In this issue:

Week in Review
Announcements:
End of Semester Celebration
Shout outs

Week in Review

As we come to a close to a short week of mentoring I look back to reflect on everything wonderful that happened. Tuesday community meeting was phenomenal, by starting off center so splendidly; you made it so mentoring was truly spectacular! Thursday I observed sessions and was honestly impressed by what I saw; Scholars learning, mentors laughing and everyone smiling. I thinking for bringing all the joy and cheer to center!

Announcements
Thank you to all who attended the Higher Achievement Holiday Party
We enjoyed hanging out with all of you. Our holiday party is a way to celebrate all of your hard work over the last semester. Shout out to those who attended! Check out the pics!
http://www.evite.com/app/photo/viewAlbum.do?albumId=KNHSVYNPVVJCZVYVXYYM&inviteId=EVLPBCAKJYASBEAPGAML&eventId=GEUJGZMOOGOAWPRWNWAE&li=iq&src=email Thursday, Dec. 17: End of Semester Celebration (Last Day of Center until January 11th) Thank you to all who have contributed items so far
Please come to Center for an evening of performances, reflections on the semester, awards, and dessert. We will have a silent auction, scholar store, pictures, and a dessert/snack table. If you would like to donate the following, it would be much appreciated, but your time is the most important:
· Silent Auction and Scholar Store – big ticket items like gift cards, dollar store toys, trinkets you may have in your house, movie tickets, etc.
· Dessert/Snack Table – drinks, cups, small plates, cookies, chips, brownies, fruit, veggies your special dessert, etc.

We need awesome mentors as auction attendants, store “cashiers,” gift wrappers, card station attendants, dessert table servers, and of course general merriment. If you have any big ticket items (or small) to donate to the auction or the store, please let me know and bring them to Center by Tuesday. Examples could be gift cards, dollar store toys, trinkets you may have in your house, candy, movie tickets, etc.

Center Closed – Dec 18- Jan 10, 2010. First week back to Center is Monday, January 11, 2010!

Bring a friend to Mentoring Day -the week of December 14th This Week!!!!!!!!! Spread the word to your friends or family that may be interested and invite them to come shadow you or another mentor at Center. Also, let them meet the wonderful scholars that you are always talking about! Please let me know who you are bringing to Center, so I can be prepared with the necessary materials to share with them.

Gifts for Scholars (you don’t have to, but if you were planning on giving, here are the guidelines)
Volunteers (i.e., mentors) may give gifts to scholars (i.e., their mentees) with a monetary value of less than $25 provided they have met the following requirements:
Cleared the giving of gifts with Center staff in advance
NEW!!Arranged to give the same gift or a gift of equal value to every scholar in their mentoring group


Help Wanted
Higher Achievement is now looking to a Center Director for our Ward 8 Site. If interested, please see the attached job description or pass it on to anybody you know who might be interested.

Scholar Outings - If you would like to take your scholars on an outing during non-Center hours (for instance, over the upcoming break), you are welcome to do so by arranging the outing directly with the scholar’s family. Returning mentors, please note the change: If you do this on your own, this is NOT considered a Higher Achievement-sponsored trip and does not require a permission slip.
Shout Outs
Mr. Tim long for taking the time to get to know his scholars.
Ms. Gabby for helping out with another group.
Mr. Scott and Mr. Craig for welcoming scholars into their group.
Mr. David, Ms. Kelly & Mr. Andrew for all the dedication to academics when working with the 8th graders on high school placement!

Goodbye to Mr. Wes! Mr. Wes will be studying abroad next semester you will be surely missed! Mr. Wes is a returning mentor, working with 7th grade scholars. He is always prepared for mentoring with engaging and exciting lessons! We will miss having your spirit at center, but we know you will be back!