The start of a new Academic Year and there is much to do. While things are in continuous flux, there are always schedules, supplies, activities and more. As students prepare to enter in-person instruction there are so many emotions - excitement, anxiety, fear, and anticipation in an attempt to do the best we can to return to some type of normal. Households are a buzz in preparation and parents too, are feeling those emotions. While there are many rules and forms to complete, above all, talk to each other consistently. Take each other’s temperature (see where each other is at mentally). Ask each other how your day has been? Talk to each other without the cell phone present or TV on - truly be present with each other and listen.
As we begin the school year, we also begin the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15 - October 15, 2021. AGUILA recognizes the culture, traditions and contributions of so many individuals who are comfortable as Mexican, Mexican-Americans, Hispanics, Latino/a, Chicano/a or Latinx. Connecting to our heritage is important and AGUILA has long held that “You need to know where you come from in order to know where you are going.” To that end, AGUILA was provided with direction, instruction and guidance by Dr. Christine Marin (ASU Professor/Emeritus) in the development of the AGUILA Oral History Project in 2007.
Since its introduction as a senior assignment, AGUILA students have had the opportunity to discover their past. Much more than tracing one’s roots, the stories of challenges, sacrifices and dedication of those who came before them contribute to a student’s sense of self, pride, confidence and determination to succeed in learning upon whose shoulders they stand.
During Hispanic Heritage Month we honor the work of Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Corky Gonzales, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Roberto Clemente, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, Sylvia Mendez, Celia Cruz, and Richard and Mary Ybarra (my parents). Yes, there are many famous people who have worked hard - they are the shoulders we stand upon and have made it possible for us to share our voice. Through my own Oral History Project, I had the privilege to journey with my Nana Cuca through story, memories and love - she is MY hero. Take the time - take the journey - learn YOUR history.
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Tips for Parents & Students! |
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THE PSAT-What is it and why should I take it? |
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What is the PSAT?
The PSAT is a practice version of the SAT, but it can lead to more money for college. The PSAT is administered by each high school on an individual basis (rather than at designated test centers like the SAT). This means that high schools get to decide which date to offer to students. You will need to check with your counselor and prepare!
Why take the PSAT?
One of the most important reasons for taking the PSATs is that a student can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. According to 2014 figures, 3% of the 1.5 million students who sat the PSAT exam-around 50,000-qualified for the NMSP. These students scored the highest in critical reading, mathematics, and writing.
Additionally, of these 50,000 students, 34,000 received letters of commendation to include in their college applications. Of the commended students, 16,000 were selected as semi-finalists. From that number, 7,440 students were ultimately selected for National Merit Scholarships. National Merit Scholars can look forward to receiving HUGE scholarships-even FULL RIDES in some cases-from some of the most prestigious colleges. It pays $$$ to take the PSAT.
Ultimately, the most important reason to take the PSAT is that it prepares students for the SAT which can stress even the most prepared student. The SAT test is three hours and forty-five minutes long. Taking the PSAT allows a student to become more comfortable with the setting, become more confident and prepared for the SAT.
At AGUILA, we are blessed to have an expert in PSAT/SAT/ACT preparation in
Dr. Montye Fuse. He is dedicated and has been successful in helping our students in preparation for these tests.
Dates
The PSAT NMSQT will also be offered in October 2021 to 10th and 11th graders. These are three possible PSAT test dates in Fall 2021:
- Primary: Wednesday, October 13
- Weekend: Saturday, October 16
- Alternate: Thursday, October 26
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Student Volunteer Opportunities! |
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Looking to Give Back to Aguila? We Need Student Ambassadors! |
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Are you a student in need of volunteer hours? Looking for ways to give back? We are looking for Aguilitas to write thank you cards to send to our amazing donors and funders! We supply the cards and you apply those writing skills! Interested? Send Ms. Perez an email at cperez@aguilayouth.org
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Director of Career and Volunteer Services
Cora Perez
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Community Relations Manager - Lisa Lopez Risch |
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Aguila Success Coach Bob Wenham
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AZ Humanities has been a longtime and valued partner of Aguila. Since 1973, AZ Humanities has supported public programs that promote the understanding of the human experience with cultural, educational, and nonprofit organizations across Arizona. They provide grants and resources for high-quality public humanities programs, promote literacy through reading events and offer informative speakers through the AZ Speaks program, just to name a few.
