Monday, January 26, 2015

Ace the ACT Boot Camp

Sponsored by Sevier County 4-H and Utah Department of Workforce Services

Are you wondering how you are going to get into college? Do you have test anxiety and fear?  Do you want to get a scholarship?  Do you simply want to keep your options open?  If so, the Ace the ACT Practice Test and Boot Camp are for you.  The makers of the ACT say you cannot study for this test.  WRONG!!!  Because it is standardized, it is predictable.  You can study and improve your score. I have proven this with the many students I have mentored over the years.  If you have to take the test anyway, don’t simply endure it – ACE it.  It takes work and effort but you can do it.

I have studied this test extensively.  I began by taking a very marginal 6 week course at a major university on ACT preparation (which I would not recommend to anyone because of the poor quality of teaching and organization). I combined the information I gleaned from my own and others experiences, taking courses, and academic studies to create a course that will be beneficial to any student willing to apply what we learn in class to their at-home studies.  In the summer of 2009 I completed my Master’s thesis on ACT preparation for high school students.  For those planning to go on to college this class is essential. Colleges and universities often value ACT scores over a high GPA. Also, raising your score just a few points may qualify you for thousands of dollars in scholarships.

ACE the ACT Boot Camp

Get ready for two days of brain strain and mental sweat.  We will hit the ground running and will not stop.  I will present the best of the best information I have gleaned from exhaustive study of available prep books and my own rigorous research.  We will cover: all 4 ACT subject areas as well as invaluable test-taking strategies. You will leave with a plan for success.  I have taken great strides to make this information easy to grasp and fun to learn.  It will be a jam-packed several days but will not be boring.  You will not get this kind of ACT preparation experience anywhere else. Upon registration, you will receive the required text for this class to help you gain additional personal study. The ACT test has an optional writing test. The writing section will be covered in detail as well.

Class 1: February 20th  from 4pm to 8pm:  Boot Camp – Testing Skills, English and Science

Class 2: February 21st from 9am to 1pm: Boot Camp – Writing, Math and Reading     

Fee: $30.00 for those registered before to Friday, February 13th.  $35.00 for those registered after Friday, February 13th.

Registration: Registration forms and payment must be received before your place in the class is reserved. Register at https://acetheactbootcamp.eventbrite.com


Required Text:   The best ACT study guide in my opinion (and I’ve surveyed them all!) is included in the cost of the Boot Camp. You will be able to use this in your individual study as well as during the ACE the ACT Boot Camp.


Questions: Please contact Ann Meeks at acetheactinfo@gmail.com or call Jennifer at (435) 650-2266


Instructors:

Ann Meeks, B.S., Utah State University in English, Journalism and Music.  M.A. in Education, George Wythe University, thesis on high school ACT Test preparation. Ann has taught High School AP Literature and Composition, English, Journalism, and History and is currently a Mentor and Language Arts Interventionist for Harmony Educational Services. Creator of Ace the ACT Test Prep and experienced ACT test instructor.

Dr. Jesse L. Meeks, B.S., Utah State University in History, Minor in Sociology. Doctor of Chiropractic, Western States Chiropractic College. Private Chiropractic practice for 15 years. Education Consultant.  Former Board of Directors, Pacific Heritage Academy.  Former teacher Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, Current Director/Principal at Entheos Academy.

Satisfied Parents and Students:

Thank you for all your help with Zach in his ACT prep.  His 32 score has done so much for Sterling Scholar and scholarships.  It is amazing how many doors are open (or closed) because of that test score.  Thanks again, Dale S., Morgan, UT

I was always scared about testing, especially the ACT.  After I attended your class, I knew I could do it.  I went home and set up a schedule like you showed us and stuck to it. I got my scores today and I got a 27.  I couldn’t have done it without your program.  Ashley M, Highland, UT

I am so impressed with Ann's knowledge of how to 'ace the ACT.' She has not only uncovered all the secrets, she has put them all into a very palatable package for teens. I sat in on the class and wished I could have taken it when I was that young. With her humor, lots of visuals and handouts, and comic and inspiring videos, she has come up with the ultimate ACT test prep class. Celestia S., Kaysville, UT

I just wanted to thank you immensely for the help. I got a 27 and going from a 22 that’s not half bad! You really helped me open a lot of doors for myself. Hunter B. Eagle Mountain, UT

How come they don’t teach us this in school?  Wow, thanks for helping me “get” the ACT.  I know now that a scholarship is something within my reach.   Jenna J, West Valley City, UT

I GOT A 25!!!!!!!! Happy Day.  I can qualify for the scholarship offered through my dad’s work now.  I didn’t know how I was going to pay for college.  Now I do.   THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.  Candice L, North Ogden, UT

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

We need YOU to coach a team

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Now that we have robotics kits, it is time to start preparing for the FIRST LEGO League tournament. The first step is to find Head Coaches. That means you!

Who can coach a LEGO robotics team?

Head coaches are 18 or older. Assistant coaches are 15 or older.

What does a Head Coach do?

You don’t have to know anything about robotics to coach a FIRST LEGO League team. There are plenty of available resources (including detailed videos) that teach youth how to build and program the robots. Here is the coach’s role:

  • Plans and schedules team meetings
  • Chooses team members (ages 9-14)
  • Guides team members toward success with leading questions and encouragement (the rules require youth to build and program robots by themselves!)

The great thing about coaching through Sevier County 4-H is that we will help every step of the way!

What happens at a FIRST LEGO League competition?

The competition is divided into three main parts:

  • The Robot Game: youth build and program LEGO Mindstorm robots to complete as many challenges as possible before time runs out.
  • The Project: youth design an innovative solution to solve a real-world problem and present before a panel of judges
  • Core Values: youth learn to respect their competitors, their teammates, and their coaches, while abiding by the competition’s set Core Values.

This sounds cool! How do I learn more?

Email Aris at aris.biederman@usu.edu or call the Sevier County 4-H office at

(435) 893-0470.

LEGO Mindstorm kits provided by: DWS_logo_color_beneath

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

LEGO my Robot!












The LEGO Robot madness is headed your way!

What is this LEGO my Robot madness?
LEGO my Robot is an upcoming 2-day event, where youth will get hands-on experience designing, building, and programming a robot in teams.

When will it be?
The event will take place in two parts.
Day One will be on March 6 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM.
Day Two will be on March 7 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

Where will LEGO my Robot take place?
Day One will take place during Fab Friday at the Fairgrounds.
Day Two will take place at the Richfield Youth Center.

What age group will be served?
Youth ages 9-14 are invited to attend. This is the same group that qualifies to compete in FIRST LEGO League competitions (coming soon!).

How much does it cost?
The event costs $5 per youth. This cost covers both days, and youth will be served snack on Day One and lunch on Day Two.

How do I sign-up?
Visit www.legorobot.eventbrite.com to reserve your spot for both days.
We look forward to seeing you there!

LEGO Robot Kits sponsored by: