December Updates

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday! Thanks to everyone for the birthday and Thanksgiving wishes. I had a wonderful week off but now it's back to the grind. Below are a few announcements for the last month of 2010! It's hard to believe this year is almost over... seems like yesterday the campus was full with move-in day volunteers, families and the new Juniors and Seniors! Before you know it, Commencement will be here...

The Internet
As most of you already know, the internet connection at NCSSM has not been up to par this week. ITS has been working diligently to fix this matter. As we are waiting, Gail Hudson, Dean of Counseling has contacted the entire Faculty and Staff to extend assignments and tests until the internet is fully functional. If students had any difficulties turning in college and scholarship applications on December 1st, contact their counselor immediately so they can contact the Admissions office. Most Admissions offices have been understanding.

Hall Activities
We have had a very successful participation rate for hall activities! Special thanks to the parents who have helped, and/or sponsored previous hall activities. If you are interested in helping with any hall activities during the new year, or have ideas that you'd like us to consider, please let me know. Halls have been known to take weekend trips camping, skiing and to the beach and/or lake. There have also been hall activities on campus facilitated by parents.

Volunteer Opportunities in December
There are three community service projects this month: Angel Tree, Carolina Theatre, and a Mural Design. Angel Tree participants will sponsor an Angel (a deserving child in Durham) by purchasing items on their holiday wish list. Volunteers for the Carolina Theatre will be ushers and greeters for the Triangle Youth Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker. For any of our artistic students, a competition or the best mural design for the Reynolds back staircase is underway. For more information, or to sign-up, please email Ariel at carpenter@ncssm.edu.

Residence Halls Close for Winter Break
We have another residential hall closing coming up in three weeks! All residential halls will close at 5pm on December 17th and reopen at 12pm on January 2nd. This is a good time to exchange any fall/unused items in the residents room for more weather appropriate attire. All appliances (including refrigerators-individual and hall) will be unplugged.

College Financial Aid Workshop:
On January 20, 2011 from 1-4pm, David Gelinas from Davidson College will provide information to parents, families and students about the ever-changing world of Financial Aid. For more information, please email Gail Hudson at hudson@ncssm.edu.

The Lion King at DPAC
One of my favorite Disney movies (second to The Little Mermaid) will be performed at the Durham Performance Arts Center in January!!! Tickets are a bit pricey, but if there is interest we can look at group discount tickets.

Chancellor's Essay Competition
The idea behind the Chancellor's Essay Contest is to get the student perspective regarding the school’s motto: Maius Opus Moveo - “Accept the Greater Challenge.” What does it mean to you? This is an opportunity to put into words your experience of living and learning on the NCSSM campus. The deadline for submitting your essay is Wednesday, January 19. A committee of faculty and staff members will review all essays (blind review) and select up to four. Those four individuals and Chancellor Roberts will enjoy a wonderful meal together at a restaurant in the Triangle.

Hall Activities this Weekend:

• IVIZ on Friday from 10pm-12am
• Trip to Crabtree Mall on Saturday from 11am-3pm
• Downtown Durham Fun Fest on Saturday from 330-5pm
• SG Lock in Sunday at midnight

Upcoming Exchanges:

• CD Swap: residents can share some of their favorite music
• White Elephant: the best and most random gift giving exchange EVER!!!
  

This Week on Hall (Nov 14-19)

Announcement:
Saturday was a very busy day for the competitive teams at NCSSM. The Competitive Cheerleading Team earned a bid to the National Competition in March. Although the scores have not been released, we are really excited for the team and three of our own: Nikki, Karysn and Jaden! The men's soccer team won the Regional Championship. They will play for the State Championship on November 20th at NC State.

Hall Challenge: Stay off of Facebook for at least one day (24 hours)

Monday:

• · 10pm: Room Inspections
• · 1030pm: Hall Meeting and Giving Circle on 1C
• · 1045pm: iRock because…

Tuesday:

• · 730pm: HHR Rounds

Wednesday:

· 430pm: Photo Scavenger Hunt
· 1030pm: Gym time

Thursday:

· 730pm: BBR Rounds
· 8pm: All Hall Clean

Friday:

• · 5pm: Halls Close
• · 501pm: Room Inspections/ Unplugging Everything (including fridges)

Quote of the Week:
"BE what you SEEK!"
-The Daily Love

This Week on Hall (Nov 8 -13)

Announcement:

NCSSM's first ever talent show will be Friday, November 12th at 7pm. Three of our residents will be participating in the talent show. Be sure to come out and show support!

