As you transition from high

school to college, you will

face some adjustments dur-

ing your first semester. Stu-

dents in two freshman level

courses were asked to de-

scribe the transitional issues

they faced in their first se-

mester and to give advice to

incoming students. Here's a

sample of what they had to

say.

Top Ten Issues Identified

by Students

(in order of importance)

1. Personal responsibility

"In college you have free-

dom to do as you please...to

go where you wish...to do as

you wish. Unfortunately, this

freedom is easily abused.

The student carries 98% of

the responsibility and con-

trol."

2. Class attendance " As a

college student, you will

decide whether you want to

go to class or not. Being ab-

sent will hurt you in the long

run."

3. Teacher attitudes

"Your instructors will not

hound you to do your work.

It's entirely up to you."

"Get to know your teachers.

If your teachers know you, it

will be easier for them to

look out for you and help

you if you're having trouble."

4. Types of assignments

"In high school we were giv-

en a homework assignment

every day. Now we have a

large task assigned to be

done at a certain time. No

one tells when to start or

what to do each day. Once

you get an assignment, start

working on it right away. It

takes a daily effort to keep

up."

5. Importance of perfor-

mance " Don' t take your

courses or studies lightly.

The decisions you make in

college will decide your fu-

ture, in some respects. Re-

member that you are here for

an education."

6. Time management

"The amount of free time

you have in college is much

more than in high school.

Always have a weekly study

schedule to go by. Other-

wise, time slips away and

you will not be able to ac-

count for it."

Continued on page 2

April 2016

The Transition to College

year, the new year was cele-

brated for eight days, begin-

ning on March 25. The cele-

bration culminated on April 1.

With the reform of the calendar

under Charles IX, the Gregori-

an Calendar was introduced,

and New Year's Day was

moved to January 1.

However, communications

being what they were in the

days when news traveled by

foot, many people did not re-

ceive the news for several

years. Others, the more obsti-

nate crowd, refused to accept

Unlike most of the other non-

foolish holidays, the history of

April Fool's Day, sometimes

called All Fool's Day, is not

totally clear. There really was-

n't a "first April Fool's Day"

that can be pinpointed on the

calendar. Some believe it sort

of evolved simultaneously in

several cultures at the same

time, from celebrations involv-

ing the first day of spring.

The closest point in time that

can be identified as the begin-

ning of this tradition was in

1582, in France. Prior to that

the new calendar and contin-

ued to celebrate the new year

on April 1. These backward

folk were labeled as "fools" by

the general populace. They

were subject to some ridicule,

and were often sent on "fools

errands" or were made the butt

of other practical jokes.

This harassment evolved, over

time, into a tradition of prank-

playing on the first day of

April. The tradition eventually

spread to England and Scot-

land in the eighteenth century.

It was later introduced to the

American colonies of both

the English and French.

April Fool's Day thus de-

veloped into an interna-

tional fun fest, so to speak,

with different nationalities

specializing in their own

brand of humor at the ex-

pense of their friends and

families.

EOC

May 2-6 (specific dates and times TBD)

AP Testing

May 2-13

Dubiski Newsletter

The Transition to College (continued from first page) (continued from front page)

7. Amount of study " In high

school I was a B student without

studying. In college I was a C/D

student without studying. To suc-

ceed, you have to study!"

8. Size of institution/classes

"Lecture classes are much larger

than high school classes. This can

be scary for a new student."

9. Difficulty of college work

"College is probably going to be

tougher than high school. Don't let

that stop you!"

10. Social life " Sometimes it

seems harder to make friends be-

cause of the size of the school. But

there are a variety of organizations

and activities. Get involved and

meet the people!"

Thanks to Jane Rhoads and her College

Reading & Study Skills classes for this

information.

Page 2

Earth Day—April 22

Each year, Earth Day - April 22 - marks the anniversary of the birth of

the modern environmental movement in 1970. Founder U.S. Senator

Gaylord Nelson first proposed the nationwide environmental protest to

thrust the environment onto the national agenda. The first Earth Day led

to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency

and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species

acts.

Conduct frequent phone checks as often as possible on your teenagers phone. Be sure to click on all the icons when check-

ing you teenager’s phone as some apps have can be hidden or changed.

1. Snap Chat — allows you to send a picture or video to a friend for an allotted amount of time before

it’s deleted. However, what many forget is all someone has to do is save a screenshot and that picture

can be saved and shared.

