive summers at the UW campus. This allows students to experience college life and work on self-advocacy skills. Throughout the school year, students connect with program staff, DO-IT Mentors, and each other using email and e-lists. They also meet in-person at DO-IT events, complete individual and group projects, and receive valuable information and support for the transition to college. NNL is currently recruiting students for year-round programming and the upcoming summer camp in 2021. High school students (and their parents) who are interested in participating can contact Scott Bellman for more information.

Seattle University offers academic, credit bearing, high school summer programs. SU’s Summer Business Institute is an Albers School of Business & Economics program focused on social entrepreneurship. The program provides high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship, marketing, data visualization, accounting, economics, and more while gaining exposure to university life in the Seattle area. Scholarships are available. Application deadline is Mar 30, 2021.

Find inspiration, plan for college, and empower your future with Microsoft's High School Program. Get hands-on experience and on-the-job learning as you work on technology projects that make a difference in people's lives around the world. Starting in Jan, the Microsoft High School Internship is open to current high school students who live within 50 miles of Redmond, WA and have a demonstrated interest in technology. Students must be at least 16 years old and have a legal right to work in the US for the duration of the internship. Applicants should be available to work full-time (paid) for 10 consecutive weeks (Jun 22–Aug 28, 2020). More information and application.

ISB is offering 8-week, paid summer research internships for rising seniors (juniors) to learn complete systems of biology research and work with many specialists. Interns will be directly involved in a variety of projects, using many types of technology and techniques, while gaining valuable microbiology, engineering, and computational experience. If you are enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research and the practice of systems biology and systems thinking, get more information and apply.

Preparing a diverse pipeline of community-minded students with the leadership training they need to be successful in the workforce is vital to B of A's approach to responsible growth and helps build thriving communities. Every year, through our Student Leaders program, we help connect 225 community-minded high school juniors and seniors to employment, skills development, and service. Students are awarded paid summer internships with local nonprofits such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity and participate in a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. The Student Leaders Summit focuses on skill-building and creating a more civically engaged society. The 2021 Student Leaders application period is open until Jan 31, 2021. Learn more about locations and eligibility criteria.

Teens In Public Service is a not-for-profit dedicated to developing future leaders committed to their communities. TIPS selects teenage leaders ages 15–19 for paid community service internships and pairs them with charitable organizations over the summer. Internships offer teens practical work experience, an understanding of ethical leadership, and a venue to put their values into action. Applications are due by Mar 5, 2021.

The College Success Foundation’s scholarship application cycle has begun. Applications will close Jan 31, 2021. Read more and apply.

Pride Foundation scholarships fund LGBTQ+ students who have faced barriers, regardless of school, major, or GPA. We see leadership, and leadership potential, in students who show up for their communities and want to help find new, better ways forward. Since awarding our first scholarship in 1993, we have awarded over $6 million to more than 1,800 students in AK, ID, MT, OR, and WA. Pride Foundation has more than 60 scholarship funds available through a single application. Applications are due Jan 8, 2021. Read more and apply.

About Scholarship is offering a $1000 cash scholarship to support students during COVID-19 so they can continue their education. Any student currently enrolled (during the 2020 school year) in an American high school, college, or university may apply. Simply fill in our short application form—no essay required. Winner(s) will be announced once the scholarship application deadline passes. Deadline: Apr 30, 2021. Apply here.

In addition to its own service learning program for high school students, the Seattle Public Library provides a list of other organizations providing service learning opportunities. If your teen is searching for volunteer opportunities, check out SPL's list.

Seattle Public Library has retooled itself as a robust online community resource. Check out its many offerings for high school students, including academic support, projects, learning guides, and mental health resources.

The Center for Neurotechnology (CNT) at the University of Washington sponsors a five-day YSP-REACH program on the Seattle Campus during the summer. The goal is to provide students with exposure to the field of neural engineering and provide basic preparation for college studies in STEM subjects as well as future STEM careers. High school students receive an introduction to neuroscience and neural engineering, neuroethics, scientific communication, and the latest developments in brain-computer interfaces.

Planned dates for summer 2021 are Aug 2–6. If the program is held in-person, the cost will be $500/student. If the program is held online, the cost will be $100/student. Scholarships to cover the costs for some students will be available. Application for the 2021 summer program is now available. Application deadline is Mar 1, 2021.

This event is a launching point for youth action and provides an opportunity for students from across the Puget Sound to share ideas and learn from others in the environmental community. A keynote will kick off the event; then, participants will take part in three round-table discussions centered on environmental topics. Discussions are moderated by a professional from the environmental field. Afterwards, we'll enter a town-hall style reflection to share ideas and actions that address these environmental issues. This year student selected table topics will include: waste reduction, climate change, marine health, environmental justice, plastics, and much more.

The summit is for students grades 8–12 and will take place Jan 20, 2021, 1–3:45 pm. Registration deadline is Jan 15, 2021. Read more and register online.

Skyhawks Sports Academy needs exceptional youth sports coaches to lead youth sports classes and camps for ages 4–12. Read more and apply.

The Washington Youth Academy's mission is to provide at-risk youth a quality education, positive values, and life and job skills training that will change their lives and give them hope and opportunity for a new future. This is a free life intervention, credit recovery program that requires cadets to live in provided housing in Bremerton, WA for half a year. Any WA state resident can apply. The program is highly-structured with an emphasis on personal responsibility to provide a positive, safe, and secure learning environment. Read more and apply here.