Hall Challenge: Explore a New Genre of Music

Giving Circle Recipients: Gabby, Brenna, J'Naya and Anita

Monday:

12pm: Residence Halls Open
1030pm: Check (call 919.416.2825 if you’re going to be late or coming in on Tuesday)

Tuesday:

730pm: BBR Rounds

Wednesday:

1030pm: S’mores

Thursday:

11:11pm: Make a Wish
730pm: HHR Rounds

Friday:

7pm: NCSSM's 1st Talent Show
730pm: BBR Rounds

Saturday:

9am: Volunteer with Habitat
1pm: Trip to the new outlet mall in Mebane
730pm: HHR Rounds

Sunday:

1130am: Church
730pm: BBR Rounds

Quote of the Week by Walt Whitman:
"Keep your face always toward the sunshine-
and the shadows will fall behind you."

November Updates

Halloween has passed and Thanksgiving is around the bend! I would like to thank all the parents who have been able to help with hall activities, and supplies for the first trimester. We have been able to provide fun activities for all the ladies on hall. With your help and support, second trimester will be just as successful and memorable.

The first two months of second trimester will go by quickly with all the breaks occurring. As a reminder, there will be Thanksgiving and Winter break in November and December.

• Thanksgiving Break from November 19-28, 2010
• Winter Break from December 17, 2010- January 2, 2011

I will be out of town during Thanksgiving Break and should return no later than Tuesday, November 30th at 730pm. Residence Halls open on Sunday, November 28th at 12pm. From November 28-30, Leah Dula Brown, SLI of Ground Reynolds will be on call for 1C2C1D. Her email address is dula@ncssm.edu and her number is 919.416.2819.

Congratulations are in order for the NCSSM Ladies Tennis Team and the Cross Country Team. During their trimester break, the tennis team won their consecutive State Championship, the Men's Cross Country team finished 2nd and the Women's team finished in 8th place at State Championships.

1st Trimester grades are posted on FOCUS. Parents are always encouraged to set up meetings with their child's counselor, teacher(s) and/or academic adviser if they have any questions, and or concerns. On average, our hall did a wonderful job during their first trimester of the school year. Juniors (and Seniors) are no longer required to attend Supervised Study during 2nd trimester, but are always welcomed if they need a quiet space to study on school nights from 830-10pm in the Hunt Classroom.


The Semi-Formal dance is coming up on December 11, 2010 at 9pm. NCSSM only has four dances each year (T-Shirt Signing Dance, Semi-Formal, Sadie Hawkins, and Prom). We ask that students dress in semi-formal attire (Ladies: dress, skirt, slacks, fancy outfit of some kind and shoes that are not flip flops or athletic shoes). A favorite tradition is to come at 1130pm when Dr. Miller reads to those in attendance The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. Alumni have been known to bring their own children to NCSSM's Semi-Formal dance just to hear him narrate the classic childhood story.


Flu Season is here! There will be verbal and written reminders for students to wash their hands and get their flu vaccines on and around campus. If you would like to create a winter first aid kit, it should include, cold medicines, pain relievers, lozenges and tissues. Flu Vaccines are here as well! The cost of the flu vaccines are $20.00. Students can use money from their security deposits to pay for the vaccines. Parents should read the information sheet from the CDC, fill out the consent form and fax it to the clinic or give it to their child to turn into the clinic when they go to get their vaccines. An email was sent out on October 19th with all of the information.

This Week on Hall (Oct 11-18)

Announcement:
There have been confirmed cases of lice on one of the residence halls. The students affected have been asked to treat their hair, wash and dry their personal belongings while at home. They may return to campus (after clinic examination) once they are nit free. Students on campus have the opportunity to visit the clinic for examination if they are unsure.


