2nd Grade Programming
Energy and enthusiasm abound when 2nd graders join A Call to College for Reading Rocks at the Licking County Library and Denison football players lead by example with I Know I Can week.
Our Reading Rocks 2nd grade field trips to the library took on a new and improved look this year! A BIG thank you to the library’s Youth Services team who took the lead on student tours and kept students totally engaged in a unique station centered around library book etiquette. Fearless Children’s Service Director, Caitlynn, kept students captivated with her reading of "A Perfectly Messed-Up Story". Ask your student about Caitlynn’s list of do’s and don’ts for library books.
We continued the tradition of reading "The Little Engine that Could", and after touring the library, students departed with their very own library card! Please make a time to visit this newly renovated space with your student – you’ll be glad you did!
Thirty eight Denison football players were happy to be back in 2nd grade classrooms at all seven Newark elementary schools this fall. After a three year hiatus, they returned to read "I Know I Can", a story that inspires young students to dream big about their futures while introducing the idea of college in a fun and meaningful way.
After reading the book, students are able to interview the football players and every student receives their very own copy of the book to take home!
4th Grade Programming
College going behaviors and money management, OH MY! Look below to learn about the 4th grade College and Money Savvy Wildcats curriculum.
Practicing College-going behaviors and learning about basic money management are the central focus of our College & Money Savvy Wildcat curriculum.
Seven lessons are presented to help students understand the work they do now, even in 4th grade, matters! Homework, Attendance, In-Class Work and Reading are four behaviors, that when practiced regularly, will prepare students for their future career - no matter the path they choose.
Each 4th grade classroom chose one Ohio college to learn about and was presented with a fun fact each week. Ask your student about their chosen college – where is it located? What is their mascot? How large is the college and what are some of the majors they offer? Does the college offer High Skills Certificates, two or four year degrees?
6th Grade Programming
Sixth graders strut their stuff at eight central Ohio campuses with the Kids2College program.
Heritage, Liberty and Wilson middle schools received six lessons of our Kids to College curriculum – but this year we were far more confident our capstone event – the always popular campus visits – would take place, and it did!
Prior to stepping foot on campus, students learned about the different type of degrees that can be earned. We discussed the connection between education and earning power, and completed a career-interest inventory that revealed possible skills and/or careers based on their own unique strengths. Students played the role of an Admissions Counselor, comparing two high school students’ transcripts. Lastly, students learned about the importance of filing the FAFSA, which can open doors to financial aid.
CATS IN COLLEGE
Barbara Tyler NHS '19
Xavier University
Major: Biology
Share a practice from high school that made going to college a reality. During my senior year, Ms. Brewer (now Mrs. Miracle) taught our class the concept of having a growth mindset over a fixed mindset. This means trying to cut out negative self-talk and seeing failure as an opportunity to grow. I tried to apply this to the rest of my high school experience and carried it with me through college.
What suggestions would you give to current Wildcats and their families to prepare financially for college? It is no secret that college can be expensive. Seeing the cost breakdown can make your stomach churn! I would recommend applying to as many local scholarships as possible. They add up! Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to the school’s financial aid department. They may be able to help you get more money through scholarships/grants. It also gives you an opportunity to interact with their department, which can say a lot about a school.
Please share your favorite academic moment from Xavier University. My favorite academic moment was getting positive feedback on a mock grant proposal I wrote. It really helped me overcome a lot of the imposter syndrome I had been struggling with.
Have you had any special experiences as part of your major, like travel or an internship? I have been lucky to participate in 2 research internships related to my biology major. I currently work in a virology lab on Hepatitis B research for the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. This has been a perfect opportunity, as it has given me a chance to apply the skills and concepts I have learned in my college courses to real life.
What are your next steps after graduating with your Bachelor’s degree? I will be graduating in December and will start medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in the fall of 2023. In the interim, I will be continuing to work on research at the virology lab.
Share a favorite NHS memory. I have a lot of great memories from Newark High School, but being in Acting Ensemble and playing Two Bit in The Outsiders was definitely one of the highlights!
Credits:
Created with an image by Tai's Captures