2. Yik Yak —allows people to anonymously send messages to other users within a mile and a half radius.

It often turns into an anonymous message board for an entire high school. Because of its anonymity it

often leads to cyberbullying.

3. Kik — sexting and bullying are common on this app because parents don't’ check this account. These

accounts can also be accessed online — no need for the phone, just a computer.

4. Whisper — encourages teens to anonymously share deepest darkest secrets with a stranger. Uses GPS

tracking so predator’s can track your teenager.

5. Poof, App Lock, Hidden Apps — just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. There are

apps that can be downloaded for free that hid other apps or change the icons to make them look like

different apps. “Calculator+” appears to be just a calculator, but it is really designed to hide photos and

apps.

Page 3

Not just college: Technical education as a pathway to the middle class Michael J. Petrilli, April 1, 2016 http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/social-mobility-memos/posts/2016/04/01-not-just-college-technical-education-pathway-middle-class-petrilli

Education reformers are obsessed with getting many more low-income students “to and through” four-year colleges. Understanda-

bly so, a bachelor’s degree is the closest thing we have to a guaranteed ticket to the middle class.

The trouble is, few children from poorer homes are likely to end up with a BA. As Andrew Kelly of the American Enterprise Insti-

tute shows in his chapter of my new book, just 14 percent of children from the bottom third of the income distribution will complete

four-year degrees. Even if we doubled that number, most poor and working class kids will still need other paths to the middle class.

The academic-dominated approach is not working, especially for economically disadvantaged students. Of this group, about 20 per-

cent of teenagers don’t graduate from high school at all. Of those who do graduate, about half matriculate to some form of college.

But many are not ready: two-thirds of low-income students at community colleges start in remedial classes.

Here’s where things really fall apart. Only a third of community college students who start in remedial courses complete a credential

within six years. Forty percent don’t ever get beyond the remedial stage.

The common outcome of our current strategy—“bachelor’s degree or bust”—is that a young person drops out of college at age 20

with no post-secondary credential, no skills, and no work experience, but a fair amount of debt. That’s a terrible way to begin adult

life, and it’s even worse if the young adult aims to escape poverty.

A better approach for many young people would be to develop coherent pathways, beginning in high school, into authentic technical

education options at the post-secondary level. But, right now, 81 percent of high school students are taking an academic route; only

19 percent are “concentrating” in career and technical education (i.e., earning at least three credits in a single CTE program area).

As Tamar Jacoby demonstrates, high-quality career and technical education (CTE) programs, culminating in industry-recognized

post-secondary credentials, have great promise in engaging students, helping them succeed academically, boosting college comple-

tion rates, and brightening career prospects. By age 20, graduates of such programs have academic credentials, technical credentials,

and work experience—and, usually, well-paying jobs:

There is a fear of ‘tracking’ in high school, for obvious reasons. But it simply doesn’t work to wait until kids are 18. Generic high

school experiences are not preparing low-income students to successfully pursue either academic or technical routes after they re-

ceive their diplomas. A student must be able to choose their own path. But there should be a real choice.

The education system alone cannot solve persistent poverty or the growing gaps between working-class and college-educated Amer-

icans. But it can do a lot better. If we are serious about social mobility, we need to move past the singular obsession with four-year

colleges, and give more weight to career and technical education.

Teenage depression isn’t just bad moods and the occasional

melancholy—it’s a serious problem that impacts every aspect

of a teen’s life. Teen depression can lead to drug and alcohol

abuse, self-loathing and self-mutilation, pregnancy, violence,

and even suicide. But as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend,

there are many ways you can help. Talking about the problem

and offering support can go a long way toward getting your

teenager back on track.

Signs and Symptoms of teen depression

Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puber-

ty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. The

natural transition from child to adult can also bring parental

conflict as teens start to assert their independence. With all this

drama, it isn’t always easy to differentiate between depression

and normal teenage moodiness. Making things even more

complicated, teens with depression do not necessarily appear

sad, nor do they always withdraw from others. For some de-

pressed teens, symptoms of irritability, aggression, and rage

are more prominent.

Signs and symptoms of depression in teens:

Sadness or hopelessness

Irritability, anger, or hostility

Tearfulness or frequent crying

Withdrawal from friends and family

Loss of interest in activities

Changes in eating and sleeping habits

Restlessness and agitation

Feelings of worthlessness and guilt

Lack of enthusiasm and motivation

Fatigue or lack of energy

Difficulty concentrating

Thoughts of death or suicide

If you’re unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or

just “being a teenager,” consider how long the symptoms have

been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen

is acting from his or her usual self. While some “growing

pains” are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the chal-

lenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in per-

sonality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem.

Effects of teen depression

The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a

melancholy mood. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors

or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression.

The following are some the ways in which teens “act out” or

“act in” in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain:

Problems at school. Depression can cause low energy

and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to

poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with

schoolwork in a formerly good student.

Running away. Many depressed teens run away from

home or talk about running away. Such attempts are usu-

ally a cry for help.

Drug and alcohol abuse. Teens may use alcohol or

drugs in an attempt to “self-medicate” their depression.

Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes things worse.

Low self-esteem. Depression can tr igger and intensify

feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness.

Internet addition. Teens may go online to escape their

problems, but excessive computer use only increases their

isolation, making them more depressed.

Reckless behavior. Depressed teens may engage in

dangerous or high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving,

out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex.

Violence. Some depressed teens — usually boys who

are the victims of bullying — become violent. Self-hatred

and a wish to die can erupt into violence and homicidal

rage.

Teen depression is also associated with a number of other

mental health problems, including eating disorders and sefl-

injury.

Suicide warning signs in teenagers

Seriously depressed teens often think about, speak of, or make

"attention-getting" attempts at suicide. But an alarming and

increasing number of teenage suicide attempts are successful,

so suicidal thoughts or behaviors should always be taken very

seriously.

For the overwhelming majority of suicidal teens, depression or

another psychological disorder plays a primary role. In de-

pressed teens who also abuse alcohol or drugs, the risk of sui-

cide is even greater. Because of the very real danger of suicide,

teenagers who are depressed should be watched closely for any

signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Suicide warning signs in depressed teens

Talking or joking about committing suicide

Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I

could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.”

Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying

(“If I died, people might love me more.”)

Writing stories and poems about death, dying or suicide

Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accident

resulting in injury

Giving away prized possessions

Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for the last

time

Seeking out weapons, pills, or other way to kill them-

selves

Encouraging a depressed teen to open up

If you suspect that a teenager in your life is suffering from

depression, speak up right away. Even if you’re unsure that

depression is the issue, the troublesome behaviors and emo-

tions you’re seeing in your teenager are signs of a problem.

Whether or not that problem turns out to be depression, it still

needs to be addressed—the sooner the better. In a loving and

non-judgmental way, share your concerns with your teenager.

Let him or her know what specific signs of depression you’ve

noticed and why they worry you. Then encourage your child to

share what he or she is going through.

Your teen may be reluctant to open up; he or she may be

ashamed, afraid of being misunderstood. Alternatively, de-

pressed teens may simply have a hard time expressing what

they’re feeling.

If your teen claims nothing is wrong but has no explanation for

what is causing the depressed behavior, you should trust your

instincts. Remember that denial is a strong emotion. Further-

more, teenagers may not believe that what they’re experienc-

ing is the result of depression.

Getting treatment for teen depression

Depression is very damaging when left untreated, so don’t

wait and hope that the symptoms will go away. If you see de-

pression’s warning signs, seek professional help.

Make an immediate appointment for your teen to see the fami-

ly physician for a depression screening. Be prepared to give

your doctor specific information about your teen’s depression

symptoms, including how long they’ve been present, how

much they’re affecting your child’s daily life, and any patterns

you’ve noticed. The doctor should also be told about any close

relatives who have ever been diagnosed with depression or

other mental health disorders. As part of the depression screen-

ing, the doctor will give your teenager a complete physical

exam and take blood samples to check for medical causes of

your child’s symptoms.

If there are no health problems that are causing your teenager’s

depression, ask your doctor to refer you to a psychologist or

psychiatrist who specializes in children and adolescents. De-

pression in teens can be tricky, particularly when it comes to

treatment options such as medication. A mental health profes-

sional with advanced training and a strong background treating

adolescents is the best bet for your teenager’s best care.

When choosing a specialist, always get your child’s input.

