Senior and Leadership Team Meeting Schedule All meetings are held in ASB Room 519

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING Sunday, January 30th, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

SENIOR MEETING Sunday, January 30th, 6:15-7:00 p.m.

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING Sunday, February 13th, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

SENIOR MEETING Sunday, February 13th, 6:15-7:00 p.m.

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING Sunday, March 13th, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

SENIOR MEETING Sunday, March 13th, 6:15-7:00 p.m.

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING Sunday, April 17th, 5:00-6:00p.m.

SENIOR MEETING Sunday, April 17th, 6:15-7:00 p.m.

Upward Bound 2011 Spring Semester Workshop Dates

JANUARY 15TH 9:30-10:30 a.m. JANUARY 29TH 9:30-11:30 a.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD 4:30-5:30 p.m. FEBRUARY 19TH 7:30-2:00 p.m. THURSDAY FEBRUARY 24TH 4:00-5:15 p.m. MARCH 12TH 9:30-11:30 a.m. MARCH 26TH 9:30-11:30 a.m. APRIL 4TH-APRIL 6TH Spring Break College Tour APRIL 16TH 9:30-11:30 a.m.

*February 3rd meeting is reserved for juniors and seniors only

*February 24th meeting is specifically for seniors but open to all students. UPWARD BOUND NEWSLETTER

Volume Two, Issue No. 2 UPWARD BOUND NEWSLETTER

Volume Two, Issue No.2 UPWARD BOUND NEWSLETTER Winter 2011

Letter from the Director

The heart of a parent is to ensure that their child succeeds in life without incurring any unnecessary hardships. Yet, communicating this necessity to your child can be challenging. Communication between parent and child can be difficult at times. Let's face it, communication barriers have broadened in this current age of IPAD, IPOD, Twitter, and Facebook.

However, effective communication regarding your child's future is critical to his or her success. Effective communication can leave a life time of positive impressions upon your child. As a parent, your greatest impression can occur during a morning ride to school. It can also occur during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A positive impression can also occur during a trip to the movies or special outing.

During your discussions with your child, it is important to allow them to fully express themselves. Allow them to communicate their goals and dreams. Offer advice on how they can achieve them without being negative. It is important for student's to be realistic about their future careers and aspirations; however, let them feel free to dream in your presence.

Try to be as creative as possible with your communication method. Send them a text. Make a surprising phone call while pretending to be an admissions counselor at a college or university that they are interested in attending. Sit down with your child and play a game. Even though you may not know how to play, take the time to share your passion for their advancement during the game.

Before you initiate conversation with your child, make sure you do some research. Read up on the college or university they are interested in attending. Research and prepare to discuss helpful ACT testing tips and/or other valuable information. Look up the cost of a college course at a local college or university. You can rest assured that your brief moment of communication will change your child's outlook upon their future.

You are the greatest resource and support system for your child. Although you may not know every detail about attending college, you can ignite their curiosity and dreams. You will be the fuel system to keeping the vehicle of education alive in their lives. Your child's outcome is your investment, so take a brief moment to help make a change.

Remember, the Upward Bound staff is here to help. Call us or stop by the office. We will do our best to assist both of you in making your dreams come true.

Gratefully, Gill Finley, Director "Education means inspiring someone's mind, not just filling their head." - Katie Lusk

Mr. Finley's Millionaire Message

In today's changing economy, you have to do your best to stay aware of things that can affect your credit score. A negative credit score can impair one from getting a new car, house, and/or loan. Below are a few ways to strengthen your credit and build a strong financial future. This information was taken from an article written by LaToya Irby from About.com.

5 Ways To Build a Good Credit History

1. Charge only what you can afford to pay When you get into the habit of charging only what you can afford, it lets future lenders and creditors know that you are a responsible borrower. You'll find it easier to borrow money and get new credit when you show that you know how to only borrow what you can pay back. Not only that, only charging what you can afford helps you avoid excessive debt.

2. Use only a small amount of the credit you have

  1. 2. Use only a small amount of the credit you have Maxing out your credit cards – or even coming close – is one of the most irresponsible ways of using credit. Chances are that you can't afford to pay off a maxed out credit card balance. Lenders know that borrowers who max out their cards often have difficulty repaying what they've borrowed. Staying below 50% of your credit limit is wise, below 30% is best.

3. Start with only one credit card

Many first-time credit card users accumulate a collection of credit cards within their first few years of using credit. Don't do this. The more credit you have, the more you'll end up using. Learn how to be responsible with credit before you apply for additional credit cards.

4. Pay your balance in full and on time If you're only charging what you can afford to pay,