These smart ideas originally appear on GreatSchool.org here.
For specific ideas on how you can help Newport Harbor High School with the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation, please contact us. Thanks!
Ten easy ways to help your child’s school
Volunteering your time or donating equipment can make a big difference at your school. Find out what you can offer.
By GreatSchools Staff
Have you ever thought about all the people and processes that work together to make a school a healthy, stable environment for learning? Teachers and administrators work tirelessly to provide students with a strong education, sense of discipline, and respect for knowledge. But schools function best when they belong to communities of interested, involved individuals and families.
You can bring a lot to a school in the form of your energy, time, ideas, or donations. Here are some ways to get started using your skills and resources to help your local school.
- Join the club. The PTA, home and school club, or school site council are key organizations. Being a part of any of these groups will also help to connect you with other parents and community members. Call the school secretary for contact information.
- Attend school board meetings. You will have the opportunity to provide your input as well as get an inside view on how the school board makes decisions that affect your community’s schools.
- Give a boost to a school club. In the era of “no extras” in education, your school’s enrichment programs can probably use a little help. If your child is involved with any clubs or activities at school, call the person in charge of the group and see if you can help with transportation, supplies, or planning.
- Get technical. If you have strong computer skills, such as Web site creation or network administration, see if your school needs help setting up a computer system or maintaining or upgrading the equipment they already have.
- Share your time and talents. Teachers often need parent volunteers to help with small-group activities, reading to children, or correcting papers. Are you a fabulous chef or a craft whiz? Volunteer to give students a classroom demonstration of how to make an exotic dish or a creative holiday gift.
- Organize a workplace tour. Do you work for a company that would be an interesting place for a field trip? Suggest a class visit to your office.
- Start a cleanup crew. Are crushed soda cans and scrap paper the primary decor on campus? Why not designate one Saturday in the spring “School Cleanup Day”? Include parents, students, teachers, and any community members who want to help. Participants will feel a sense of ownership and will be less likely to ignore litter in the future.
- Nurture your green thumb. Have you noticed that the school grounds could use some work? Talk to the principal or PTA about gathering a group of parents to plant trees or flowers in a few spots around the school.
- Be in the driver’s seat. Teachers often need parents to drive or chaperone on school field trips.
- Volunteer at the school library. Most schools, short on funds to hire librarians, rely on parent help to keep the library open for students. Offer to check out or shelve books, assist students, or donate money to buy books for the library.
NHHS Calendar though 2012
Spring is almost here, and there’s so much happening at Newport Harbor High School! Here’s the 2011-2012 calendar, with plenty of exciting things going on now through the end of the school year.
100 Awesome iPhone Apps to Work and Study Anywhere
This article originally appears here.
100 Awesome iPhone Apps to Work and Study Anywhere
Organization
These iPhone apps will help you keep all of your work organized.
- Bento: Bento does nearly everything, with client information, expenses, to do lists, events, and lots more, all in one app.
- Evernote: Remember everything and find everything with the help of Evernote.
- A Personal Assistant: Use this app to get your own personal assistant that helps you manage just about anything.
- myHomework: You can stay on top of assignments, lectures, and lots more on your iPhone with myHomework.
- reQall: This app works to aid your memory and keep things together.
- iiBlueSky: Get handy access to your notes and ideas using iiBlueSky.
- iTalk Recorder: The iTalk Recorder makes it easy to leave notes for yourself.
- Things: Things is an incredibly useful task manager for iPhone.
- OmniFocus: Keep track of actions, lists, agenda items and loads more using OmniFocus.
- Epiphany Recorder: With the Epiphany Recorder, you can record thoughts, music, and more.
- Todo: Todo makes task management simple, and synchronizes with the web or your desktop.
Research & Reference
Look up facts, words, and more using these tools.
- Wikipanion: Use Wikipanion on your iPhone to have easy access to Wikipedia.
- History: Maps of the World: This app will provide you with detailed maps from all around the world.
- Your Rights: Reference this app to learn about rights for political science and even personal defense.
- WeDict: WeDict offers a free iPhone dictionary.
- Google News: Google News makes it easy for you to stay on top of new developments in the world.
- World Countries: Learn a variety of facts about countries around the world using World Countries.
- Net News Wire: Net News Wire will help you learn about the latest news.
Connectivity & Sync
These iPhone apps will help you stay connected.
- MobileMe: MobileMe makes it possible for you to sync up your PC, iPhone, and other devices.
