Marion Home School Assistance Program Newsletter January 2021

A NOTE FROM OUR DIRECTOR:

January NEW Dropoff/Pickup Begins ..... Jan. 4 Those were some of the final words of my wife’s uncle to his family before he passed away. He was apparently wanting to impress on his children to not get APEX Deadline ...... Jan. 4 so burdened down with life’s responsibilities that they miss out on fun opportu- Session 3 Classes Begin ...... Jan. 4 nities. He didn’t want them to come to the end of their lives with regrets. Life Moving into New Year ...... Jan. 4-7 does carry certain responsibilities, and they are never ending. The harder we try

Barton Parent Info Meeting ...... Jan. 7 and the more disciplined we attempt to be, we can’t seem to find time to in- clude lots of fun. Math Tutoring Resumes ...... Jan. 7 Taking breaks to do something enjoyable is like a reset button that is important Moving into New Year ...... Jan. 11-14 for our mental health. It can be an oasis to help gain perspective. It brings re- Bingo Mania ...... Jan. 13 freshment. Too often though the breaks are forced as an afterthought rather

Freshman Night ...... Jan. 14 than a proactive plan for our well being. We are coming up upon a new year. Learning Ally Deadline ...... Jan. 15 What if this coming year we planned the less desirable responsibilities of our lives around the most desirable? Kind of like thinking of eating dessert before Postcard Deadline ...... Jan. 15 the meal. MHS Pre-Reg. Meeting ...... Jan. 20, 27 After a year of COVID restrictions, the impact of the derecho, and national politi- Drop-in Advising ...... Jan. 26 cal turmoil, we need some refreshment. We need hope of something better; Photo Contest Deadline ...... Jan. 29 and not just hope, but actually begin to make plans. What things do you really Job Shadow Deadline ...... Jan. 29 want to do before December 31, 2021? Is it starting a hobby, taking a class to help you be better at something, traveling to a place you’ve not been before, Virtual Kids Go STEM...... Jan. 30 reading books that you’ve been looking forward to, spending more quality time Valentine Bags Deadline ...... Feb. 1 with your family and friends? It’s time to take anything you’ve longed to do and Gym & Swim Resumes ...... Feb. 2 move these things from the luxury column to the necessity column. Set your priorities for enjoyment this year and put them on your calendar as non- negotiables. Demonstrate for your children that adulthood is something to as- pire to, because there is joy and excitement to be had when they get there.

Is your child’s learning planned around enjoyable activities, or are those activi-

OFFICE Hours ties sandwiched in occasionally as an afterthought to the “”? Have M - F: 9:00am - 3:30pm you brought their learning to life, and the wonder that can be found there, or is The Marion district buildings learning kept separate from life on the pages of a boring workbook and text- (includes MHSAP) are currently book? Interestingly, in the years before high school, we only used curriculum closed to visitors, including parents. with our children on a regular basis for one subject- math. That was the subject If you have a question or we can that they consistently scored the lowest on when they took standardized tests. help in any way, call 319 373-9209. We hurt their potential love of the subject, by boring them. We could have taught many of the basic principles with enjoyable activities from games and life LIBRARY Curbside Hours skills (woodworking, sewing, cooking, etc.) M - F: 10:00am - Noon 1:00 - 3:00pm In 2021, look forward to more enjoyment and fulfillment in your life. In the midst of your responsibilities, including homeschooling, ask yourself, “Are we having lots of fun yet?” If not, make a change. TE

Marion Home School Assistance Program phone: 319-373-9209 Emerson Learning Center fax: 319-373-4492 1400 Tenth Avenue • Marion, IA 52302 https://mhsap.marion-isd.org

Important Information ...... 2 Session 3 Classes Begin the Week of January 4 Session 3 Classes Begin If your plans have changed since you registered your , or if you 2021 Iowa Assessment Update know they will not be able to attend at least three classes, please unregis- Learning Ally Deadline ter them. This gives those on the waiting list the ability to participate. NEW Dropoff/Pickup Guidelines .. 3 HOW TO UNREGISTER at http://mhsap.marion-isd.org/: Student Spotlight ...... 4 1. Click Student Info button in the upper left. Mock Trial Results 2. Click View (under classes and the student's name). Seven Wonders Online Class ...... 4 3. Click Registered List or Waiting List. 4. Click Unregister by the specific class. APEX Deadline Jan. 4 ...... 4 CLASS ATTENDANCE NOTES: If do not attend the first week with- Barton Reading & Spelling ...... 5 out a call or email from the parents, we will make one attempt to contact Photography Contest ...... 5 you via email. If there is no communication, we will assume the student will not participating. will contact students on the waiting list if Valentine Party-in-a-Bag...... 5 space in a class becomes available. Do not stop by the day of class to see Financial Literacy Fair ...... 6 if there is space as others may be on the waiting list before your student. MHS Math Placement ...... 6 Contact: Becky Peiffer, [email protected]