Hall Challenge of the Week: Play in an IM Ultimate Frisbee Game

Monday:

• 10pm: Room Inspections
• 1030pm: Hall Meeting on 1C

Tuesday:

• 430pm: IM Frisbee Game
• 8pm: Duty in Royall

Wednesday:

• 8am: PSATs for Juniors
• 9am: Senior Breakfast
• 5pm: IM Ultimate Frisbee Game
• 5pm: Study at Panera Bread

Thursday:

• 6pm: Duty in Hill

Friday:

• TBA: Picture Scavenger Hunt with 1^st Hunt
• 10pm: IVIZ

Saturday:

• 9am: Habitat for Humanity (9am-12pm)
• 9am: Geek-a-thon (9am-1pm)
• 11am: Duke Recyclables/ Duke vs. Miami Football at 1pm (11am-5pm)
• 1245pm: Habitat for Humanity (1245-4pm)

Sunday:

• 9am: Geek-a-thon (9am-1pm)
• 1130am: Church
• 4pm: State Fair

October Updates

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the last month of 1st trimester! It's hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by! Everyone should have received packets from Jostens on class rings (for Juniors) and cap and gowns (for seniors). Please be sure to read through the packets, and if there are any questions, to contact the number listed on the order form. Below are a few announcements for the month of October! If you have any questions, please let me know!


First Family Fridays:
Given the idea by some of the residents on hall, I am opening up the first Friday of the month (not including extendeds) for families to come on campus, and help set up a game night/dinner with the residents on hall. If you are interested in coming/ hosting a First Friday, please let me know.



Privilege Cards for Seniors:
This is the first year we've allowed Seniors to apply for privilege cards during 1st Trimester. Juniors will be eligible for 2nd Trimester privilege cards. Privileges include in-room curfew extension until 1am on weekdays in the lounge, may sign out to be off campus until in-dorm curfew on weekdays, and one free room inspection pass per trimester. To be eligible for privilege cards, she has:

1. No grades below a B- from Trimester 3 of Junior Year
   
2. At least three grades B+ or above from Trimester 3 of Junior Year
   
3. No more than two Level 1s during Trimester 3 of Junior Year
   
4. No Level 2s during Trimester 3 of Junior Year
5. No Level 3s during Junior Year
   
6. No U/NI on Residential Reports during Trimester 3 of Junior Year
7. No U on Work Service Report during Trimester 3 of Junior Year
8. No grades below a 2 on Senior Year Progress Reports
9. At least 3 grades of a 1 on Senior Year Progress Reports
10. No more than two Level 1s during Trimester 1 of Senior Year
    
11. No Level 2s or 3s during Trimester 1 of Senior Year
    
12. No unsatisfactory Work Service supplemental evaluations

Upcoming Campus Activities:

• PSATs for Juniors on Wednesday, October 13th at 8am
  
• Senior Breakfast on Wednesday, October 13th at 9am
  
• Breast Cancer/ Domestic Violence Awareness Month
• SAB Halloween Dance on Saturday, October 30th

Dr. Seuss Quote: "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you."

Welcome to a New Year!!!

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great places!
You're off and away!




You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the girl who'll decide where to go.

-Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Welcome to a new year on 1C2C1D! Each month, the hall blog will be updated with campus and hall announcements. You can check the blog weekly for hall activities, challenge of the week and giving circle recipients. If you have any questions, please contact Ariel at carpenter@ncsssm.edu or 919.416.2804.




The first Extended of the year is coming up this weekend! Parents should take home any illegal items (mainly extension cords) and unused items and belongings that the girls will not use in the next month. The residence halls will officially close at 5pm on Friday, September 3rd. If you are unable to arrive on campus before 5pm, your daughter is to meet you in the Bryan Lobby. She cannot stay on hall since there will be no supervision, or SLIs on call from 5pm on Friday until 12pm on Monday. For residents who will ride the charter bus home, most departure times are 430pm. For those riding the train home, please inform me or the SLI on duty so we can put you on the transport list. I will go over sign-out procedures with the girls during our hall meeting on Monday night, but here are a few key pointers and reminders.

1. Residents who are not going home for extended must have an overnight form completed.
2. Residents who are riding the train must have an overnight form completed.
3. Residents will be required to sign out on the extended overnight form posted on the entrance doors on hall.
4. Charter buses and train transports leave campus at 430pm.
5. If you (resident) plan to return to campus after 1030pm on Monday, or Tuesday morning, you have to sign out on your sign out card at the Bryan Front desk.
   