- SoonR: SoonR offers remote access to Outlook from your iPhone.
- Wifi Trak: This simple app will help you seek out free Wi-Fi.
- Sugar Sync: Sync your computer and iPhone by using this app.
- Mobile Disk: Store your files on your iPhone with Mobile Disk.
- WiFi HD: WiFi HD will turn your iPhone into a mobile hard drive.
- SugarSync: Using SugarSync, you’ll be able to get remote access to your home or office computer through your iPhone.
- Auto WiFi Lite: This app will get you connected to WiFi hotspots automatically./li>
- iHound: If you lose your iPhone on the beach, iHound will help you get it back.
- Folders: Store and protect information on your iPhone by using Folders.
- Discover: This app will make it possible for you to use the iPhone as a wireless device.
Productivity
Make sure you’re keeping up with your work by using these iPhone apps for productivity.
- Air Sharing: Air Sharing allows users to easily copy documents and more to use on your iPhone.
- ProjectMgr: ProjectMgr offers project management automation on your iPhone.
- WorkTimer Lite: Track your working hours by using WorkTimer Lite.
- Remember the Milk: Take your to do list anywhere with Remember the Milk for your iPhone.
- Torch: Using Torch, you’ll be able to easily manage your projects using your iPhone.
- Quick Voice Recorder: Record and send messages right from your iPhone using this app.
- mSecure: mSecure will provide you with secure storage for your important information.
Planning & Scheduling
Make sure you’re staying on top of responsibilities by using these iPhone apps for scheduling and planning.
- Google Calendar: Google Calendar offers an excellent calendar and the option to sync with your desktop calendar.
- iProcrastinate Mobile: Use this app to better stay on top of all the assignments and tasks you need to take care of.
- Facetime: Facetime will help you schedule your day and stay productive.
- Attendance Countdown: Use this app, and you can track your work and study time on the iPhone.
- Date Wheel: With the help of Date Wheel, you’ll be able to figure out exactly when assignments and action items are due.
- iStudent: Using iStudent, you can organize your class schedule, events, assignments, and lots more.
- 43 Actions: 43 Actions will help you stay on top of your tasks./li>
- 30Boxes: Use this calendar to get simple day planning on your iPhone.
Collaboration & Communication
Keep in touch and work with others by using these collaboration and communication apps for the iPhone.
- Email ‘n Walk: Email without losing your view of the ocean with the help of this app.
- Fuze Lite: This app will help you connect on various messaging services.
- Whiteboard: Whiteboard offers collaborative drawing, so you can create notes and drawings with others in the office while you’re at the beach.
- Fring: Connect to a variety of instant messaging services all at once using the Fring app.
- Pinger: Get visual voicemail messages and broadcast messages from your iPhone using Pinger.
- AT&T: Get a small business phone service with AT&T Virtual Receptionist.
- iEDL: iEDL offers an easy way to send mass emails on your iPhone.
- Melodis Voice Dialer: Use Melodis to get voice dialing on your iPhone.
- Gubb: Share lists and more with colleagues and classmates using Gubb.
Documents
Get full use of documents on the go with these apps.
- Documents To Go: Take your Word, Excel, PDF, and other documents to the beach with you on your iPhone using Documents To Go.
- TouchType: Use TouchType to check your spelling and grammar on the iPhone.
- iZoho: iZoho will provide you with documents, slideshows, and loads of other office tools for the iPhone.
- Thumb Jot: Using Thumb Jot, you can keep all of your notes and thoughts handy on your iPhone.
- DocViewer: You can read a variety of documents on your iPhone with the DocViewer.
- iFiles Lite: Files Lite makes it simple to create and share documents on your iPhone.
- Dexy: Create organized, free form notes on your iPhone using Dexy.
- Readdle Docs: With Readdle, you’ll be able to get your documents from email, your computer, and more organized on the iPhone.
- Napkin Genius: Draw notes and ideas with the Napkin Genius app.
- PDF Reader Pro: Read PDF files on your iPhone with the help of this app.
- iSpreadsheet: iSpreadsheet offers free spreadsheets for your iPhone.
- YouNote: With the YouNote app, you’ll be able to take notes by drawing, typing, or recording.
- WritePad: Input text by simply handwriting with your finger with the help of WritePad.
- Print & Share: You can print emails, photos, web pages, and more right from your iPhone with this app.
Study
These iPhone apps were made for studying.