Mathematics ...... 6 Tutoring Resumes 2021 Iowa Assessment Update Building Math Minds The deadline to sign up for the ISASP (Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress) has passed. Families of registered students received a From the Library ...... 7-8 Curbside Hours confirmation email in December. The link to the ISASP PRACTICE TESTS is: New Materials Reviews http://iowa.pearsonaccessnext.com/test-prep/ New Materials If you have any time changes, they have to be made by April 1. An email Donation Drive ...... 8 with room assignments and other testing details will be sent in April. Testing tips and other information are on the MHSAP website: Oh, the Places We Could Go! ...... 8 https://mhsap.marion-isd.org under Registration > Assessments. Career Exploration ...... 9 Contact: Amy Forret, [email protected] Kirkwood’s Career Academies Virtual Kids Go STEM! How to Find Career that Fits Interests Learning Ally Audio Books DEADLINE: January 15 Take Virtual Tours of Engineering Careers L.A. has already helped hundreds of thousands of children, ages 6 - 18, High School News ...... 10-11 become more confident, independent learners. They have also helped Advising Options parents and teachers via support and advice. Books are read by human Job Shadows voices. Accounts will be active through May 2021. Titles include textbooks Summer Internships Scholarship Opportunities (e.g. Apologia science or Bob Jones curriculum) and fiction (e.g. Little House on the Prairie, Charlotte’s Web, or The Hobbit). Ask your supervis- Fit Bits ...... 11 ing for more info about this program and the enrollment criteria. Gym & Swim Update Moving into the New Year To RENEW for January - May 2021: Families that signed up last May or Family Sledding Events September, don’t need to sign up again. If you didn’t sign up, but have Bingo Mania had Learning Ally at MHSAP before, simply remit a $15 check or cash in an Field Trips ...... 12 envelope to Katie Toomer by Jan. 15. Include your name, your student’s Great Backyard Bird Count name, and “Learning Ally” on the outside of the envelope. Mail your Iowa Farm Tours Teach History without a Textbook check to Katie Toomer at MHSAP, 1400 10th Ave, Marion , Iowa 52302. AgArts Or, you can pay online—just check with Katie ([email protected]). Fortepan Iowa Katie will renew your membership. Make sure that you renew again for Google Lit Trips the year in May. Crash Course Try a Historic Driving Trail To Enroll January - May 2021: Parents, please fill out the L.A. request Driftless Center form at https://tinyurl.com/LArequest2021 by Friday, January 15. If your PBS Learning Community Ida Grove Castles child qualifies, Katie will email you after January 15 to pay the $15 semes- Geological Exploration in Coon Rapids ter fee. After payment is received, you will receive an email welcoming you to L.A. downloads with username and password for audio books. MHSAP’s site-license allows your child a substantial discount for L.A. View instructions for access on 3 electronic devices at www.learningally.org

Contacts: Kathy Allen, [email protected] or

Katie Toomer, [email protected]

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Seven Wonders of the

World Online Class FOR GRADES 2 - 5 MHSAP Middle School Mock Trial Competition Results To empower our homeschoolers, This year our mock trial students had the opportunity to compete using we ’re excited to offer this online a virtual format. MHSAP had two teams competing at the regional level, class. The self-guided unit study will with one team, Team B25’s, advancing to the Iowa Middle School Mock provide activities, printable Trial State Tournament, December 1-5. handouts, games, video recommen- Team Flaming Hot Cheetos consisted of At Table: Aaron Quaas, Sam dations, and a live online gathering Proctor, Drew Kennedy In back: Zavier Riedell, Isabella Meyer, Emily at the end of the class. Families Hawkins, Michael Tice Not Pictured: Rosella Light, Cassian Smith may use as much of this resource as Student coaches: Lydia Bitterman, Acacia Coates, Katy Hawkins, and they desire. Registered families will

Isadora Smith. They went 1:1 at the regional tournament advancing into be sent a link to all the class re- the “play-off” round. sources and more information, when it opens for Session 3, the Team B25’s consisting of Front Row: Olivia Coates, Sophia Greco, Sarah Pint, Jake Miller, Cayden Schlee Back Row: Holly Bitterman, Nate week of January 4. Holmberg, Ollie Olander, Demetrius Smith Student coaches: Jeffrey As always, we look forward to Barta and Nia Boentoro, went 2:0 at the regional level, advancing them sharing activities for our MHSAP to the state tournament. At the state meet, the B25’s advanced to the Families to facilitate educational quarterfinals, placing fifth in the stateof Iowa. opportunities for your homeschool needs. Sarah Pint was awarded Outstanding All-State Witness and Cayden Schlee was awarded Outstanding All-State Attorney. REGSITER NOW at https:// tinyurl.com/MHSAP7Wonders We are very proud of our mockers—they all represented MHSAP well! Contact: Jill Elliott, [email protected]

