Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Blasting Back to the Past
The G.R.O.W. girls were whisked off to Charlottesville on a historical adventure to examine the past and how it influences our present. By visiting the homes of Jefferson and Madison, the girls learned about the contributions each made to our country.
One of the highlights of the trip occurred at the home of James Madison. There, the girls explored an archeological restoration of Montpelier as well as building using tools from the 1700s. Each girl tried drilling holes, sanding, and chopping wood.
During our trip, each girl was presented with a journal to record their thoughts, experiences, and reflections. The girls thoroughly enjoyed being able to privately reflect on the day's occurrences and will be adding embellishments and mementoes to their journals during Tea at Auntie's. The G.R.O.W. girls also welcomed a new member to the ranks during the summer excursion to Charlottesville. Breya joined the ranks of the G.R.O.W. group and cannot wait to make her mark.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
How You Can Help G.R.O.W. Girls Blossom
G.R.O.W. is a not for profit organization, seeking 501(3)C status. Everything we do depends on generous donors like you!
From the day-to-day experiences at school to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, the program needs constant financial support. The girls need community service opportunities. Volunteers from the community have demonstrated everything from candy making to therapeutic writing. Please contact us to set up community service projects or to volunteer to spend an afternoon with the girls, sharing your expertise. And, as ever, cash contributions will be gratefully accepted.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Almost Up, Up, and Away
Upward Bound offers opportunities for enrichment during the summer months as well as academic support during the school year for its members. For six weeks during the summer, Upward Bound participants live on a college campus, are involved in an intensive academic program, and receive instructional assistance in the areas of math, science, English, foreign language, SAT preparation, study skills, computer science, counseling, and physical education. In addition, students visit various college campuses, learn about the college admissions process, attend workshops, and participate in cultural enrichment activities. Once the school year begins, Upward Bound participants continue their relationship with the program. Students meet on Saturdays (September-May) for academic assistance and counseling sessions. Upward Bound coordinators also visit target area high schools on a regular basis. College visits and cultural activities are included during the academic year as well.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Once in a Lifetime Experience
Stephanie, this years Virginia State Teacher of the Year, had the privilege of being invited to the ceremonies by her State Senator, Mark Warner, which she gladly excepted. As she arrived in Washington DC the crowds were enormous and it became very obvious that being a guest of a Senator definitely had its benefits. Everywhere she turned around there was another person she had seen on TV, either in politics or in Hollywood, standing in close proximity to her. It was exciting and amazing all rolled into one. She even got to meet Jay Z and Beyonce while making her way to get seated for the ceremonies. Below are a few of the additional pictures that Stephanie was able to take throughout the day. Click on any of the pictures in this blog to see them in a larger size.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Getting to Witness History
Saturday, January 10, 2009
G.R.O.W. Goes to Radford University
On Tuesday, January 6, the G.R.O.W. girls ventured to the campus of Radford University. The girls were guests of Anne Pascucci, Director of Sponsored Programs and Grant Management. Mrs. Pascucci planned a wonderful day to introduce the girls to various careers in science. The girls first visited the Library, where they were completely amazed by the books, DVDs, and other media. We, then, headed to the planetarium, where Dr. Rhett Herman gave us a tour of the night sky. From there, we proceeded to the lab of Tara Phelps-Durr. The girls examined human and plant DNA and discussed how Dr. Phelps-Durr studies mutant genes in plants. Mrs. Pascucci whisked the girls off to RU West, where the Nursing Clinical Sim Center is headed up by Dr. Cynthia Cunningham. There, the girls examined simulation mannequins, taking their pulse and listening to their hearts.
After a delicious lunch sponsored by Mrs. Pascucci, the girls headed down to the research labs to visit the lab rats used in research studies at the University. After that, Dr. Donna & Cliff Boyd, Co-Directors of the Forensic Institute, hosted the girls in their Forensic lab. The girls analyzed animal and human bones as well as learned what can be learned about a person from their skeletal remains. A campus tour was arranged during our visit to give the girls an overview of college life. Lastly, the girls spent time with Dr. Matt Dunleavy, Asst Prof. School of Teacher Ed working with Augmented Reality.
This was an amazing experience for each of the four girls. The girls’ eyes were opened to what lies beyond their neighborhoods and were introduced to various career paths that they may not have known about before. This experience took my breath away!
Please also see the article in The Roanoke Times that documented our trip for more information on our journey.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Starting Off the New Year Right
The G.R.O.W. girls closed out 2008 and welcomed in 2009 with a tea party hosted by Lynne Victorine. Mrs. V, or Auntie as the girls affectionately call her, treated the girls to sweets and savories along with delicious Christmas tea. The treats were scrumptious! Shannon, a friend of Auntie's also joined our tea party. Shannon is a lawyer and shared with the girls how she went to college on a full ride thanks to academic and athletic scholarships. The girls definitely soaked up Shannon's advice about getting scholarships.
G.R.O.W. is currently seeking community members who are interested in sharing their time and talents with our group. If you are interested, please contact me at sdoyle@rcps.info.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Celebrating the Holidays
As a kick-off to the holiday season, Mrs. Heather Gerbus invited the G.R.O.W girls into her home for an afternoon of candy and cookie making. Mrs. Gerbus, who is an baker by hobby, taught the girls how to make chocolate candy using molds. The girls painted chocolate molds with colored chocolate to create candy presents, snowflakes, Santas, and other holiday symbols.
While the chocolates were cooling, Mrs. Gerbus gave lessons in cookie decorating using pastry bags and icing tips. The girls set about creating beautiful cookies for their friends and family. The fun did not end there. Mrs. Gerbus graciously gave each of the girls their own candy molds and meltable chocolates to take home so that the girls could teach their siblings how to create chocolates.
The Pursuit of Mentoring
The Pursuit of Mentoring event through Leadership Roanoke Valley was an amazing experience for all of us. Brittani and Brianna attended the event as the spokeswomen for G.R.O.W. Both of the girls also worked the G.R.O.W. booth, introducing community members to our program. While there, each girl connected with other community organizations throughout the Roanoke Valley that offer opportunities for youth.
During the afternoon keynote session, I spoke of how my childhood and my involvement with a mentor from Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Roanoke Valley spurned my mentorship of young girls into becoming G.R.O.W. I introduced the Leadership Roanoke Valley to the G.R.O.W girls and how mentoring has changed the lives of those involved. Lastly, I challenged the members of the LRV to get involved in the life of a child through mentoring.