Text Box: In the days leading up to last week’s trip to Watertown, our staff spoke excitedly about the large number of students who had signed up to participate. On the day of the trip, we all felt fortunate to have 56 students in attendance as we watched the WWNY news show. In fact, other than the annual Holiday Party, this was the best-attended trip in recent memory and it has helped energize our field trip planning for other events, college visits, and even academic counseling. Why? Frankly, we get a charge out of knowing our efforts are being appreciated and that a lot of students may benefit. Afterall, helping students to succeed is what our program is all about. Still, it brings about an important concept. While students look to teachers, principals, and counselors for their motivation and to set the tone within their school settings, the reality is that this is a two-way process. That is to say, educators will respond positively to high participation (e.g. the UB trip to Watertown), strong effort, enthusiasm, and just generally positive energy from students. Frankly, most teachers often prefer to teach higher-performing, more interested, more motivated students. Building strong relationships with teachers and other educators may not seem to be your responsibility and truthfully, it is not. But, you have a lot to say about the type of relationship that you cultivate with teachers and therefore the type of experience that you have every day in school. We all want to have more good days than bad ones. Why not work at it? What can you do? Raise your hand in class. Take a chance! You may not be right every time. Who cares! Praise your teacher once in a while if you think she did a good job (e.g. “I really enjoyed today’s class Mrs. Stevens”). Keep showing up for UB events. (We love this!) Make an effort at your homework- even if it doesn’t come easily Participate in events, extracurricular activities at school Save the complaining! No one likes to hear the same people complaining constantly. After awhile, others will stop listening anyway. Smile, laugh, and enjoy your experience whenever you can Take ownership of your education. It’s in your hands. Text Box: Greetings from Hepburn Hall

Greetings from Hepburn Hall

Page 1

School News; Borrowing a Laptop Computer

Page 2

Computer Careers; Event Dates

Page 3

Comings & Goings; Correction; Lost & Found; SAT/ACT Test Dates

Page 4