APEX Online Courses

Signup Deadline Jan. 4 FOR GRADES 6 - 12 MHSAP offers an online curriculum option to middle school and high school students through a program called Apex. You can find a list of courses along with the registration form on our website under the high school and middle school tabs. Did you know Apex also offers technology courses like coding, MHSAP Middle School Mock Trial Team Flaming Hot Cheetos game design, 3D printing and fash- ion design? The technology regis- tration form can also be found on our website. Technology seats are limited. REGISTRATION is NOW OPEN for 2nd semester. Apex 2nd semester begins January 11. Registration DEADLINE: January 4, 2021. Find the registration forms and course list on the MHSAP website: http://mhsap.marion-isd.org (login, then click high school or middle school). Contact: Shalane Hulet, MHSAP Middle School Mock Trial Team B25’s

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Barton Reading & Spelling Parent Info Meeting Attention all Photography Enthusi- asts!! Now is the time to start sorting Thursday, January 7 through your awesome photos and 10:00am - 12:00pm • ONLINE pick out the best of the best for the You must attend this meeting to sign annual MHSAP Photography Contest. up for the Barton Program. Below is a list and description of this SIGN UP by emailing Kathy, year’s categories: [email protected]  Portrait: a photograph of a Who Can Benefit from Barton? person or group of people that Almost any child can benefit from captures the personality of the subject. the Barton system, however, the  Landscape: a photo shot horizontally that is an overall outdoor scene program has been successful for chil- such as mountains, lakes, gardens, rivers, forest, etc. Can also include dren aged 6 and older who struggle cityscapes. with spelling, reading, and writing.  Nature: taken outdoors of plants, animals, flowers in a close-up view. Learn more: bartonreading.com  Still-Life: a genre of photography used to depict inanimate objects One MHSAP mom said: “I absolutely usually arranged in a group, i.e. a bowl of fruit or table set-up. know Barton has benefited my kids. Barton equips my children to  Photo Effects: Using a variety of filters to enhance a photo with either read effectively and gives them the changing the color to B & W or sepia tone for example, or using a filter to tools to spell and write. Barton is create interesting textures in the photo. (*Note: please include the origi- incredibly systematic. Homeschool nal picture before the effects were done to compare.) moms, especially, because life and  Architecture: a photograph of a building or structure that makes it look school intermingle, need a system aesthetically pleasing. It could be a public building, home, or other struc- that is laid out and easy to tutor. I ture such as a barn or large sculpture. feel Barton is potentially the only OG  “Life as a Homeschooler”: Anything related to homeschooling, such program that homeschool moms can as, field trips, day-to-day routine, projects, family or class activities, etc. effectively learn and utilize without a Photos can be either 5X7 or 4X6 in size and either Matte or Glossy finish. very steep learning curve.” LIMIT OF 7 PHOTOS TOTAL per student. Submit 1 photo per category or a Training Workshops & Support mix and match. Student’s name should be written on the back of the photo and on the entry form. At MHSAP, we train and provide sup- port for using the Barton Program. ENTRY FORMS are available through Connie Ostroot in the MHSAP office or If you would like to use the program, for download at https://tinyurl.com/photocontest21. When attaching pho- we require parent to attend 3 work- tos to entry forms paper clip the photo to the form. DO NOT STAPLE. shops. Do not frame or mat your entries. Spring Semester: All photos will be prepped and displayed anonymously. The photos will be ALL ONLINE from 9:00am - 3:00pm displayed and will compete under the category for which they are • Level 1: Thurs., Jan. 14 submitted. Questions, please contact Miss Bunce:mbunce@marion -isd.org • Level 2: Thurs., Jan. 28 Students can start submitting photos in January. You can submit photos to • Level 3: Thurs., Feb. 18 either Connie Ostroot in the MHSAP office or Melanie Bunce. • Level 4: Thurs., Mar. 25 DEADLINE for submissions is Friday, January 29. Cost: $30/binder rental Contact: Melanie Bunce, [email protected] & $10/tile set per level Price includes scripted lesson plans and a DVD. Pay only once per level per family. Many students finish 3 Tuesday, Feb. 9 • Morning/Afternoon Times • 11th Ave. Door pickup levels in a year. There are 10 levels, For the safety of our families, we have planned a Party-In-A-Bag for you! after which they are reading at 9.5 Bags will be full of activities, crafts, history, valentines, and more! grade level. Spelling accuracy may follow this pattern also. Register each student who wants to receive a bag by February 1 at: https://forms.gle/f3BG2kjRw9Edp6mu7 Contact: Kathy Allen, [email protected] If you want to SHARE VALENTINES with others (optional), please have them ready and turn in to Sally Hofmann at MHSAP any Monday or Friday in Janu- ary between 9:45am - 1:30pm. We cannot accept Valentines after Feb. 1. [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]

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Financial Literacy Fair FOR GRADES 7 - 8 May 2021 • In-person or Virtual After completing a unit study at home on financial literacy topics, studnets in grades 7 and 8 grade Contact: Gina Kleman, [email protected] have the opportunity to participate Tutoring Resumes January 7 in a Financial Literacy Fair hosted Thursdays 12:15 - 1:30pm • Fridays 11:30am - 1:00pm • AT MHSAP, Rm. 9 by Workplace Learning Connec- tions. At the Fair, students will cre- Building Math Minds ate a budget based on expected Who doesn't love a good mystery? This month’s strategy for building your entry level income from a vocation math mind comes from blogger Steve Wybourney (stevewyborney.com) of their choice. Volunteers will help who created Esti-mysteries and number Splats! We used Esti-Mysteries students select budget expense and Splats! in many of our Number Wonder classes this fall to the stu- items such as savings, housing, dents’ delight! What is an Esti-Mystery? It begins with a colorful picture. transportation, and extras. When After asking your student,“ What do you notice? What do you wonder?”, students have completed their the PowerPoint presentation (found at tinyurl.com/EstiMysteriesPPT) budgets, they will meet one-on-one allows you to click to the next slide which gives clues to answer some of with a credit counselor to discuss those questions your student may have asked. Following the clues leads to their choices. If the Financial Litera- the answer, while developing critical thinking and reasoning. cy Fair is virtual, MHSAP students will have the opportunity to meet Here’s a sample of an Esti-Mystery: virtually, one-on-one, with a credit counselor to review their budgets. REGISTER at https://tinyurl.com/FinancialLitFair21 Contact: Christina Anderson, [email protected]

MHS Math Placement FOR GRADES 8 - 11 Students planning to take a math class at MHS next year, MUST take The number Splat! is also in PowerPoint form that you need to download the placement test. This is required to use (it’s available at https://tinyurl.com/SplatPPT). Splat! begins by by MHS, and determines which showing a number of objects on the screen, then a Splat covers some of pace seems best for the student, them. The student’s task is to figure out how many objects are under the regular pacing splat. The Splats! come in 13 levels to engage Kindergarteners up to alge- (2 terms) or extended pacing bra students. Like the Esti-Mysteries, they spark curiosity to engage rea- (3 terms). soning in a visual way. Both activities lead to great math discussions! Here’s a sample of a Splat!: 2021 Placement Test Dates:  April 13 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm  April 15 • 9:00am - 12:00pm  April 21 • 9:00am - 12:00pm Tests are planned in-person at MHSAP, but may become online, so always read the Memo and newsletter to stay informed. SIGN UP by April 9, 2021 at tinyurl.com/MHSmathplace21 Contact: Karmen Furrow, I encourage you to begin some of your math lessons with an Esti-Mystery [email protected] to encourage creativity and critical thinking. The spark of wonder and curi- osity may come back to your child during math time!!! NEXT MONTH: highlights on Mr. Wybourney’s free multiplication class!