Teenagers are dependent on parents for making many of their

health decisions, so listen to what they’re telling you. No one

therapist is a miracle worker, and no one treatment works for

everyone. If your child feels uncomfortable or is just not

’connecting’ with the psychologist or psychiatrist, ask for a

referral to another provider that may be better suited to your

teenager.

Expect a discussion with the specialist you’ve chosen about

treatment possibilities for your son or daughter. There are a

number of treatment options for depression in teenagers, in-

cluding one-on-one talk therapy, group or family therapy, and

medication.

Talk therapy is often a good initial treatment for mild to mod-

erate cases of depression. Over the course of therapy, your

teen’s depression may resolve. If it doesn’t, medication may be

warranted. However, antidepressants should only be used as

part of a broader treatment plan.

Unfortunately, some parents feel pushed into choosing antide-

pressant medication over other treatments that may be cost-

prohibitive or time-intensive. However, unless your child is

considered to be high risk for suicide (in which case medica-

tion and/or constant observation may be necessary), you have

time to carefully weigh your options before committing to any

one treatment.

Supporting a teen through depression treatment

Be understanding

Encourage physical activity

Encourage social activity

Stay involved in treatment

Learn about depression

Taking care of the whole family when one child is depressed

Take care of yourself

Reach our for support

Be open with the family

Remember the siblings

Avoid the blame game

Taken from:

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/teen-depression-

signs-help.htm

For more information and other guides to health and happi-

ness, visit www.helpguide.org.

Some Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School

Rule No. 1: Life is not fair. Get used to it. The average teen-ager uses the phrase “It’s

not fair” 8.6 times a day. You got it from your parents, who said it so often you decided

they must be the most idealistic generation ever. When they started hearing it from their

own kids, they realized Rule No. 1.

Rule No. 2: The real world won’t care as much about your self-esteem as much as your

school does. It’ll expect you to accomplish something before you feel good about your-

self. This may come as a shock. Usually, when inflated self-esteem meets reality, kids

complain that it’s not fair. (See Rule No. 1)

Rule No. 3: Sorry, you won’t make $40,000 a year right out of high school. And you

won’t be a vice president or have a car phone either. You may even have to wear a uni-

form that doesn’t have a Gap label.

Rule No. 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait ’til you get a boss. He doesn’t have

tenure, so he tends to be a bit edgier. When you screw up, he’s not going to ask you how

you feel about it.

Rule No. 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a dif-

ferent word for burger flipping. They called it opportunity. They weren’t embarrassed

making minimum wage either. They would have been embarrassed to sit around talking

about Kurt Cobain all weekend.

Rule No. 6: It’s not your parents’ fault. If you screw up, you are responsible. This is the

flip side of “It’s my life,” and “You’re not the boss of me,” and other eloquent proclama-

tions of your generation. When you turn 18, it’s on your dime. Don’t whine about it, or

you’ll sound like a baby boomer.

Rule No. 7: Before you were born your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They

got that way paying your bills, cleaning up your room and listening to you tell them how

idealistic you are. And by the way, before you save the rain forest from the blood-

sucking parasites of your parents’ generation, try delousing the closet in your bedroom.

Rule No. 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers. Life hasn’t. In

some schools, they’ll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. Failing

grades have been abolished and class valedictorians scrapped, lest anyone’s feelings be

hurt. Effort is as important as results. This, of course, bears not the slightest resemblance

to anything in real life. (See Rule No. 1, Rule No. 2 and Rule No. 4.)

Rule No. 9: Life is not divided into semesters, and you don’t get summers off. Not even

Easter break. They expect you to show up every day. For eight hours. And you don’t get

a new life every 10 weeks. It just goes on and on. While we’re at it, very few jobs are

interested in fostering your self-expression or helping you find yourself. Fewer still lead

to self-realization. (See Rule No. 1 and Rule No. 2.)

Rule No. 10: Television is not real life. Your life is not a sitcom. Your problems will

not all be solved in 30 minutes, minus time for commercials. In real life, people actually

have to leave the coffee shop to go to jobs. Your friends will not be as perky or pliable as

Jennifer Aniston.

Rule No. 11: Be nice to nerds. You may end up working for them. We all could.

Dental students prepare to assist Dr.

Bicknel and her staff with sealants

for GPISD elementary students.

Dubiski Graphics welcomes owners

from Alpha Graphics.

New opportunity for 2016-2017 9th and 10th graders!!