This Saturday, September 25th, from 10:30 to 11:30A.M. AZ Humanities will host a free webinar entitled “She Dared Do What??? The Courageous Arizona Journalist History Tried to Erase" with Jana Bommersbach”. This is the fascinating story of one of the most courageous and unknown Arizona journalists, Laura Nihell. Laura owned the Copper Belt in Jerome from 1909 to 1912—in the midst of Arizona’s quest for statehood and voting rights for women—and stood up against one of the ugliest chapters in our history: The Chinese Purge. This story is told by one of Arizona’s most honored and respected journalists, Jana Bommersback. She has won numerous accolades and is truly an Arizona treasure. She currently writes for True West magazine, digging up the true stories behind the popular myths, with an emphasis on Arizona’s real history and women of the Old West. Her insight, knowledge and wit produce exuberant, riveting speeches. To register visit Register
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Natali Olveda-Martinez (AGUILA '2010) - Welcome back to the Nest |
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Natali Olveda-Martinez was born and raised in Salinas, California to former migrant field workers turned educators. She moved to Arizona in 2006 wherein she became involved with AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute participating in the program until her graduation from Verrado High School in 2010. After graduation, Natali moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to attend Salem College where she was recruited to run cross country and track. While attending Salem College, Natali received two Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Science and the other in Biology.
After college, Natali returned to California and managed her own Jiffy Lube Store in the central coast. She worked there for 2 years until she returned to Arizona to teach at her former high school, Verrado. Natali is in her 6th year of teaching Biology at Verrado. Since her time at Verrado she has coached an array of sports including girl’s basketball, girl’s beach volleyball, cross country, and track. She also started the AVID program at Verrado which will feature its first graduating cohort this school year. Currently Natali lives in Peoria with her wife Andria and their three French bulldogs, Auggie, Stella, and Zedd. She enjoys running, fitness, and training for marathons in all aspects, woodworking, being a dog mom, teaching her students, and coaching her women and men’s cross-country team at Verrado.
AGUILA is excited to welcome Natali back to the Nest as Freshman Faculty in our High School Institute where she can share her experiences both in AGUILA and college in preparing them for college, career and life.
Natali lives by the quote “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, but the ones most adaptable to change”.
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Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit school that sits in the heart of Silicone Valley. The school opened its doors as Santa Clara College in 1851. Originally an all-boys school, Santa Clara College became Santa Clara University (SCU) in 1912 after adding the law and engineering schools. The Leavey School of Business opened in 1926 and soon became one of the first business schools to achieve national accreditation. In 1961, the school admitted its first female students, becoming the first Catholic coeducational university in California. SCU now enrolls 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world. |
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SEUSS-ISMS! - A guide to Life for Those Just Starting Out…and Those Already on Their Way. Dr. Seuss
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
There are
So many things
You can learn about.
BUT. . .you’ll miss
The best things
If you keep
Your eyes shut.
--I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! - Dr. Seuss
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From Center for Disease Control(CDC):
Key Things to Know about the COVID-19 Vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
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You may have side effects after vaccination, but these are normal.
- It typically takes two weeks after you are fully vaccinated for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19.
How to Protect Yourself When Going Out
· Wear a mask that covers your mouth AND nose to help protect yourself and others.
· Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
· Avoid crowds.
· Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
If You are at Risk of Getting Very Sick
· People of any age can get COVID-19, even healthy young adults, and children.
· People who are older or have certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
· Other groups may be at higher risk for getting COVID-19 or having a more severe illness.
What to Do If You're Sick
· STAY HOME except to get medical care.
· Isolate yourself from other members of your family to prevent spread to them and the people that they may have contact with, like grandparents.
· Even if you don’t feel sick, you can spread COVID-19 to others.
· Get care immediately if you are having emergency warning signs, like trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest.
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You can help us make a difference in the lives of a growing number of students who aspire to create change through education. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and is tax-deductible. |
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