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PICKUP Hours M - F: 10:00am - Noon Our Fifty States by Mary Evelyn Notgrass McCurdy 1:00 - 3:00pm The Notgrass family homeschooled their own children and now their off- PICKUP materials at Library side spring are homeschooling the Notgrass grandchildren. As a family, they have door by ringing the doorbell. written this new geography series. RETURNS go in the outside dropbox Earlier Notgrass publications have grown in popularity since their concep- and is open all the time. tion due in part to the quality of the grade-appropriate text and excellent Learn how to USE THE LIBRARY photography offered. The MHSAP Resource Library just acquired this bundle ONLINE: tinyurl.com/MHSAPlibACCESS designed for elementary students (grades 1 - 4.) Easy-to-follow lesson plans Please make your online reserva- outline the 104 lessons. Students focus on two states per week. tions at least one day ahead. You A consumable Atlas is used for each student as they meander their way will be notified you when your items across not only the but also the five major U.S. territories are ready for pickup. (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.) Washington D.C. gets two days of exploration. Stu- The MHSAP Resource Library has an dents learn geographical terms and do map activities as part of this course. EXTENSIVE COLLETION of education- al materials. Are you looking for a Historical songs and biographical information about REAL people who lived new curriculum or age-appropriate in each area are highlighted in the lessons. Another important component of books to support the subject areas the curriculum is the literature component. For example, while studying you are studying? Are you looking Connecticut, your family will read Robert Lawson’s Rabbit Hill. for books designed to help younger During this unusual season in our lives when travel is more limited, take ones learn to read or perhaps a new your own family on a different type of exploration with this series. fictional adventure for your avid reader? What about a book that will encourage the homeschool parent Science in the Atomic Age during even the toughest of days? by Jay Wile Would you or your student like to Jay Wile has written this new junior high level science text as the final text- learn a new language? Does your book in his series, Science through History. The first five books are designed family love games and would like to for elementary students, and cover the chronological history of science from try a few new ones? The MHSAP the beginning through the industrial age. Library has all of those things and so Science in the Atomic Age is a general science course that can be completed much more! It’s not easy when you in a year. The hardcover text contains 16 chapters of readings, as well as can’t come and peruse the shelves, experiments which can be accomplished using household materials or items so don’t hesitate to send an email that can be easily found at a drugstore or hardware store. An answer key & (below) or call (319-373-9209) dur- tests book, and a student workbook (available in a ready-to-print file or a ing business hours and ask speak to spiral notebook) complete the set. The text has beautiful color photographs a librarian. They would love to help and user-friendly text, written in Wile’s familiar casual style of writing direct- you find your next great resource! ly to the student. The content of the beginning chapters cover the scientific Contact the Librarians: method, lab reports, atoms, elements, compounds, and then moves into Mary Bran, chemistry of living things. Nine of the 16 chapters examine cells, plants, tis- [email protected] sues, and body systems, and the final two chapters address organisms in Diane Messer, populations and communities, ecosystems, biomes, and biospheres. [email protected] (continued on pg 8)

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(New Materials Reviews continued from pg 7) Donation Drive The back of the text includes a glossary of terms and appendices with The MHSAP Iota Beta Honor Society charts of important things that should be remembered, along with the list is sponsoring a Bridgehaven dona- of supplies needed for the experiments. The front of the book also has the tion drive from December - March. periodic table of the elements. A donation bin will be set up at This course can be done independently and is a great preparation for high MHSAP (on the main floor at the top school level science courses, as it teaches how to do lab work and reports of the stairs) with a list of donation without needing a lot of expensive science equipment to complete labs. items. The most needed items are baby shower items and lotions, brand-new baby or infant clothing, non-expired food for babies and families, diapers, laundry soap, and BARTON MATH • Equipped For Reading Success • Core-Plus Mathematics Textbook household cleaners. Any donation is • The Hunt For R. L. Nox • Life Of Fred: Fractions appreciated and needed. Learn • Math Appeal about Bridgehaven's mission: CD/4 • Math Fables • Lady Charliss And The Waters Of Moorue bridgehavencr.org. If you have ques- • Math For All Seasons tions, email to 22sapawl@marion- • Sir Bentley And The Holbrook Court • Math Potatoes • Sir Dalton And The Shadow Heart • Math-terpieces isd.org • Sir Kendrick And The Castle Of Bel Lione • Sir Quinlan And The Swords Of Valor MP3 • Sir Rowan And The Camerian Conquest • Kidnapped By River Rats • Shanghaied To China CLASSICS • The Queen’s Smuggler •The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes PARENTING COMPUTERS • Family Is Hard. Deal With It! • Computer Science Pure & Simple Unit • Native American Arts And Cultures READERS • Colonial America • Tut’s Mummy: Lost… And Found

FICTION READING • An Episode Of Sparrows • Reading Through The Ages • Follow My Leader • The Apple And The Arrow REFERENCE Midwest Fun! • Geronimo Stilton: The Lost Treasure Of The • Merriam-Webster Dictionary And Thesaurus Have you ever received a postcard Emerald Eye SCIENCE from a relative or friend? Isn't it fun FINE ARTS • Exploring Creation With General Science to learn about the places they have • Sewing School -Textbook been? Well, now is the chance for • Sewing School 2 -Solutions And Tests • You Wouldn’t Want To Live Without your students to receive a GAMES -Coding "postcard" and learn about a great • Context Clues Game -Gaming place that they may have never • Speaking Board Games -Robots heard of before. Here’s how: • The Civil War Game -Simple Machines • The Memory Game, Disney Princess Edition -Satellites 1. Send the name of each child that • The Revolution Game SECONDARY wants to participate, along with GEOGRAPHY • Life Prep For Homeschooled Teenagers an email address, by January 15, to [email protected] • A Is For America STUDY GUIDES • L Is For Lincoln 2. We will email you a "postcard" of • The United States Cookbook • Heidi Student Study Guide • Heidi Teacher Guide a place in the Midwest. HISTORICAL FICTION • The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer 3. Have your student research the • Give Me Liberty • The Boxcar Children Study Guide • Philip Of Texas site on the "postcard" and send 1 • The Night Journey SPEECH fun fact to Brenda Krause by Feb. • Great Speeches For Better Speaking HOMESCHOOL 12 ([email protected]). TEACHING AIDS • Curious Unschoolers Students who submit 1 fun fact • Barron’s ACT Flash Cards • Homeschool Gone Wild will be put in a drawing for a $10 • Radical Unschool Love US HISTORY gift card to Chik-Fil-A. The winner • History Pockets: Explorers Of North America will be emailed by Feb. 18. JUNIOR FICTION • Pioneer Crafts • Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No • The Story Of The Thirteen Colonies & The For more info visit: Good, Very Bad Day Great Republic tinyurl.com/OhThePlacesWeCouldGo -Text LANGUAGE ARTS Contact: Brenda Krause, • Spectrum Language Arts Grade 8 -Teacher Guide -Teacher Guide Second Edition [email protected]