6. If you will be late for 1030pm check on Monday, please call the Bryan SLI Office at 919.416.2825.

Midterm Progress Reports will be released on Thursday, September 23rd. Advisers will meet with each student to give them their reports. Progress reports will also be available on FOCUS. Student's PRs are categorized from 1-3. As are 1s, Bs are 2s and C-Ds are 3. If a Junior received all 1s on her PR she is exempt from Supervised Study. As the parent, if you have any questions about your daughter's academic performance, you have the right to contact her support team (teachers, counselor, adviser and SLI) to get an update.


Campus and Hall Activities in September:

• Summer Service Presentations: sign-ups available Sunday, August 29th at 12pm. Presentations will begin on Tuesday, September 7th.
  
• NCSSM Fall Blood Drive: for two days the Red Cross will be on campus September 8-9! For any residents who are interested in giving blood, please contact Ariel for more information.
• College Eve: Friday, September 10th- come visit the gym to learn more about colleges and universities in and out of state. Parents are welcomed!
• Day of Service: Saturday, September 11th- join the Service Learning Board in the morning and afternoon with the Northgate Park Clean-up and Habitat for Humanity.
  
• Family Day: Saturday, September 11th- come visit campus to meet teachers, advisers and counselors. Parents are welcome to join the hall as we travel to Raleigh for a Roller Derby match later that evening. Tickets are $10.
  
• Reynolds Block Party: Friday, September 24th at 5pm- any and all are welcome to come grill, play games, and spend time on the lawn playing frisbee, and volleyball with the student body.

I truly believe that you can never hear too much of the same thing. So last minute refreshers for sign-out procedures are...

1. Parents are able to sign their child at any time without prior notice.
2. Everyone else needs approval. Parents can fax or write a letter with their permission for family or friends to pick up their daughter to me at 919.416.2829.
3. Drivers only need to sign the resident out if they are missing check.
4. Residents are required to sign out on their sign out card EVERY TIME they go off campus which includes going home, 9th street, etc.
5. If you (resident) will be off campus after 6pm, you have to get an SLI signature.
   
6. Walking curfew is sun up to sun down.
7. Curfew checks are as follow:

• Sunday: 1030pm
• Monday-Thursday: 8pm and 1030pm
• Friday and Saturday: 12am

Upcoming Hall Activities:

• Church on Sunday at 1130am
• Kickball with Bro Hall on Sunday at 430pm
• Solla Sollew with Maggie on Tuesday at 1030pm
• Bhangra with Bro Hall on Wednesday at 1030pm
• IM Soccer Game on Thursday at 5pm
  
• All Hall Clean on Thursday at 8pm
• Halls Close on Friday at 5pm

Challenge of the Week: Lent for a week- replace a bad habit with a good one!

April Updates

A precious one from us has gone
A voice we loved is stilled
A place is vacant from our home
Which never can be filled.
-Emily Cresser Lydston


Sarah Brodmerkel 1992-2010

• Memorial for Sarah B.:

The Candelight Vigil for Sarah was beautiful! It was a great way for the student body, faculty and staff to recognize and remember a young girl who touched each of us in different ways. There will be a memorial board on the Ground floor of the ETC for students to post pictures, notes, and other items. Sarah's family will retrieve these items at the end of the year. The Counseling staff will be available to any students, families and staff who have questions, concerns or needs during this time.

• Prom

Prom is quickly coming! Please be sure to fill out all forms (overnight forms and vehicle permission) before Wednesday, April 14th. If you are interested in chaperoning the prom, please contact me as soon as possible. As a last reminder, Prom 2010 will be held at the Museum of Life and Science from 9pm-1am. I look forward to seeing you there!

• Upcoming Events:

SEEDS Volunteering at 9am
Latin America Fest at 7pm in the Auditorium
Pre-Prom Tea Party at 12pm in the Woolworth Room (Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Wolf!)
Prom at 9pm at the Museum of Life and Science
1ReyC Talk at 1030pm on Reynolds 1C

• Quote of the Month:

"Today we acknowledge a really terrible loss. Sarah Brodmerkel was, as you all know, exceptionally hard working, infinitely fair-minded, and most importantly, a fierce, fierce friend.... Now the pain we all feel at this dreadful loss reminds me, and reminds us, that though we may come from different countries and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one. In light of the recent events, the bonds of friendship made this year will be more important than ever. Remember that, and Sarah Brodmerkel will not have died in vain. You remember that, and we'll celebrate a girl who was kind, and honest, and brave, and true. Right to the very end."

-Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Sarah's name replaced the fictional character of Cedric Diggory)

This Week... on hall (March Updates)

Hello Everyone,

It's the third week, of the third month, in the third trimester! Three's a charm... this should be a wonderful month! Here are a few updates for the month as well as the weekly hall programs. Enjoy!

• Prom:

Prom 2010 will be on Saturday, April 17th at 9pm at the NC Museum of Life and Science! Our theme this year is Greek Paradise. Tickets are $45 per person, and will be sold outside of the PFM during the lunch periods. For the next two weeks (March 14-26), tickets will be sold Monday through Wednesday. Tickets sales will resume daily after Spring Break. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer for the Prom, please contact me (carpenter@ncssm.edu) as soon as possible.

• Food Drive:

The NCSSM Guinness World Record attempt for the largest Food Drive is this weekend! Please consider giving on the virtual website: http://www.foodbankcenc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=VFD_NCSSM or coming on campus this Saturday, March 20th from 7am-10pm to give in person. If you are interested in volunteering for the food drive, please email me at carpenter@ncssm.edu and I will assign duties and times based on your availability. So far, we have already raise $18,000 online! Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to volunteer, or given. NCSSM and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina appreciate your help and support!

• Asia Fest:

Come out to the first cultural fest of the year: ASIA FEST on Saturday, March 20th at 7pm in the Auditorium. You will see a lot of familiar faces from hall! Dinner is served at 5pm, and the show starts at 7pm.

• Spring Break:

We have another long break coming up: SPRING BREAK!!!! Woooo Whoooo! Spring Break officially starts on Friday, March 26th at 5pm. Residence halls open on Sunday, April 4th at 12pm. I encourage everyone to start taking winter clothing and other rarely used items home. During the next Extendeds, it's a good idea to start taking home large items (such as bookshelves, chests, etc) so that move out day will not be a long process.

• This Week... on hall.

Sunday:
1130am: Church at WOCC
2pm: Pi(e) Day- throw pie at your RLAs
6pm: Duty in Hunt (919.416.2826)

Monday:
945pm: Room Inspections
1030pm: Hall Meeting
1045pm: Giving Circle: Ade, Ashley, Radhika, and Laura Brown

Tuesday:
6pm: Duty in Bryan (919.416.2825)

Wednesday:
6pm: Food Run
1030pm: Love Gives Me Hope on 1D

Thursday:
6pm: Duty in Royall (919.416.2921)

Friday:
8pm: Movie Night in my apartment
10pm: IVIZ

Saturday:
7am: FOOD DRIVE
7pm: Asia Fest in the Auditorium

• Next week:

Sunday's Crop Walk, Birthday Celebration, All Hall Clean, and Spring Break!

• Quote of the Week:

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." -Anais Nin

This Week... on hall (Feb.14-20)

Weekend Recap:

MORE SNOW!!! (Am I the only one still enjoying it?) Unfortunately, this weekend the news was hit with a lot of tragedies. The Winter Olympics opened to the death of 21 year old luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili in a training accident. It has been one month since the tragic Haiti earthquake on January 12th. It is estimated that more than 200,000 people died in the earthquake. British Fashion designer Alexander McQueen passed away. A professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville is a shooting suspect in the murder of three faculty members. On campus, most of the loops were cancelled due to the 1-2 inches of snow. The musical Thoroughly Modern Millie (shout out to Christian and Linda) was well received! The girls dressed up for the Sadie Hawkins dance, and had a memorable moment with Mmmm Bop!

• Quote of the Week:

There are admirable potentialities in every human being. Believe in your strength and your youth. Learn to repeat endlessly to yourself, 'It all depends on me.' - Andre Gide


Thanks!

Thanks to Mrs. Duan, Mrs. Adams and Mrs. McDonald for their contributions this month to the hall activities!

