In this issue:
· Week in Review
· Announcements
· Shout Outs
· Attachments


Week in Review
This was a truly splendid week back from our Thanksgiving holiday. It is officially December, meaning we only have two more weeks of mentoring before the holidays! During the holidays many of us will visit with family, and celebrate. This reminds me of what a wonderful family we have built at Center, thanks to all of you. Scholars eagerly await your arrival each night, and this is all due to the supportive culture you have worked so hard at building.
You all had wonderful input and discussions during the trainings this past week and I thank you for staying and sharing so we all can best support and encourage our scholars.


Announcements
Center Closing: Center will be closed on Monday 12/7/09! No mentoring! We will miss you!

Recruit a friend!
In January we will be adding about 10 new scholars from Center City PCS (our host school), Many of you have mentioned that you have friends that want to mentor, so now is the time to sign them up! They can start with us after the new year! They can fill out an application on the Higher Achievement website!

Thursday, Dec. 17: End of Semester Celebration (Last Day of Center until January)

Please come to Center for an evening of performances, reflections on the semester, awards, and dessert. More details soon.

Spelling Bee:
All of our scholars did a truly wonderful job in the Spelling Bee! The Regional Spelling Bee ventured into new territory when they actually ran out of words in the 11th round. The 6 scholars remaining will go on to a spell off; the date will be in early January, before we start back for the spring semester. Jordon Person qualified as one of the 6 scholars to compete! So I hope you all will make it out to cheer him on!

College Mentors:
College mentors please let me know the last day you will be at Center before the holiday, since I know you will be leaving town on different days.

Session Feedback:
Thank you to all the mentors who have completed their session feedback—they are rolling in by the minute! If you have not done so, please complete your feedback within 24 hours of your mentoring session. This is how we further support not only our scholars, but our mentors as well J.

Technical Assistance Training
You can find the notes from the trainings attached. Please remember to do your homework (implementing something new into session) and bring your KWL sheets next week.
Higher Achievement Holiday Party
The Higher Achievement Holiday is this Wednesday!
Location:
Homer Building601 13th Street, NWWashington, DC 20005 US View Map
When:
Wednesday, December 9, 7:00PM

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=GEUJGZMOOGOAWPRWNWAE&unknownUser=true

Substitutes and Absences
Remember if you are going to be absent, please try to secure a sub, or let me know in advance. Also, if you are running late, please send an email or call.


Shout Outs!!!
To all of you that came out and supported the scholars at the Regional Spelling Bee “Thank You.”

Shout out to Mr. Everett for collaboration and academic excellence, for working with a scholar at the last minute who was in need of one-on-one attention. You did a superb job!

Shout out to Mr. Craig for his respect. Mr. Craig’s mentoring group was on point and last night, his scholars were focused and productive. One of the main reasons for this was because Mr. Craig took the time to get to know his scholars. Even a simple conversation, sharing something about your life can mean the world to them!

Shout out to Ms. Kate for having patience with her scholars and doing a good job balancing out many different personalities; also for bringing a healthy snack for her schools at the end of mentoring, and they loved it!

Shout out to Mr. Gary for academic excellence. He incorporated academic games into his session to engage scholars.

Mentors of the Week!!!
Shout out to Ms. Sarah, Ms. Elizabeth and Ms. Liz for there Spirit, collaboration and respect! They have done an extraordinary job with their scholars, from transporting them home from the spelling be to taking them on a weekend outing. They exemplify what it means to be a mentor, by truly building a family for their scholars. Thank you for returning to Higher Achievement and being wonderful leaders at Center!