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Kirkwood’s MHSAP Contact: Christina Anderson [email protected] Career Academies Virtual Kids Go STEM! FOR GRADES 10 - 11 FOR GRADES 6 - 8 Saturday, January 30 • 10:00am - Noon • FREE Virtual Program Did you know you can earn college credits in high school and work to- Interested in pathology, play therapy, neuroscience, physical therapy, or other medical fields? wards industry certifications in high demand career areas? You can Join medical and health sciences students and professionals from the University through Kirkwood’s Career Academy of Iowa for interactive and virtual medical simulations, experiments, and more programs! Here are some of the that you can follow along with at home to explore careers in STEM, STEM con- career areas available: cepts, and your health! • IT This free educational program is targeted to students in grades 6 through 8, but • Health Care (CNA, EMT, pre- anyone is welcome to participate. Space is limited; advanced registration is re- quired and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. This virtual event will professional) take place in live Zoom sessions. • Welding Students choose 2 sessions to attend. View the AGENDA and session list at: • Advanced Manufacturing & CNC https://tinyurl.com/STEMagenda2021 • Automotive Technology & Colli- sion Repair REGISTER at https://tinyurl.com/STEMregister2021 • Architecture How to Find a Career that Fits Your Interests • Construction & Engineering; Join Marion’s own Emily Russ from MEDCO as she walks students through taking • Graphic Communication a career assessment, utilizing job profiles, finding high school classes to fit ca- • Agriculture reer goals and more. Click on the following links for Emily’s videos: • Hospitality Management • How to take the career assessment: • Dental or other Pre-Professional https://tinyurl.com/AssessmentHowTo Training • Understanding your career assessment results: Learn about opportunities available https://tinyurl.com/UnderstandCAresults for students in grades 10 and 11 • Understanding job profiles: graders for the 2021-22 academic https://tinyurl.com/UnderstandingJP year. Request more information at • Career Pathway Curriculum - Learning How to Apply Career Interests to Pur- kirkwood.edu/interestinventory. suit! https://tinyurl.com/ApplyCareerInterests Kirkwood is hosting online meetings where students and parents can Take Virtual Tour of Local Engineering Careers learn more about the programs At the National Advanced Driving Simulator (www.nads-sc.uiowa.edu), see a available. Kirkwood advisors with Tesla automated vehicle or a Lincoln MKZ and the lab where studies are con- the Career Academy will be joining ducted. our January 26 Advising Session via If you own a PS4 or smart phone, you probably utilize technology manufactured Zoom at 10:00am and 1:00pm to at Skyworks (www.skyworksinc.com). give an overview and answer ques- On this tour (https://youtu.be/9DP29kTlnNM), learn about the design process, tions. Research more online at careers at Skyworks and see inside the lab. (This is a Google Expeditions tour www.kirkwood.edu/programs/ and is self-guided. Tips: Google Expeditions navigates in a similar way as Google career-academies/ Maps. Use Chrome Browser. You can watch each “Scene” as it automatically MHSAP Contact: Christina Anderson, scrolls to the right or you can move through scenes by using your mouse to click [email protected] through the page. Click on the circled icons within the scene to learn more about that area or piece of equipment. A written description will pop up in the left corner with more info.) COMING SOON: opportunities for high school students to meet virtually with engineers for Q & A sessions. More info and times available. Contact Mrs. Anderson at [email protected]