- gFlash+: Use gFlash+, and you’ll be able to make flash cards you can study on your iPhone.
- Margins: With Margins, you can take notes about books to refer to later.
- Fact of the Day: This app offers a new educational fact each day.
- Quote of the Day: This app will provide you with a new quote to learn every day.
- Graphing Calculator: This calculator makes it easy to do math and more on your iPhone.
- Art Lite: Use this app to study history, works, and more in art.
- Mathemagics: This app can be used to calculate multiplication, squares, and more.
- BookShelf: Use this app to turn your iPhone into a book reader.
- planetFacts: This app offers diameter, orbit, mass, and other facts about the planets on your iPhone.
- AccelaStudy Vocabulary Builder: This tool will help you improve your vocabulary.
- ezMemorize: With ezMemorize, you can create and share flash cards.
- Google Earth: This app makes it interesting and easy to see the world from your iPhone.
- EngLits: Use EngLits to get summaries and learning for required reading while you’re on the beach.
- Stanza: Use Stanza, and you can download classics and current books, and use your iPhone as an ereader.
- PopMath: This game offers a fun way to improve your math skills.
- Instapaper: Store important bits you find online using Instapaper.
- Talking Phrasebooks: Study a foreign language on your iPhone with Talking Phrasebooks.
- VocabWiz: This iPhone app will help you improve your vocabulary skills.
- Poptiq: Use Poptiq to get educational videos on your iPhone.
- Sparky: Browse and learn from SparkNotes on your iPhone using Sparky.
- Netter’s Anatomy: Netter’s Anatomy flash cards offer full color references to help you memorize anatomy.
Travel
If you’re hitting the beach far away, use these apps to make travel a snap.
- Gas Cubby: Gas Cubby will make it easy for you to track gas mileage and vehicle maintenance on your iPhone.
- Flight Track: Get updated on flights around the world using Flight Track.
- Surf Report: Check out the Surf Report to learn about the best surfing conditions near you.
Finance
Get a grip on your finances by using these iPhone apps.
- Mint: Mint’s iPhone app can help you monitor your financial accounts from anywhere.
- JustAddMoney: JustAddMoney makes it easy to manage your expenses.
- Harvest Time & Expense Tracker: Use Harvest to track your expenses and time on the go.
- QuickBooks Online: View and manage your financial accounts on your iPhone with QuickBooks.
- XpenseTracker: Keep track of all expenses that need to be reimbursed by using Xpenser Tracker.
- Owed: Owed offers automation for invoices and IOUs.
- Pennies: Pennies can help you save money and stay on top of your spending.
- Receipts: Receipts will make tracking your receipts easy.
- Balance: Use Balance, and you’ll be able to help prevent overdrafts on your account.
California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) Study Resources
These resources are from the California Department of Education website.
Program Resources for CAHSEE
Supplemental information for the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE).
Exam Blueprints
Mathematics (PDF; 219KB; 13pp.)
Approved by the State Board of Education on July 9, 2003.
Language Arts (PDF; 159KB; 9pp.)
Approved by the State Board of Education on July 9, 2003.
Released Test Questions
Mathematics (PDF; 596KB; 88pp.)
2008 Released Math test questions (October 2008)
English-Language Arts (PDF; 2MB; 233pp.)
2008 Released English-Language Arts test questions (October 2008)
Study Guides
Mathematics
- Mathematics Study Guide
Preparing for the CAHSEE: A Mathematics Study Guide (2008). - Spanish Version (PDF; 13MB; 136pp.)
English-Language Arts
- English-Language Arts Study Guide
Preparing for the CAHSEE: An English-Language Arts Study Guide (2008). - Spanish Version (PDF; 16MB; 133pp.)
Teacher Guides
Mathematics Teacher Guide
Mathematics Teacher Guide for CAHSEE 2008.
English-Language Arts Teacher Guide 2008
English-Language Arts Teacher Guide for CAHSEE 2008.
School, District, and County Assistance
CAHSEE Intervention Compendium
Models and programs submitted by school districts and other educational agencies.
Guidelines on Academic Preparation for State Assessments (PDF; 219KB; 4pp.)
Appropriate academic preparation for all state assessments.
Assistance Packets and Brochures
Middle School Brochure for Students/Parents (PDF; 63KB; 2pp.)
Information for Middle School Students and their Parents or Guardians.
- Spanish Version (PDF; 134KB; 2pp.)