Sunday, February 14th:

• Valentine's/ Single's Awareness Day!
• Chinese New Year
• 1130am: Church
• 3pm: Study at Panera Bread
• 330pm: Volunteer at Hayti Heritage Center
• 1030pm: Chinese New Year Celebration

Monday, February 15th:

830pm: Yoga Study Break with Becca
930pm: Room Inspections
1030pm: Hall Meeting and Birthday Celebration




Tuesday, February 16th:

• 1st day of Exams!
• Mardi Gras aka Fat Tuesday!
• 6pm: Duty in Hill (919.416.2827)
• 9pm: Storytelling Study Break with Paula

Wednesday, February 17th:

2nd day of Exams!
Lent Begins!
5pm: Food Run
8pm: Food Run
9pm: Disney Sing-a-long Study Break with Sierra




Thursday, February 18th:

• 3rd day of Exams!
• 6pm: Duty in Hunt (919.416.2826)
• 830pm: All Hall Clean
• 9pm: Insanity Study Break with Hope

Friday, February 19th:

Last Day of Exams!
5pm: Halls Close
501pm: Trimester Break Begins!!!!


Have a wonderful Break!!!! =)

This Week... on hall (Feb. 7-13)

Weekend Recap:

Most of the Mid/Northeastern states were hit with more than 24 inches of snow. 5 fatalities in Connecticut after a power plant blast. SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!!! =) On campus, NCSSM celebrated it's 19th annual Pow Wow featuring former 1C2C1D resident, Olivia Richardson on Saturday. The Orchestra (shout out to Jessie, Linda, Ashley, and Imani) performed with the NCSSM Chorale (shout out to Caitlin C), Blacknall choir and community leaders this weekend. Colours (shout out to Katelyn and Sierra) had their Commitment service on Sunday.

• Quote of the Week:

"Only I can change my life. No one else can do it for me." -Carol Burnett


Thanks:

Special Thanks to Mrs. Burns for the Birthday goodies on Thursday and Mrs. Gray for the Superbowl cupcakes on Sunday. The girls (and guys) really enjoyed them!


Giving Circle:

Every week the hall recognizes four residents and presents them with gifts, cards, etc to encourage them for the upcoming week. This week's giving circle group is Judy, Hope, Chelsae and Caitlin C.

• This Week... on hall:

Sunday, February 7th:

• 1130am: Church at WOCC
• 3pm: Orchestra Concert at Blacknall Church (next door to Cosmic's)
• 530pm: Colours Commitment Service in the Lecture Hall
• 6pm: Duty in Hunt (919.416.2826)
  
• 630pm: Super Bowl Party with Brother Hall

Monday, February 8th:


830pm: Black History Month Activity in the Lecture Hall
930pm: Room Inspections
1030pm: Hall Meeting and Giving Circle
1045pm: Relaxation Program




Tuesday, February 9th:

• 6pm: Duty in Bryan (919.416.2825)

Wednesday, February 10th:

• 6pm: Food Run
• 830pm: Black History Month Activity in the Lecture Hall
• 1030pm: Hall Workout

Thursday, February 11th:
6pm: Duty in Royall (919.416.2921)


Friday, February 12th:

7pm: Soul Bowl in the Woolworth Room
10pm: IVIZ


Saturday, February 13th:

• 9am: Black History Tour of UNC-Chapel Hill
• 9pm: Sadie Hawkins Dance in the PEC

Next week:

• Chinese New Year on Sunday
• Valentine's Day on Sunday
  

Church on Sunday
Hayti Heritage Volunteering on Sunday
Studying at Panera Bread on Sunday
Second Trimester Exam Week
Exam Study Breaks by the RLAs
Mardi Gras on Tuesday
Halls Close on Friday
Trimester Break & Mini-term

February Updates!

There are officially 124 days left until Commencement on June 6, 2010 (not that I'm counting...)! February is the beginning of the end of the school year. Once February starts, time seems to fly by. Weekends are no longer your own, with Discovery Days, Pow Wow, Sadie Hawkins and Prom, the Food Drive, Asia Fest, Latin America Fest, Africa Fest, Mini-term, Spring Break, extendeds, and end of the year concerts and plays. Plan ahead and you will see that each weekend will be booked. Some of the best times of your life are and will occur in the coming weeks... so get your cameras ready! I will definitely have mine out and ready (just ask Hope...hehe).