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Job Shadows FOR GRADES 10 - 12 Applications accepted January 4 - 29, 3:00pm This is the 2nd opportunity to apply A student that is dual-enrolled and wants to for a job shadow. Spend part of a take classes at MHS, Kirkwood, or another • DATE CHANGES day learning about a career of your postsecondary institution is required to • SIGN UP required choice. Some job shadowing op- attend an advising session. Please select to receive latest portunities will be face to face and which one fits your needs, click the link updates/info. some will be virtual. and sign up. More information at The 3 OPTIONS for an advising sessions are: www.kirkwood.edu/wlc/jobshadows MHSAP Contact: Christina Anderson 1. MHS Pre-registration Meeting [email protected] Students MUST ATTEND if taking college classes or classes at MHS.  Wednesday, January 20 • 1:00 - 2:30pm • Location TBD Summer Internships  Wednesday, January 27 • 9:00 - 10:30am • Location TBD FOR GRADES 10 - 11 REGISTER: tinyurl.com/AdvisingSignUp2021 (More info will be emailed.) Application Deadline: 2. Freshman Night - FOR GRADES 8-9 February 12 at 3:00pm We will be discussing college tips, the need for a 4-year plan, earning cred- Unpaid interns have the opportuni- its, the high school diploma policy, alternatives to the high school diploma, ty to learn about a career area of keeping track of hours, making a transcript, opportunities for students in their choice. By working in a job high school (job shadows, internships), and much more! It is so important setting, students can explore ca- to plan ahead, so we invite you to attend Freshman Night and be prepared reer areas, build job skills and gain for the future! (Please note: you must also attend Pre-Registration Meeting experience. WLC is hoping all in- if planning to take classes at MHS.) ternships will be face to face. How-  Thursday, January 14 • 7:00pm • MHSAP, Rm 12 (May become virtual) ever, they are also preparing a vir- REGISTER: tinyurl.com/AdvisingSignUp2021 (More info will be emailed.) tual Career Development Skills 3. Advising Sessions Badges course which will cover (Please note: Sessions are virtual. Register for more info.) Professionalism, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Social Awareness, DROP-IN: This is for families that have been through the dual-enrollment and Communication. process and feel comfortable with it. Please come prepared to these ses- sions with a plan and expect a 10-15 minute session. These might be in a PLEASE NOTE: The application group depending on how many come for each time slot. includes an online application by the student, parental approval,  Thursday, January 26 • 9:00am - 4:00pm teacher completed recommenda- (Kirkwood advisors with Career Academy will be joining via Zoom at tion form, outside reference form 10am and 1pm to give an overview and answer questions.) and school approval. All of these  Tuesday, February 2 • 9:00am - 4:00pm pieces MUST be submitted by REGISTER: tinyurl.com/AdvisingSignUp2021 3:00pm on Feb. 12 for a student’s ONE-on-ONE: These sessions are for NEW families and for those who are application to be accepted. still unsure about the dual credit process. If a family is not new to the pro- Students in grades 10 and 11 may gram but has some questions we would request they sign up for a ½ hour apply for a summer internship. time slot. Apply at  Virtual Mondays start Feb. 1 • 8:00 - 12:00 (with Christina Anderson) www.kirkwood.edu/wlc/internships  Virtual Fridays start Feb. 5 • 11:00 - 4:00 (with Sonya Flatland) MHSAP Contact: Christina Anderson  In-Person Tuesdays start Feb. 9 • 11:00 - 3:00 (with Karmen Furrow) [email protected] REGISTER: tinyurl.com/AdvisingSignUp2021 Contact: Sonya Flatland, [email protected]

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MHSAP Student Council Create Videos to Help with Stress Contact: Patty Bazan, [email protected] or 319.573-1500 The MHSAP Student Council was formed to provide a supportive com- Gym & Swim UPDATE Bingo Mania munity for family and students. At a for January/February Wed., January 13 time it’s needed more than ever, the NO Gym & Swim in January: We MHSAP, Room 11 Student Council hopes these discus- will not be having Gym and Swim in FOR K-12 STUDENTS ONLY sion help you and your family: January while the move is being Limit of 15 students each time slot. Time slots from 9:00am - 4:30pm Check out the VIDEOS on our made to the new Marion YMCA YouTube channel: located at 3740 Irish Drive. Masks required for entering, exiting, • COVID, the Holidays & Anxiety restroom, picking up prize. Seating Gym & Swim resumes Feb. 2: We will be socially distanced. Bring your tinyurl.com/MHSAPscAnxiety will begin at the new YMCA on • COVID, the Holidays, Sadness own water bottle. One-time bingo Tuesday, February 2. More details sheets will be used. Paper and pen- & Depression to come via email, the weekly cils will be going home with partici- tinyurl.com/MHSAPscSadness Memo, and the newsletter. pants. Cleaning of tables/chairs will Gym & Swim families: Look for an be done between sessions. HIGH SCHOOL email from Mrs. Bazan to pick up a REGISTER: http://mhsap.marion-isd.org New Year Activity Pack. (Log-in, then click My Account, Students, Scholarship Field Trips and Activities: Register) . Opportunities Moving into the New Year https://tinyurl.com/ScholarshipsList Let’s have fun moving into the new Find this list of continually year at the MHSAP Gym with Mrs. updated scholarship opportunities Bazan and Mrs. Hofmann. Learn on the MHSAP website some new games, enjoy a craft, http://mhsap.marion-isd.org and have some fun to kick off the (Log-in > click High School > scroll new year. down to College and Career Planning Sign up for only 1 session each week: > Scholarship Opportunities)  January 4, 5, 6, or 7 Many scholarship application dead- 9:00am - 9:55am lines are coming up soon (some have  January 11, 12, 13, or 14 already passed). We encourage you 9:00am - 9:55am to work on your applications early. Some of the scholarships you can Limited to 15 students per session. still apply for are from: Masks required for entering, ex- iting, and restroom. Students will  Iowa State University College of be socially distanced. Bring your Engineering own water bottle.  Mount Mercy University We will guide students to their next  MISD Foundation class at MHSAP.  ClaimAid Iowa REGISTER: http://mhsap.marion-isd.org  Greater Cedar Rapids Community (Log-in, then click My Account, Students, Foundation Field Trips and Activities: Register)  Kirkwood Community College  Iowa Farm Bureau Family Sledding Events