Information for Middle School Teachers and Administrators (PDF; 65KB; 2pp.)
CAHSEE information brochure for middle school teachers and administrators, September 2008.
Understanding the 2011–12 CAHSEE: Annual Notification
Annual Notification assistance packet for school districts and schools.
Reporting Individual Student Results for the 2011–12 School Year
Assistance packet for school districts and schools.
Explaining 2010–11 Summary Results (PDF; 846KB; 33pp.)
Information for counties, school districts, and schools.
Technical Reports
Interpreting CAHSEE Scores (Outside Source)
Score conversion tables and explanation of score calculations.
CAHSEE 2009–10 Administration Technical Report (PDF; 16MB; 380pp.)
CAHSEE 2008–09 Administration Technical Report (PDF; 23MB; 383pp.)
CAHSEE 2007–08 Administration Technical Report (PDF; 23MB; 325pp.)
CAHSEE 2006–07 Administration Technical Report (PDF; 16MB; 309pp.)
CAHSEE 2005–06 Administration Technical Report (PDF; 3MB; 240pp.)
CAHSEE 2004–05 Administration Technical Report (PDF; 3MB; 225pp.)
CAHSEE February 2004–May 2004 Administration Technical Report (PDF; 7MB; 213pp.)
Development of Performance Level Descriptors for the California Standards Tests (CSTs) and High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) (PDF; 2MB; 179pp.)
These performance level descriptors were not adopted by the State Board of Education.
Independent Evaluation of the Alignment of the California Standards Tests (CSTs) and the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) (PDF; 3MB; 198pp.)
© California Department of Education
Volunteering: How Helping Others Can Help You (Get Into College)
This post originally appears on CollegeBoard.com
Volunteer Opportunities
Helping Others Can Help You
Volunteering has a meaningful, positive effect on your community. It can have many benefits for you, too. It can help you give back to society, break down barriers and even have fun.
You may have heard that volunteer experience is a plus on your college applications. Keep in mind, though, that colleges are not just looking for a list of organizations and dates. They want to see a complete picture of you, and real examples of your commitment, dedication and interests.
Reasons to Volunteer
Gain Valuable Life Experiences and Skills
Whether you build houses for the homeless or mail flyers for a local politician, you can experience the real world through hands-on work. You can also use this experience to explore your major or career interests.
Meet Interesting People
Volunteering brings together a variety of people. Both the recipients of your volunteer efforts and your coworkers can be rich sources of insight. For example, maybe you’ll learn about the legal profession from a former lawyer you visit at a convalescent center.
Get Academic Credit
Some schools and colleges offer academic credit for volunteer work through service-learning. This teaching method integrates hands-on learning (through service to the community) into the curriculum. To find out if your school offers service-learning, talk to your school counselor.
Send a Signal to Colleges
Colleges pay attention to your life inside and outside the classroom. Your extracurricular activities reveal a great deal about you, such as what your interests are, whether you can manage your priorities and maintain a long-term commitment, what diversity you’d bring to the student body, and how you’ve made a contribution to something.
Keep in mind, colleges are not interested in seeing you do it all. It’s more meaningful to colleges to see your dedication to one or two activities than to see that you’ve spread yourself thin.
“Community service, which was required at my high school, was a big wow with interviewers. It’s even better if you can match your service with your career interest. For example, volunteer at a hospital if you’re planning on med school,” says Faith, a college student.
How to Get Involved
There are many people, places and organizations that need volunteers. Here’s how to get started:
- Look for programs based in your community. Call and ask if they need help.
- Visit your town’s website. It may list volunteer opportunities in your area.
- Contact your local United Way, a local cultural arts association, your student organization, or similar associations that can point you in the right direction.
- Ask libraries, religious organizations and community colleges if they sponsor any volunteer groups.
- Check out the following websites to learn more about causes and to find volunteer opportunities near you.
Before You Volunteer
It’s important that you enjoy the type of service you choose and that you have the time to stick with it. Ask yourself these questions before you get involved with an organization.
- How much time do I have to commit?
- Do I want an ongoing regularly scheduled assignment, a short-term assignment or a one-time assignment?
- Am I willing to participate in a training course?
- What talents or skills can I offer?
- What would I most like to learn by volunteering?
- What don’t I want to do as a volunteer?
- Do I want to work alone or with a group?
- With what kind of people do I want to work — both in terms of who is receiving my services and who my coworkers might be?