• Register for the March SATs:

The registration deadline is Thursday, February 4th. The SATs will not be offered at NCSSM in March, but in most cases, the Counseling staff provides transportation to a local Durham high school. Please contact Gail Hudson at hudson@ncssm.edu if you plan to take the SATs in March in Durham, and will need transportation. The SATs will be offered on campus the first weekend in May. The registration deadline is March 25th. If you miss the deadline, you may be able to register but will have to pay a late fee.

• Summer Service for Juniors:

For the Juniors who have not completed their 60 hours of summer service, you are required to volunteer this summer. As mentioned in the assembly in January, each student is required to volunteer 60 hours from June until August of one summer at one agency in North Carolina. If you are unable to complete your hours in the given time frame, please email me, Dr. Barber (barber@ncssm.edu) and Kevin Cromwell (cromwell@ncssm.edu) for approval. Extensions may be given to students who are travelling out of state, visiting parents, or partcipating in research programs out of the state. If you need help finding local non-profit organizations to volunteer at, please email me and I will send you a list of agencies that have hosted NCSSM students.

• Pow Wow:

Come kick of the monthly cultural celebrations with NCSSM as we host the 19th annual Pow Wow in the PEC on Saturday, February 6th! Come celebrate with tribes all over the state, and experience a glimpse of NC Native American culture in the form of chants, drumming, dances, arts and crafts and food! Admission is free for NCSSM students and $5 for everyone else. I hope to see everyone there!

• Black History Tour of UNC- Chapel Hill:

On Saturday, February 13th, Dr. Tim McMillan, professor of African and Afro-American Studies will give NCSSM students a walking tour of UNC campus highlighting little and well known African American history on the very popular campus. If you are interested in attending (students and parents), please email me.

• Trimester Exams:

Second Trimester Exams! By now everyone knows that exam week is not as hectic as it seems. The week before is more stressful, but once the exams start, the pressure starts to wear off. Here are a few tips to prepare for a stress-FREE and RELAXING week/trimester:

1. Study... now. Most trimester exams are cumulative, so take out your old quizzes and tests and start reviewing them. This is a great way to earn brownie points with your teacher before the final exam review (if offered).

2. After reviewing your past quizzes and exams, VISIT YOUR TEACHER. Office Hours are offered because THEY WANT TO SEE YOU! I meet with so many teachers who tell me that their students don't come to see them. If you don't understand something, go to them with the problem (and what you've done) and ask for help. They're teachers for a reason, and even though they may seem like the Wizard of Oz, you'll find that they truly have your best interest at heart. If not, come see me and we'll see what we can do.

3. Tutorials do help, but having your own "tutor" to provide one-on-one help will take you further. There are many tutors on this hall. Talk to Jeanette and Rebecca about STEPPE. They may be able to help you in a particular subject, or direct you to someone who can.

4. Get some sleep. Most of you get about 6-7 hours of sleep, which is okay. Aim for good and great (8-9 hrs). I dare you to deactivate your Facebook and twitter accounts until Trimester exams are over. You will find so much more time to actually get work done, and get to sleep by 12am. Who knows... you may even sign early check for the first time this school year!

5. EAT!!! So important. Even if you find that you can't eat three meals, doctors have encouraged eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day. If you don't like the PFM, cook your own meals, or make a pot-luck meal with friends. You have the benefit of having access to a hall stove. Use it!

6. Relax, and take a breather. Schedule "me time" in your day. Even if it's only 30 minutes, put on your headphones and listen to opera for 30 minutes. A soothing exercise that I used to enjoy was laying on the floor and playing ocean music. Close your eyes and listen to the waves crash for 30 minutes. Promise- it'll be one of the BEST naps of your life. You'll wake up refreshed and rejuvenated!

• Mini-term:

I will be co-sponsoring a mini-term trip to Maui from February 24- March 5! In my absence, please contact Leah Dula Brown, SLI of Ground Reynolds. Her email address is dula@ncssm.edu and her number is 919.416.2819. All overnight and curfew extension forms should be faxed to her at 919.416.2829. If you have any questions, please let me know.

• Quote of the week:

"Think of all the beauty left around you and be happy." -Anne Frank