 American Legion There will be no Family Sledding  Iowa Financial Know-How Events this year in January and  Herbert Hoover Uncommon February. Student (Grade 11)  Hills Bank (Grade 11) Contact: Sonya Flatland, [email protected]

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Contact: Sally Hofmann, [email protected] or 319.981-1954 Due to current school guidelines, we will not sign up for field trips or meet together this month. However, there are still many interesting places you can go to and see on your own. You can also take advantage of so many virtual opportuni- ties that allow for added learning or unit studies. Here are just a few ideas:

Central Park Fortepan Iowa Ida Grove Castles Great Backyard Bird Count Check out this collection of photos Byron Godbersen was a poor farm 12515 Central Park Road of Iowans over the past century! boy who grew up not far from Ida Center Junction, IA https://fortepan.us/photo/415/ Grove. He eventually became a mul- On February 12 and 13 from FI0007241/ timillionaire and owner of Midwest Industries of Ida Grove. This gave 10:00am - 3:00pm, participants will Google Lit Trips learn about the Great Backyard Bird him the means to build several cas- https://googlelittrips.org/ Count, view Nature Center Exhibits, tle style structures around the Google Lit Trips follow the journeys and make a simple bird feeder to city. Even his own castle style resi- of characters from popular literature take home. dence has a moat, watchtower and on Google Earth. Titles are broken drawbridge. Since many of the build- PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED by down into the following grade cate- ings are privately owned, you may contacting Michelle at 319.481-7987 gories- K-5, 6 -8 and 9-12. Request a just drive around to observe this or [email protected] Group free GLT from the GLT store. Learn unique piece of Iowa history. Check size is limited to 6 or less per family more about GLT: out what you can see on your drive:

and masks are encouraged. tinyurl.com/WhatsGoogleLitTrip idagroveia.com/activities/castles/

Iowa Farm Tours Crash Course .

Tilapia (Eagle’s Catch Farm): www.youtube.com/user/ SA 2.0 tinyurl.com/ECTilapia crashcourse -

Beef Farms: Crash Course is a YouYube channel, CC BY CC tinyurl.com/BellBeefFarm and it gives the learner short les- tinyurl.com/KeeganBeef sons on a variety of subjects such as Sheep Farm: history, biology, and sociology to

tinyurl.com/RussellSheep name a few. is licensed under under licensed is Goat Farm: Try a Historic Driving Trail tinyurl.com/LuckyStarGoats • Lewis and Clark Over 30 Ways to Teach tinyurl.com/LewisClarkDrivingTrail

• Mormon Pioneer National Historic Hammer51012

History Without a Textbook Trail tinyurl.com/ by tinyurl.com/30waysTeachHistory MormonPioneerTrail ” Historical Movies for Kids Driftless Center

Challenge your students to watch 05 Grove Ida

https://tinyurl.com/DriftlessCenter “ some of these movies and then do Part of the Driftless Area is a section research to see how much was his- in northeastern Iowa where glacial Geological Exploration torically accurate! drift was not covered by Pleistocene in Coon Rapids For ages 6 - 12: ice. If you want to learn more, visit Enjoy a self-guided walking tour tinyurl.com/KidsHistoryMoviesList the Driftless Center in Lansing, Iowa. of the geological history of the For Teens: https://tinyurl.com/DriftlessBikeTrail Whiterock Conservancy and Middle tinyurl.com/TeensHistoryMovieList Coon River Valley. PBS Learning Community tinyurl.com/WalkCoonRapids AgArts Find educational resources in What is AgArts? AgArts is a non- PBS's Learning Community. tinyurl.com/PBSlearningCom profit designed to imagine and pro- mote a healthy food system through the arts. www.agarts.org/

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